Characteristics table
Potency | Speed | 0-100 |
---|---|---|
416 CV | 210 km/h | 5.9s |
Mercedes G500 4X4 information
The G 500 4×4² is presented as a road-going concept, but the starting point is the standard G 500, with a chassis that heavily borrows from that originally developed for the G 63 AMG 6×6 and various bodywork tweaks that set it apart. .
The G 500 4×4² is the first publicly revealed Mercedes-Benz model to receive the standard version of the German manufacturer’s new four-valve-per-cylinder, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine.
Drive is permanently channeled to all four wheels via a revamped version of Mercedes-Benz’s seven-speed 7G-tronic automatic gearbox, which features an independent transfer case and the G’s high- and low-ratio gears. 500 serial. There are also three mechanical differential locks that can be actuated on the move.
With a 416-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-8, the G550 is as quick on the street as it is capable on the trails. Four-wheel drive is standard on the G550. The G550 has vastly improved road manners compared to other 4x4s, thanks to an independent front suspension and a lower center of gravity.
However, its tall, boxy body causes a lot of wind noise at higher speeds, and it sure doesn’t help the SUV feel quick around corners. Still, the G550’s steering is more precise than ever, and the ride quality is remarkably smooth on all but the bumpiest of surfaces.
Mercedes also equips each G-Class with three locking differentials and a low gear, meaning it can tackle just about any terrain. This, together with generous ground clearance and a maximum towing capacity of 2,000kg, make it a useful tool.
The G500 4×4’s transmission is a nine-speed automatic. Few will have trouble getting comfortable behind the wheel of a G-Class. The steering wheel, seat, and pedals are well aligned, and there’s reasonable room for the left foot. Unlike previous generations, the large width of the cabin means you don’t feel cramped.
If you sit behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel, a pair of 12.3-inch digital displays await you, one for infotainment and one in place of the conventional dials. Both are configurable and easy to read and have very sharp graphics.
While the infotainment system is primarily controlled via a rotary knob between the front seats, there’s also a touchpad that can be used to input directions by hand into the satnav, for example. You can also use the touch pads on the steering wheel, the left to control the infotainment and the right to control the dials.
Although this all seems a bit confusing, you soon learn to operate the system quite instinctively. And aside from the slightly confusing menu structure and occasionally slow inputs, it’s a system second only to BMW’s iDrive. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, while a decent 590W Burmester surround sound system can be added as part of the Mercedes Premium package.
As is often the case, the G-Class has gotten bigger as it has aged. This second generation has been made longer and wider to offer more space for passengers and their luggage. Up front, there’s more than enough width to keep out of the passenger’s elbows, and there’s tons of headroom, even with the optional power sunroof installed.
In the rear, space is acceptable, but it’s far from outstanding for its class, which includes the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and Range Rover. Legroom is the biggest issue; there’s enough for a six-foot person to sit behind another, but unlike the G-Class’s luxury rivals, there’s little room to stretch out.
However, headroom remains plentiful – occupants can wear top hats if they feel like it – and there’s plenty of room for three people to sit at once. There’s also no trace of any hump on the floor for the middle passenger to straddle.