The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has long been synonymous with ruggedness and off-road prowess, and for the 2017 model year, the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4² took this reputation to unprecedented heights. Joining the esteemed Mercedes-Benz SUV family in the United States, the G550 4×4² immediately set itself apart as the most capable G-Class variant ever produced. This remarkable vehicle boasts innovative portal axles, three locking differentials, an astounding ground clearance exceeding 17 inches, and a potent 4.0L Biturbo V8 engine, making it a true off-road champion wrapped in Mercedes-Benz luxury. Anticipation built as US dealerships prepared to welcome the G550 4×4² in early 2017.
A Legacy of Off-Road Excellence: The G-Class Story
The story of the G-Class began in 1972, driven by the need for a robust military vehicle. Developed with a focus on unparalleled off-road capability, the G-Class, or “Gelaendewagen” meaning “off-road vehicle,” quickly gained a reputation for its ruggedness and reliability. Since 1979, this iconic vehicle has been meticulously hand-built in Graz, Austria, and delivered to over 250,000 customers worldwide, cementing its status as a global off-road icon.
In the United States, the Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4² arrived to enrich an already impressive G-Class lineup. This range included the powerful 416 hp G550, the high-performance 563 hp AMG G63, and the top-tier AMG G65, which featured a commanding 6.0-liter V12 Biturbo engine producing a massive 738 lb-ft of torque. The G550 4×4² was poised to carve its own niche, appealing to those seeking the ultimate in off-road luxury and performance.
Introducing the Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4 Squared
Drawing inspiration from the formidable AMG G63 6×6 (though not available in the US), the G550 4×4² utilized the standard G-Class platform as the foundation for an extraordinary off-road machine. It retained the core strengths of the G-Class while incorporating advanced portal axles and a bold, aggressive aesthetic. This combination of proven engineering and innovative technology made the Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4² a standout in the luxury SUV market, particularly for those with a passion for off-road adventures.
Built for the Rough: Ladder Frame and Robust Construction
At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4²’s exceptional capability lies its robust ladder-type frame. This traditional frame design, a hallmark of the G-Class, provides an exceptionally rigid backbone, crucial for handling the stresses of extreme off-road driving. Constructed from high-strength steel, with thicknesses reaching 4mm in critical areas, the frame is assembled using over 6,400 individual welds. To ensure longevity and resistance to corrosion, the frame undergoes a dip-priming process (electrophoresis) and is then powder-coated. Furthermore, all internal cavities are treated with hot wax, providing added protection against water, snow, salt, and sand, vital for maintaining structural integrity in harsh environments.
The ladder-type frame offers inherent advantages for off-road vehicles compared to unibody constructions. It provides superior protection for vital components such as the fuel tank, exhaust system, and drivetrain, safeguarding them from damage when encountering obstacles. In demanding off-road situations with uneven terrain, the frame’s torsional rigidity prevents excessive body flex, which could compromise structural integrity in a unibody design. Remarkably, the existing G-Class frame required no modifications or reinforcements to accommodate the advanced portal axle system of the G550 4×4², a testament to its inherent strength and engineering.
Suspension and Handling: Conquering Any Terrain
To ensure optimal traction and ride comfort in challenging terrains, the Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4² is equipped with an advanced suspension system featuring dual springs and damper struts. This setup provides an extended range of spring travel, maximizing wheel contact with the ground even on highly uneven surfaces. Adjustable-damping shocks, working in conjunction with two stabilizer bars, strike a balance between comfortable off-road driving and responsive on-road handling, despite the vehicle’s significant ground clearance. This sophisticated suspension system allows the G550 4×4² to confidently navigate a wide spectrum of driving conditions.
Portal Axles: The Key to Unmatched Ground Clearance
A defining technical innovation of the Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4² is its portal axle system. Unlike conventional axles, portal axles elevate the axle input and wheel center to different heights. This is achieved through a series of gears within the axle hubs, similar to a transmission, which transfer power from the rigid axles downwards to the wheels. This ingenious design provides several key advantages.
Portal axles allow the suspension geometry, steering connections, and drive shafts to remain largely unchanged from other G-Class models. This is because the portal axles maintain the position of the rigid axles relative to the chassis. The internal gearing in the portal axles also reduces stress on reciprocating components, particularly the drive shafts, enhancing durability. Another benefit is that the speedometer reading is taken from the rigid axles, meaning that fitting larger off-road tires does not necessitate speedometer recalibration, a common issue with lifted vehicles.
The implementation of portal axles results in an astonishing maximum ground clearance of over 17 inches. Furthermore, the track width is increased by over 9 inches at the front and 10 inches at the rear compared to a standard G-Class, contributing to enhanced stability and off-road poise. This substantial increase in ground clearance and wider track are fundamental to the G550 4×4²’s exceptional off-road capabilities.
