Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Mercedes-Benz will bring the insane G-Class 4×4² to the US

Stephen Edelstein
By

Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4²
Last year, Mercedes-Benz thrilled preppers everywhere when it unveiled the G500 4×4², the most hardcore off-road version of its already-capable G-Class yet. Sadly for those eagerly awaiting the zombie apocalypse, Mercedes decided not to sell the 4×4² in the U.S. But the bosses have changed their minds.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4² goes on sale here next year, and it’s just as capable as ever. The 4×4² is actually a four-wheeled version of the insane Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6 six-wheeler, which isn’t sold in the U.S. Mercedes removed the extra set of wheels, but kept the 6×6’s advanced off-road hardware.

Related Videos

That means that under that bulked-up bodywork are portal axles. These allows the centerline of the wheel to be below the centerline of the axle, increasing ground clearance. The result is over 17.0 inches of clearance, and the ability to ford up to 39.4 inches of water. Because they uses their own gears to transfer power to the wheels, portal axles also has the effect of gearing the truck down, making it easier to crawl along at low speeds on rough terrain.

Related

Read more: Get muddy in Mercedes’ new entry-level G-Wagen

For power, the G550 4×4² uses Mercedes’ 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. It produces 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, and is connected to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel drive system can split torque 50/50 front to rear, and features three locking differentials (front, center, and rear). With all three diffs locked, all four wheels turn at the same speed, ensuring power is sent to the ones that have traction. Mercedes says any G-Class can move forward even if only one wheel has traction.

It may be designed for the apocalypse, but the G550 4×4² is still a Mercedes. Expect it to have a well-appointed cabin and all of the luxury features of any other model wearing the three-pointed star. Mercedes’ Comand infotainment system with 8.0-inch touchscreen and navigation will be standard.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4² goes on sale in early 2017, so hopefully the apocalypse doesn’t happen before then. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but we can assume this latest G-Class model will start at well over the $119,000 base price of a standard G550.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV tries to balance power and efficiency with mild-hybrid V8
Mercedes-Benz GLE580 4Matic

The Mercedes-Benz GLE luxury SUV is adding V8 muscle, but that doesn't mean Mercedes is ignoring fuel economy. The GLE580 model's twin-turbocharged V8 adds more power to the recently redesigned SUV, but the bigger engine is teamed with a mild-hybrid system aimed at keeping gas mileage at a respectable level. The GLE580 launches in the United States alongside the rest of the redesigned 2020 GLE lineup later this year.

On its own, the 4.0-liter V8 makes 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, according to Mercedes. A 48-volt electrical system and starter-generator can produce an extra 21 hp and 184 lb.-ft. for short periods. Electricity for the hybrid system is harvested under braking and stored in a small battery pack. In addition to providing a temporary power boost, it also powers accessories like the water pump and air-conditioning compressor, taking some of the workload off the engine. Mercedes didn't divulge gas mileage figures, so it's unclear exactly how effective all of these measures are at saving fuel. The same powertrain will also be used in the larger Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Read more
Mercedes-Benz safety-car concept monitors the road ahead and your kids
Mercedes-Benz ESF 2019

Before humans give up the wheel for good, Mercedes-Benz believes there will be a transitional period where people and machines share the workload. The German automaker's Experimental Safety Vehicle (abbreviated ESF, for some reason) 2019 was designed to demonstrate how that could work. This safety-focused concept car is capable of driving itself, according to Mercedes, but also features safety tech to help human drivers.

Based on a Mercedes-Benz GLE, the ESF 2019 is capable of driving itself in most situations but still has a steering wheel and pedals. When the vehicle is in autonomous mode, they retract into the dashboard to lessen the possibility of injuries in a crash (yes, Mercedes acknowledges that even self-driving cars can crash). Mercedes moved the airbags around so that they will work regardless of how everything is positioned.

Read more
More tech and more space make the Mercedes-Benz GLS the S-Class of the SUV world
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS

Previous

Next

Read more