Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4²
The Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² (or G550 4×4² in the United States) is a special edition of the W-463
Fitted with a twin-turbo V8 engine with up to 416 HP, the vehicle stands out by combining Humvee-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
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.
Though initially not available, the car was introduced to the U.S. market as a 2017 model – called the G550 4x4² – at an introduction price around $200,000.[8] In spite of the difference in designation, it has the same drivetrain as the global version.
Features and specifications
The 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.
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 the Hummer H1 on 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
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
- Portal axle
- Mercedes-AMG G65 AMG(another special G-Class version of the 2010s)
References
- ^ "Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4 previewed". www.inautonews.com. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- ^ a b c Mercedes-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. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- ^ "First drive: Mercedes G500 4x4²". Top Gear. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- ^ "Mercedes G500 4x4² (2015): the ultimate off-roader?". Car Magazine UK. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- ^ "More details on Mercedes G 500 4×4² concept revealed". Arod Mercedes-Benz. Archived from the original on 2018-02-10. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- ^ a b c d e 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4² Now for U.S. Sale – News – Car and Driver Blog
- ^ Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4 Squared Concept
- ^ Wright, Micah (2018-09-14). "Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared review: Life exaggerated". Autoweek. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
- ^ "25 years KW – the history of KW". KW Automotive Blog. 2017-03-15. Retrieved 2023-03-20.