Off-Road Prowess: Performance Metrics
The Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4² elevates off-road capability to new benchmarks, surpassing even the already highly capable standard G550. The portal axles are instrumental in allowing the 4×4² to venture into terrains that would be impassable for many heavily modified off-road vehicles. This is reflected in its dramatically improved approach, departure, and breakover angles, as well as its exceptional fording depth.
| G550 | G550 4×4² | ∆ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max approach angle | 30° | 51.6° | +21.6° |
| Max departure angle | 30° | 43.8° | +13.8° |
| Breakover angle | 24° | 47.4° | +23.4° |
| Maximum tilt angle | 28.4° | 28.4° | +0° |
| Ground Clearance (max load) | 9.3″ | 17.2″ | +7.9″ |
| Fording depth | 23.6″ | 39.4″ | +15.8″ |
These figures clearly illustrate the significant advancements in off-road geometry afforded by the portal axle system, making the Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4² a true leader in its class.
Drivetrain and Technology: Mastering Traction
All Mercedes-Benz G-Class models are equipped with permanent all-wheel drive, engineered for maximum traction with a balanced 50:50 torque distribution between the front and rear axles. This system is further enhanced by the advanced 4ETS electronic traction control system, a transfer case with three 100% locking differentials, and an off-road low-range gear. This combination of technologies provides the G-Class family, and especially the 4×4², with unparalleled off-road mastery.
The low-range mode reduces the center differential gear ratio from 1:1 to 1:2, enabling slower, more controlled driving in challenging off-road situations, including steep inclines and descents. Low range also reduces stress on drivetrain components during demanding maneuvers. By engaging the front, center, and rear differential locks in low-range mode, all wheels are forced to rotate at the same speed. This ensures that torque is directed to the wheels with traction, even if only a single wheel has grip, allowing the G-Class to maintain momentum in extremely challenging conditions.
Power and Performance: The 4.0L Biturbo V8 Engine
Propelling the Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4² is a potent 4.0-liter Biturbo V8 engine, delivering 416 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides exceptional performance both on and off the road. This newly developed engine features twin turbochargers positioned within the cylinder banks, resulting in a compact design that fits neatly within the G-Class engine bay.
The engine utilizes an aluminum-alloy crankcase to minimize weight and maximize strength. The cylinder walls incorporate NANOSLIDE® technology, creating a surface twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinder liners. This innovative coating reduces friction and improves fuel efficiency. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission. This transmission ensures seamless gear changes, short shift times, and smooth transitions, enhancing both comfort and efficiency in all driving scenarios.
Iconic Design, Modern Luxury
The exterior design of the G-Class has achieved iconic status in automotive history, retaining its original silhouette with subtle refinements since its consumer debut in 1979*. While the Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4² respects this classic form, it projects an even more imposing presence thanks to its towering ground clearance and widened track. Inside, the G550 4×4² envelops occupants in the luxury and refinement expected of the Mercedes-Benz marque. Standard features include an 8-inch COMAND infotainment system with satellite navigation, ensuring connectivity and convenience.
G-Class Lineup Overview
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class family offers a range of models to suit diverse preferences, with the G550 4×4² positioned at the pinnacle of off-road capability.
| G550 | AMG G63 | AMG G65 | G550 4×4² | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $119,900 (MY16) | $139,900 (MY16) | $217,900 (MY16) | TBA |
| Length | 187.56″ (excl. brush guard) | |||
| Width | 80.9″ | 80.9″ | 80.9″ | TBA |
| Height | 76.9″ | 76.3″ | 76.3″ | 88.0″ |
| Wheelbase | 112.2″ | |||
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 5,724 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Fuel Economy | 13 / 14 / TBA (MY16) | 12 / 13 / TBA (MY16) | 11 / 13 / TBA (MY16) | TBA |
| Engine | 4.0L V8 Biturbo | 5.5L V8 Biturbo | 6.0L V12 Biturbo | 4.0L V8 Biturbo |
| Displacement | 3,982 cc | 5,461 cc | 5,980 cc | 3,982 cc |
| Drive Config. | Permanent all-wheel-drive (50:50) | Permanent all-wheel-drive (50:50) | ||
| Performance | 416 hp @ 5,250 – 5,500 450 lb-ft @ 2,250 – 4,750 |
563 hp @ 5,500 561 lb-ft @ 1,720 – 5,250 |
621 hp @ 5,000 – 5,300 738 lb-ft @ 2,300 – 4,300 |
416 hp @ 5,250 – 5,500 450 lb-ft @ 2,250 – 4,750 |
| Transmission | 7G-TRONIC PLUS | AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC | 7G-TRONIC PLUS | 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| 0-60 mph (sec) | 5.8 | 5.3 | 5.2 | TBA |
| Top speed (mph) | 130 (electronically limited) | 130 (electronically limited) | 143 (electronically limited) | TBA |
| Main Competitors | Land Rover Range Rover HSE Toyota Landcruiser |
Land Rover Range Rover HSE Toyota Landcruiser |
The Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4² was anticipated to arrive at US dealerships in early 2017, promising an unparalleled blend of off-road capability and Mercedes-Benz luxury.
*Mercedes-Benz USA officially began importing the G-Class in Fall 2002 for the MY2003.
