TheMercedes-Benz G500 4×4²(orG550 4×4²in the United States and Canada) is a special edition of the W-463Mercedes-Benz G-Class(1990–2018), built withportal gear axlesand much larger wheels and tires, for greatly increased off-road capability. In production since 2015, the model combines the body of a regular long-wheelbase Mercedes G-wagen with the portal axles with hub gearing of the much largerMercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6.[1]In addition to the greatly increased ground clearance, the G500 4×4² version also has significantly wider tracks, compared to regular G-Class models.[2]
Fitted with a twin-turbo V8 engine with up to 416 HP, the vehicle stands out by combiningHumvee-like off-road specifications with sports car performance, as well as being one of the very few production cars equipped with portal axles / geared hubs.
History
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Mercedes-Benz initially showed the G500 4×4² to the public as a concept car, called "Extreme-G".One reason the concept was developed was due to the high demand for the G-Class — in 2014 the G-Class sold over 14,000 units, which is a lot for such an expensive type of vehicle, and with high profit margins to boot. As a result, a considerable budget for low-volume derivatives was authorized.[2]Positive response to this show car helped endorse the development of a series production version.[3]The car was launched at theGeneva motor showand brought into production in 2015[4][5][6][7]
Though initially not available, the car was introduced to the U.S. market as a 2017 model – called theG5504x4² – at an introduction price around $200,000.[8]In spite of the difference in designation, it has the samedrivetrainas the global version.
It was also sold in Canada under the same name, and this model was part of the G-class range of models at the time which included the G550, G550 4x42(portal axle), and G 63 (supercharged V8), and G 65 (twin turbo V-12).[9]
Features and specifications
editThe Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² has a 4.0 L (244 cu in) twin-turbo V8 petrol engine producing 416 bhp and 450 lb⋅ft (610 N⋅m) of torque, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and three lockable differentials, like any regular G-Wagen.[8]The special portal axles, geared hubs, and wheels are complemented by raised suspension developed byKWwith dual spring and shock damper struts with adjustable damping, on each corner.[10][11][12]The car features very aggressive styling, that uses the front fascia copied from the G63 and G65 AMG, and dual side-pipe exhausts that exit ahead of the rear wheels on both flanks.[2]The vehicle's ground clearance of 410 mm (16.1 in) slightly betters that of aHumvee,but it can sprint from naught to 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than six seconds.[8]On the inside, the car offers comfort and materials similar to a luxury saloon.
Compared to the already very robust standard G550, the 4×4² still offers much more of every off-road specification: 7.9 in (20 cm) of extra ground-clearance, 15.8 in (40 cm) of additional wading depth, a 21.6-degree steeper approach-angle, 23.4° greater breakover-, and 13.4° extra departure-angle.[8]The front track is wider by 9 inches (23 centimetres), the rear by 10 inches (25 centimetres). The Mercedes 4×4² beats theHummer H1on paper in almost every off-road measurement — except for traversing a slope. The 4×4² is limited to a 28.4° bank-angle, compared with the Humvee's 30°.[8]
See also
edit- Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
- Mercedes-AMG G65 AMG– another special G-Class version of the 2010s
References
edit- ^"Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4 previewed".www.inautonews.com.Archived fromthe originalon 20 December 2016.Retrieved22 February2015.
- ^abcMercedes-Benz G500 4x4² Prototype Drive – Review – Car and Driver
- ^The Mercedes-Benz G-Class G500 4x4²: Max. Offroad Performance
- ^"Mercedes G 500 4x4 Concept details emerges".Business Standard.Retrieved22 February2015.
- ^"First drive: Mercedes G500 4x4²".Top Gear.Retrieved22 February2015.
- ^"Mercedes G500 4x4² (2015): the ultimate off-roader?".Car Magazine UK.Retrieved22 February2015.
- ^"More details on Mercedes G 500 4×4² concept revealed".Arod Mercedes-Benz. Archived fromthe originalon 2018-02-10.Retrieved22 February2015.
- ^abcde2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4² Now for U.S. Sale – News – Car and Driver Blog
- ^"Mercedes-AMG G 65 Final Edition: The Brute Retires".The Car Guide.2017-10-19.Retrieved2024-05-14.
- ^Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4 Squared Concept
- ^Wright, Micah (2018-09-14)."Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared review: Life exaggerated".Autoweek.Retrieved2023-03-20.
- ^"25 years KW – the history of KW".KW Automotive Blog.2017-03-15.Retrieved2023-03-20.