Mercedes-Benz to stop production of G500 4x4² in October with impending arrival of next-gen G-Class

Soon, one of Mercedes-Benz’s beloved special models of the G-Class will be hitting the cul-de-sac. Mercedes has confirmed that it would only accept orders for the Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4² limited edition model, the brand’s ultimate off-roader, until the end of October. Production will be good until the last order, so interested customers are being urged by Mercedes to place theirs before the set deadline.

The G500 4x4² is regarded by many as a marriage between a typical G-Class and much superior G63 AMG 6x6. In fact, the G500 4x4² features a version of the portal axles found in the G63 AMG 6x6, with an axle less. In contrast to conventional rigid axles, portal axles have wheels positioned -- not at the height of the center of the axle – but much lower. This gives the G500 4x4² a ground clearance of around 450 mm and a fording depth of 1,000 mm.

Essentially, the G500 4x4² is the production version of the G500 4x4² Concept that was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The concept practically combined an all-wheel drive system with portal axles, a newly developed variable chassis and the series-production G-Class body. It was powered by a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine that is also found on the Mercedes-AMG GT, with the capability to deliver 422 hp (310 kW). The concept came with a set of 22-inch 325/55 R22 wheels, carbon-fiber body parts and the seductive designo Exclusive range for the interior.

Thanks to the overwhelming response to the G500 4x4² Concept, Mercedes will put it into production the same year it was unveiled. Most, if not all, of the features in the concept managed to find their way into the production model, like the V8 engine, the portal transmission and axles as well as its large tires and adjustable damping that could switch between Sport and Comfort models in just 15 milliseconds. With these features, the Mercedes G500 4x4² represents the ultimate both on and off the road.

In terms of efficiency, the Mercedes G500 4x4² consumes 13.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (combined) and emits 323 grams of carbon dioxide per km. Its 4.0-liter V8 engine features twin turbochargers mounted inside the V configuration, instead on the outside of the cylinder banks – allowing for a compact engine design, the optimal response and the low exhaust gas emissions. Its V8 crankcase is made from aluminum alloy, thereby ensuring maximum strength and the lowest possible weight.

The Mercedes G500 4x4² features twin side pipes in front of the rear wheels, a configuration that improves its off-road capability, since it removes usual silencers on the rear, which could restrict the angle of departure.

The first batch of the Mercedes G500 4x4² arrived in the showrooms in December 2015. The G500 4x4² has a starting price of EUR231,693, including 19-percent VAT, in Germany.

PRESS RELEASE

Unique special model still available until end of October: Production of limited G 500 4x4² comes to an end

Combined fuel consumption: 13.8 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 323 g/km*
Stuttgart. One highlight of the G-Class model range, the G 500 4x42 (combined fuel consumption: 13.8 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 323 g/km), can only be ordered until the end of October. The phenomenal response to the show car had led to the series production of this special model, which comes with such features as portal axles. The first models of the G 500 4x42 arrived in the showrooms in December 2015.

Developed for extreme off-road use, the portal axles are the technical highlight of the G 500 4x42. In contrast to conventional rigid axles, the wheels are not at the height of the axle centre, but are instead much lower down on the axle heads due to the portal transmission. This increases the ground clearance to 450 millimetres and the fording depth – or rather the diving depth - to 1000 millimetres.

The on-road performance of the special model is equally impressive thanks to the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with its 310 kW (422 hp). Due to the significantly wider track of the portal axles compared with the standard vehicle (+ 299 mm), large 22-inch wheels with 325/55 R 22 tyres and adjustable damping with a Sport mode, the superior G-Class corners dynamically despite its higher centre of gravity. The G 500 4x42 can still be ordered until the end of October at prices starting at 231,693 euros[1].

[1] Non-binding recommended price for Germany including 19% VAT.