The G-Class Squared

Only a G-Class can be better than a G-Class. This is the credo followed by the developers of the Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6x6, who are stepping up a gear with the G 550 4x4². The basic recipe for this all-terrain conquerer is simple. First, take the superior all-wheel drive powertrain – including portal axles – from the 6x6, remove an axle, and combine it with a newly-developed variable chassis and a series-production G-Class body. Then, add a large pinch of V8 power with 416 hp, a set of 22-inch 325/55 R 22-sized wheels, and carbon-fibre parts. Finally, top it all off with luxurious interior features from the seductive designo Exclusive range. Just like that, this 5-star feast for off-road enthusiasts is ready.

A new addition to the extreme G-Class model family, the G 550 4x4² is a worthy contemporary of the G 63 AMG 6x6. A blend of all of the advantages of the model series, this model is the latest highlight in the superlative-rich history of the G-Class. With its body and ladder-type frame, the series-production model of the G-Class forms the unshakeable foundation of the G 550 4x4², and easily accommodates its considerably increased performance without any type of reinforcement. The G 63 AMG 6x6 contributes a modified version of its ruggedly determined, permanent all-wheel drive powertrain with portal axles. The engine compartment houses a completely new 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with direct injection. It also comes with a new chassis that features dual spring/damper struts and adjustable damping. Once inside, occupants of the G 550 4x4² are able to enjoy comfort and ambience on par with a luxury sedan.

New engine offers V8 biturbo power

The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine in the G 550 4x4² stands out for its sublime power delivery, targeted lightweight construction, and high efficiency. The newly developed eight-cylinder features twin turbochargers that are 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 of this configuration include compact engine design, optimum response, and low exhaust gas emissions. The piezo direct gasoline injection used exclusively at Mercedes-Benz is responsible for the mixture formation.

The V8 crankcase consists of an aluminium alloy, which provides maximum strength with the lowest possible weight. The cylinder walls used in its NANOSLIDE® technology are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinder liners and minimize inner friction, thus optimizing the vehicle's fuel efficiency. Daimler began to develop NANOSLIDE® in 2000, and the technology has been used successfully and reliably in over 200,000 engines since 2006.

In front of the rear wheels, twin sidepipes on both sides modulate the G-typical sound of the G 550 4x4², and have mastered the entire sonic repertoire of potent sports cars: from soft rumbling in neutral through sonorous humming in the partial-load range, to emphatic booming when accelerating under full load. A welcome side effect of the sidepipes is improved off-road capability, as there are none of the usual rear silencers that could otherwise restrict the angle of departure.

Things are really looking up both on- and off-road

The chassis and powertrain data make it easy to imagine that, for the G 550 4x4², the off-road world starts where other vehicles are forced to stop. But it may be surprising to some that the new "G" puts in an absolutely convincing performance on the asphalt, as well. Due to the considerably wider track of its portal axles compared with the series-production car (+299 mm), large 22-inch 325/55 R 22-sized wheels, and adjustable damping in Sport mode, the enhanced G-Class drives through bends so dynamically that its occupants feel as though they are in a sports car rather than a cross-country vehicle. This also applies to tours across unsurfaced slopes and along snowbound roads, when the performance of a high-powered rally car really kicks in.

Its permanent all-wheel drive, transfer case's off-road reduction, portal axles, and three lockable differentials allow those who prefer to take the G 550 4x4² off the beaten track to negotiate terrain that for others is only a dream. Uncompromising driving dynamics are delivered in all conditions: even the highest sand dunes are stormed with ease, while rocky terrain is scaled with agility, and water forded effortlessly.

Versatile portal axles supplement Mercedes-Benz's off-road portfolio and are the technical highlight of the G 550 4x4². In contrast to conventional rigid axles, its wheels are not at the same height as the centre of the axle, but are instead situated much further down on the axle heads due to the portal transmission. This means the G 550 4x4² is able to achieve ground clearance of 450 millimetres and a fording – or diving – depth of 1,000 millimetres.

Below, the off-road data of the G 550 4x4² are compared with those of the series-production Mercedes-Benz G 550:

At the highest level: the portal axles' tricks

The portal axle design on the G 550 4x4² has decisive advantages that eliminate the need for complex adjustments while driving, as the position of the rigid axles in relation to the chassis, the anchorage points of the suspension, the steering connection, and the position of the cardan shafts all remain identical. This reduction in portal transmissions balances the huge rolling circumferences of the off-road and the on-road tires. The gear ratios, speedometer drive and ABS sensor system also remain unchanged. A reduction in the hub drives also has an effect on the drive torque applied at the wheel, which balances the mechanical loads across the entire powertrain and reduces them on the drive shafts.

Mobile declaration of independence – the chassis

The design of the G 550 4x4² chassis is based on the series-production G model and offers a perfect blend of sporty dynamism and relaxed comfort, on and off the road. The effect of its new damper adjustment, which is derived from rally sport, is striking. Two parallel spring/damper struts are used per wheel: one works conventionally and has set damper characteristics, while the other has electronically-controlled, adjustable damping that varies the entire damping behaviour according to the driving conditions. With this setup, considerable kingpin inclination is possible between the SPORT and COMFORT settings, which the driver can select via a button in the centre console. At 15 milliseconds, the switching times between the two modes are record-breakingly low.

During dynamic cornering, the SPORT setting performs sterling work, as the significantly tauter connection of the chassis allows for higher cornering speeds. If the driver is more in the mood for pleasant cruising, the COMFORT setting effortlessly dampens all the unevenness in the ground. In extreme situations, such as abrupt evasive manoeuvres, the system automatically switches over to the firm setting for the sake of maximizing handling safety. The COMFORT setting also helps during off-road sessions, as it allows the wheels to make better surface contact. Even on heavily contoured off-road terrain, each surface traction option can be used effectively.

Sporty luxury squared

Visually, the G 550 4x4² raises no doubts as to its passion. Its voluminous tires, impressive distance from the ground, height of nearly 2.25 metres, width of nearly 2.10 metres, and clean, straight design immediately command respect. Further highlights include the trim with the integral LED light strips above the windscreen, and the elaborate, partially painted, fine carbon fibre wheel-arch flarings, plus the front bumper on the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and G 65 models.

At first glance, the interior of the G 550 4x4² instantly makes a sportily luxurious impression, while a designo Exclusive package imbues the vehicle with a special ambience. The seat bolsters, head restraints, dashboard, centre console and armrests in the doors are all styled in black designo leather with white contrasting topstitching, while the seat surfaces and door panels are covered in DINAMICA microfibre and impress with their attractive, diamond-design quilting. In addition, there is DINAMICA trim for the vehicle's roof liner and body pillars.

The hub of the "G" world is in Graz

Based in Graz, Austria, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Development Department is the epicentre of all things "G," and is responsible for the development and series support of the legendary cross-country vehicle. Since 1979, Austria's second-largest city has been the production location for all civilian and commercial G-Class vehicles.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,500 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 47 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 48,320 vehicles in 2016. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the third consecutive year.

For more information, please contact: 

JoAnne Caza    416-847-7550  joanne.caza@mercedes-benz.ca

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