There’s no mistaking the Mercedes-Benz G 500 4×4². It’s not just an SUV—it’s a legend on stilts. With portal axles, massive ground clearance, and a twin-turbo V8 under the hood, it’s as much about presence as it is about performance. This isn’t your average G-Class; it’s a bold expression of engineering, luxury, and off-road obsession. Whether you’re climbing muddy trails or stealing the show at a city event, the G500 4×4² makes every drive feel epic. But what truly sets it apart? Let’s dive into the beast that redefined what a luxury off-roader could be.
The Legacy Of The G500 4×4²
Let’s be honest—the Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² isn’t just another SUV. It’s a mountain of metal and heritage, boldly standing on its portal axles while the rest of the world plays it safe. Born from the DNA of the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, this beast rewrites what “off-road capability” means. You know it when you see it: towering ground clearance, squared-off design, and that unmistakable aura of old-world glamour.
A Brief History
The G500 4×4² traces its roots back to the legendary G-Wagen lineage—from the utilitarian Puch G and military-grade W 460, to the plush G 55 AMG and G 63 AMG variants. Mercedes brought the G 500 into modern off-road fantasy with the 4×4² concept, showcased first at the Frankfurt auto show. It was the spiritual sibling of the outrageous G 63 AMG 6×6, yet slightly more civilized. But make no mistake—this is no mall crawler. It’s based on the W461 chassis and tuned for mud, rock, snow, and sand.
Notable Features And Design
The Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² looks like something drawn by a child who wanted a tank and a race car at the same time. Standing tall on portal axles and massive aftermarket wheels, it looks ready to summit Everest. Carbon fiber wheel arches, a bold radiator grille, and a commanding stance make it a star wherever it goes—from the Autobahn to The O2 Arena during events like the Summoner’s Cup Trophy Carrier showcase. Painted in menacing hues like Night Black Magno or Alien Green, this G-Class screams individuality.
Off-Road Capabilities
Here’s where the G500 4×4² absolutely dominates. Thanks to its portal axle design, it has insane ground clearance, sometimes nearly double that of a standard G 550 SUV. This engineering marvel keeps the differentials above wheel level, allowing the vehicle to glide over terrain that would stop others dead in their tracks. It’s been tested on military-grade trails, like those used by Australian G-Wagons, and emerged victorious.
Engine Performance And Specifications
Under the hood, you’ll find the M176 DE40 AL engine—a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. This brute force is channeled through a 7-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration? A jaw-dropping 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.3 seconds. That’s faster than an Aston Martin Vanquish Volante from a stoplight.
All-Wheel Drivetrain And Suspension
Equipped with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, this G-Wagen balances brute power with remarkable poise. Each wheel gets torque intelligently, keeping you in control whether you’re crossing rivers or climbing boulders. The suspension is a blend of AMG engineering and rally-bred flexibility, allowing the G500 4×4² to soak up punishing terrain like it’s a spa day.
Customization Options
Mercedes doesn’t just hand you a brute and call it a day. You get to finesse it. Want carbon fiber details? Done. Looking for a cargo/roof rack setup for your next expedition? Easy. Prefer aftermarket wheels for a more personal touch? Mercedes supports customization, and third-party tuners like Brabus and Renntech make it even more extreme.
Night Package Details
If you love stealthy vibes, the Night Package wraps the G500 4×4² in blacked-out magic. You get tinted windows, obsidian exterior accents, and smoked lighting elements. Combine this with Night Black Magno paint, and you’re cruising in shadow mode—Batman would approve.
Manufaktur Interior Package
Inside, you’re cocooned in sophistication. The MANUFAKTUR Interior Package brings together ARTICO upholstery, optional Nappa leather, and rich trim choices. It’s a space where brawn meets beauty. The instrument panel features custom stitching, and the Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system keeps your Spotify playlists bumping across continents.
Exclusive Interior Package Plus
This is the cherry on top. The Exclusive Interior Package Plus elevates comfort with active multicontour front seats, cooling/heating functions, and expanded Nappa leather upholstery across touchpoints. It feels more like a Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet than a brute SUV.
Comparisons Within The Mercedes Line-Up
G500 4×4² Vs G 550
Mercedes-Benz G 550
- 0L twin-turbo V8 engine (416 hp, 450 lb-ft)
- Standard ground clearance (~9.5 inches)
- Traditional suspension setup (non-portal)
- Smooth on-road performance, luxury-focused
- Premium Nappa leather interior with modern tech
- Ideal for city + highway comfort
- Refined Mercedes-Benz G-Class daily driver
Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4²
- 0L twin-turbo V8 (M176 DE40 AL, 443 hp, 413 lb-ft)
- Extreme portal axles = nearly 18 inches of ground clearance
- Off-road suspension with rally-bred articulation
- Built for mud, rocks, sand, and water fording
- Carbon fiber accents, rugged wheel arches
- Feels like a lifted tank with AMG attitude
- Swiss Army knife vs full toolbox: G500 4×4² wins for adventure
The G 550 is luxurious and capable, but it doesn’t come close to the G500 4×4² in off-road dominance. The latter’s portal axles and extra lift make it the undisputed king of difficult terrain. It’s like comparing a Swiss Army knife to a full tool chest.
G500 4×4² Vs Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet
Yes, this is apples and oranges. The CLE53 Cabriolet is about open-air cruising, turbocharged inline-6 engines, and sunny days. But when you compare raw presence, nothing turns heads like the G500 4×4². It’s a flex, pure and simple.
