If you thought the G63 AMG 6×6 was just too over the top, Mercedes-Benz has now unveiled the monster’s smaller sibling, the G500 4×4². The new off-road beast starts life as a G500 and gets many of the royal treatments that made the 6×6 so insane, and capable.
Portal axles, a wider track width, more power, custom carbon-fiber body work and outrageous styling queues are all part of the new truck’s “modest” package.
By all measures the G63 AMG 6×6, which was launched in 2012 and originally created as a marketing exercise to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the G-Class, has been a huge success. It has far exceeded sales projections, with over 100 orders to date. Mercedes plans to cease production of the 6×6 behemoth in May, a move aimed at keeping it’s numbers extremely exclusive. Can the G500 4×4² fill the enormous shoes of it’s big brother?
The G500 4×4² has been engineered to production maturity and is expected to go on sale soon after its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show, in early March, for about $400,000 Australia. I think we’ll order ours in highlighter yellow.
G500 4×4² Specs:
Engine- 4.0 L Twin-Turbocharged V8
Transmission- 7-speed 7G-tronic automatic (separate transfer case with high and low ratio gearing from the standard G500, with permanent 4wd)
Diff Locks- Three mechanical differential locks
Weight- 2996 kg
Wheels- 22 inch (18 inch is standard on G500)
Tires- 325/55 (265/60 is standard on G500)
Track Width- 1774 mm (1475 mm on standard G500)
Wheelbase- 2850 mm (same as standard G500)
Ground Clearance- 450 mm (210 on standard G500)
Approach Angle- 52 degrees (36 degrees on standard G500)
Departure Angle- 54 degrees (27 degrees on standard G500)
Breakover Angle- 47 degrees (21 degrees on standard G500)
Fording Depth- 1000 mm (600 mm on standard G500)
Tipping Angle- 30 degrees (28 degrees on standard G500)
Unofficial Performance Numbers:
416 bhp at 5350 rpm (382 bhp on standard G500)
450 lb ft of troque between 2250 and 4700 rpm (391 lb ft on standard G500)
0-100 kph- 6.5 sec
Top Speed- 220 kph
