Two years ago, Mercedes came up with the famous six-wheeler G 63 AMG 6×6 , but its production will soon be discontinued in order to maintain exclusivity. However, if you desire the extreme off-road capabilities of this special and you don't mind just the standard four wheels, you can put yourself on the waiting list for another completely useless car that you will love – the Mercedes-Benz G 500 4×4² .
The G 500 4×4² shares basic shapes and a wheelbase of 2850 mm with the classic G 500 model , next to which the eventual serial version will be produced in Graz, Austria. However, all similarity with the standard model ends there, and on the contrary, more than a great affinity with a six-wheeled pickup truck begins to surface. For example, the portal axles are the same for both models, and the same can be said for the three lockable mechanical differentials . On the other hand, a pair of shock absorbers and springs for each wheel is new, with the shock absorbers operating in Sport and Comfort modes and changing them takes only 15 milliseconds, according to the automaker.
Primarily thanks to the already mentioned portal axles, the ground clearance has increased to 450 mm , which is more than twice the standard "geek" with 210 mm. A front approach angle of 52 degrees is accompanied by a rear approach angle of 54 degrees and a crossing angle of 47 degrees. Wading increased by 400 mm to 1000 mm. As you can tell from the significantly wider carbon fenders, the width of the axles jumped by a mammoth 299 mm to 1774 mm.
Under the hood is the latest four-liter eight-cylinder twinturbo engine from the workshops of the Stuttgart automaker with an output of 422 hp at 5350 rpm with a torque of 610 Nm between 2250 – 4700 rpm, otherwise working under the hood of the AMG GT and AMG C 63/C 63 sports models S. Mercedes did not publish more detailed specifications, so we have to make do with permanently driven both axles via a seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic and a separate reduction gearbox. However, with a weight of 2996 kg , dynamic miracles cannot be expected. The choice for the latest power unit, which is to eventually find its way into other high-performance models of the brand, was made for reasons of compliance with the Euro 6 emission standard.
In addition to the standard-fitted 22- inch wheels with 325/55 tires, Mercedes offers Hutchinson off-road rims at an additional cost. In addition to the flared fenders, styling changes include LED strips on the roof and under the headlights, a front bumper from the AMG sports models, steel chassis covers and side exhaust tailpipes. The distinctive yellow-green paintwork of the body can be replaced by a much more moderate black or white. The interior is dominated by luxurious Dinamica leather and microfiber upholstery with contrasting stitching.
The German automaker will be exhibiting a concept or, if you prefer, a pre-production form of the G 500 4×4² in Geneva, but at least limited production is not a question of if, but how many. Over 100 units of the original G 63 AMG 6×6 were produced and many of them ended up in the hands of Arab sheikhs. The same fate could also befall "just" a four-wheeler, especially at a price of around 200,000 pounds (approx. 7.4 million crowns)…
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Source: Mercedes-Benz