Mercedes-Amg Cle53 Cabriolet
- Turbocharged inline-6 engine (Hybrid assist + electric auxiliary compressor)
- 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive
- Designed for cruising with top-down elegance
- Soft suspension tuned for comfort
- Stylish, aerodynamic cabriolet body
- Features ARTICO upholstery, digital cockpit, COMAND APS
- A joy for city drives and coastal highways
Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4²
- Tall, boxy, aggressive design with Night Black Magno or bold colors like Alien Green
- Military-inspired W461 chassis with legendary toughness
- Massive ground clearance, portal axle construction
- Off-road beast with cargo/roof rack readiness
- A true trophy hauler (remember the Summoner’s Cup?)
- Dominates attention—more commanding than the CLE’s elegance
G500 4×4² Vs Mercedes-AMG GLC 43
The GLC 43 offers Hybrid assist, Electric auxiliary compressor tech, and sharp cornering. But while it’s a genius on paved roads, it would struggle to keep up with the G500 in wilderness. It’s a road star, not a trail king.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43
- 0L V6 bi-turbo with electric auxiliary compressor
- 4MATIC+ AWD system with sporty handling
- Lower ride height and sleek crossover silhouette
- Includes Android Auto, AMG styling, driver tech
- Hybrid-ready features boost urban efficiency
- Great for daily driving and dynamic road performance
Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4²
- Built for hardcore off-road terrain with portal axles
- Giant wheels, high articulation, dirt-hungry setup
- Less efficient, but more powerful and capable
- Features like Harman Kardon Logic 7, Nappa leather upholstery, and active multicontour front seats
- Street presence that dwarfs the GLC 43—feels more like a Brabus Edition off-roader than a crossover
- Simply put: trail king vs urban star
Market Context
The SUV Market Trends In 2024
In 2024, SUVs dominate the roads. Buyers want versatility, luxury, and sustainability. With electric models like the EQG 560 4MATIC and Concept EQG looming, the G500 4×4² feels like the final roar of an era dominated by V8 engine madness.
Competitors And Alternatives
You might cross-shop this with the G 63 AMG, G 65 AMG, or even the G 63 AMG V12. But nothing quite matches the raw, mechanical purity of the G500 4×4². Some even compare it to the brute charm of the 280 GE or special editions like the G 280 CDI Edition 30 PUR.
Fuel Economy And Efficiency
It’s no hybrid. Expect fuel economy figures to be… well, let’s say not ideal. But that’s part of the character. You don’t buy this to sip fuel; you buy it to conquer terrain and set speed records on gravel. However, some tweaks via AMG engineering and EQ Technology keep it from being a total guzzler.
Technological Enhancements In Efficiency
Modern versions bring Android Auto, COMAND APS navigation, and improved drive modes. While the G500 doesn’t benefit from full hybrid assist yet, efficiency is enhanced with smart throttle mapping, dynamic traction control, and selectable drive settings tailored for urban or off-road use.
The End Of An Era: Production Closure
Reasons Behind The Production End
Mercedes is pivoting. The market demands electrification, and the electric G 580 and future EQG models are their answer. The V8-powered portal axle monster no longer fits the low-emission roadmap. The G500 4×4² bows out not because it failed—but because it conquered and completed its mission.
Impact On The Brand And Market Reception
Fans are mourning. Collectors are scrambling. The G500 4×4² becomes instant icon status, joining the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SLR and other legends. The market has responded with surging demand for final production units. Expect auction prices to climb.
Exploring Future Mercedes Innovations
The G500 4×4² was never meant to be mainstream. It’s a love letter to excess, capability, and mechanical engineering. It blends the grit of the G 320 CDI with the flash of the Brabus Edition. It’s a vehicle you don’t just drive—you experience.
While the age of the twin-turbo V8 is fading, Mercedes is readying for tomorrow. EQG models will bring serious tech, silence, and electric torque. But for those who knew the rumble of the G500 4×4², the legend lives on—in garages, trails, and the stories we tell.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² wasn’t built for everyone—and that’s the point. It’s a celebration of excess, engineered to dominate where roads don’t exist and style refuses to compromise. It carries the legacy of the Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse with brutal confidence and finesse. As electrification takes over, the G500 4×4² will remain a mechanical monument to a time when V8 roars echoed through mountains. Whether you’re a collector, an off-road purist, or simply a fan of automotive audacity, this G-Class will live on—as a legend raised higher.
FAQs
What Makes The Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² Unique?
Its portal axles, extreme ground clearance, twin-turbo V8 engine, and military-grade off-road capability make it one of the most iconic G-Wagens ever built.
How Fast Is The G500 4×4²?
A: It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, powered by a 443 hp twin-turbo V8 engine.
Is The G500 4×4² Good For Everyday Driving?
A: While it’s built for rugged terrain, the G500 4×4² offers luxury interiors and advanced tech, making it surprisingly livable on city roads.
Why Was The Mercedes G500 4×4² Discontinued?
Mercedes-Benz ended production to focus on electrification, including the upcoming EQG 560 4MATIC and electric G 580.
Can You Still Buy The G500 4×4²?
It’s no longer in production, but limited units appear on the used market and at auctions, often at collector prices.
How Does It Compare To The G 550 Or G 63 AMG?
The G 550 is more road-focused, and the G 63 AMG is performance-tuned. The G500 4×4² is unmatched in off-road ability and extreme design.
What Is The Fuel Economy Of The G500 4×4²?
It’s not fuel efficient—expect around 11-14 MPG—but it trades efficiency for power and capability.
What Are Portal Axles And Why Are They Important?
Portal axles raise the differential higher than the wheels, giving the G500 4×4² superior ground clearance and off-road ability.
What Interior Packages Are Available?
The MANUFAKTUR and Exclusive Interior Package Plus offer ARTICO or Nappa leather, active multicontour seats, and premium sound systems.
Will Mercedes Make An Electric Version Of The G500 4×4²?
While the exact model isn’t confirmed, future EQG models with similar off-road DNA are on the horizon.