This is the Mercedes-Benz G 500 4×4², a hardcore variant of the old G-Class, with a bigger footprint, revised mechanicals and off-road capabilities-enhancing portal axles.
Mercedes-Benz G 500 4×4² Review – see why it’s worth £250,000!
Based on the old G500, the G500 4×4², or the G550 4×4² as it was known in the States, was wider front and rear tracks, 450 mm (17.7 in) of ground clearance, up from the standard off-roader’s 210 mm (8.3 in), approach and departure angles of 52 and 54 degrees (standard G-Wagen: 36/27 degrees) and a 1,000 mm (39.4 in) fording depth.
Due to the fender flares, massive ground clearance, chunky rubber wrapped around the 22-inch wheels, LED lights mounted on the roof, scuff plates and rear bars, it stands out from lesser G-Wagens.
The cockpit is a bit bland, with the only things differentiating it from the regular G500 being the exclusive upholstery and trim, contrasting topstitching and Dinamica microfiber. Elsewhere, you get the same old infotainment system and other amenities fitted to the previous-gen G-Class, decent headroom at the rear, a big cargo area and a very high driving position.
Despite weighing around 3 tons (~6,600 lbs), the G500 4×4² retains the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 of the regular G500, which develops 416 HP and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of torque. Since it’s way heavier, though, the 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration takes 7.4 instead of 5.9 seconds.
Another setback is the starting price, as while it used to cost around £200,000 (equal to ~$270,000) in the UK when it came out in 2015, it’s now valued at approximately £250,000 (~$330,000). So, is it actually worth that kind of money? Let’s see what the following review has to say about it.
