Only a G-Class can be better than a G-Class. That was the credo followed by the developers of the Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6x6 – and shortly thereafter they stepped it up a gear with the G 500 4x4².
Proven recipe for success. At its best.
The basic recipe for this conquerer of everything is simple: take the superior all-wheel-drive powertrain, including portal axles from the 6x6 – take away one axle – and combine it with a variable chassis newly-developed for this special model and the series-production G-Class body.
Engine with V8 biturbo power.
The 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine used in the G 500 4x4² stood out for its sublime power delivery, targeted lightweight construction, and its high efficiency. The eight-cylinder featured twin turbochargers that were not mounted on the outside of the cylinder banks, but rather inside the V configuration – what is known as the “hot inside V”. The advantages lie in the compact engine design, optimum response and low exhaust gas emissions.
Round twin sidepipes on both sides in front of the rear wheels modulated the G-typical sound of the G 500 4x4² and mastered the entire repertoire of potent sports cars.
At home. Off-road and on-road.
In view of the key data for the chassis and powertrain it seemed logical that the G 500 4x4² started its off-road worldwhere other vehicles had to capitulate. But the G 500 4x4² also put in a convincing performance on the asphalt. With its Sport mode, the enhanced G-Class drove through bends just as dynamically as the standard vehicle despite its higher center of gravity.
When touring on unpaved slopes or snow-covered roads, the performance of a high-powered rally car kicked in.
Obstacles? Such things do not exist.
Even the highest sand dunes were stormed with ease by this special model, whilst rocky terrain and water was driven through without problem. The portal axles developed for versatile applications were the technical highlight of this special model G 500 4x4² – resulting in incomparable driving dynamics for the special model under all conditions. It also increased ground clearance to 450 millimetres and fording depth to 1,000 millimetres.
The damper adjustment, derived from rally sport, had a decisive effect, too: Two spring/damper struts running in parallel were used per wheel. One spring/damper strut worked conventionally with set damper characteristics.
With this set-up, considerable kingpin inclination was possible between the settings SPORT and COMFORT, which the driver could select using a button in the centre console. Switching times between the two modes were impressive by the standards of the time – a mere 15 milliseconds.
Sportive luxury squared.
In visual terms, the G 500 4x4² leaves no doubts as to its passion. The voluminous tyres, the huge distance to the ground, the height of nearly 2.25 metres with a width of virtually 2.10 metres, and the clear, straight design commanded respect from the first glance. Further highlights: the trim with the integral LED light strips above the windscreen and the elaborate partially painted wheel-arch flarings – both in fine carbon fibre – plus the front bumper on the G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG models.
Exclusive interior.
The interior appointments made a sporty and luxurious impression. The G 500 4x4² offered an exclusive ambience with the designo Exclusive package. The seat bolsters and head restraints as well as the dashboard, centre console and armrests in the doors were styled in black designo leather with contrasting white topstitching. The seat surfaces and door panels in the G 500 4x4² were exclusively covered in DINAMICA and impressed with their attractive diamond-design quilting.
In addition to this there was DINAMICA trim for the roof liner and the body pillars.
