Near-series show car G 500 4x4²

The G-Class Squared

Stuttgart. Only a G-Class can better a G-Class. This is the

credo followed by the developers with the Mercedes-

Benz G 63 AMG 6x6, and they are now stepping up a gear

with the G 500 4x4². The basic recipe for this overcomer

of everything is simple: take the superior all-wheel-drive

powertrain including portal axles from the 6x6 – take

away one axle - and blend it all with a newly-developed

variable chassis and the series-production G-Class body.

A large pinch of V8 power with 422 hp, a set of 22-inch

325/55 R 22-sized wheels, carbon-fibre detachable body

parts and then just gourmet ingredients from the

seductive designo Exclusive range for the interior - and

the 5-star menu for all off-road enthusiasts is ready.

Press Information

20 February 2015

Contact:Rob Halloway 01908 245948

Angus Fitton

01908 245837

Debbie Hull 01908 301313

Sheena Hamilton01908 301330

Jo Watkins01908 301115

Lydia French01908 245932

A new addition to the extreme G-Class model family: the

G 63 AMG 6x6 has a model brother in the form of the G 500 4x4².

The near-series show car is a new highlight in the superlative-rich

history of the G-Class and blends all the advantages of the model

series. The series-production models of the G-Class supply the

unshakeable foundations in the form of the body and ladder-type

frame, which compensate for the considerably increased

performance of the G 500 4x4² without any problem and also

without any type of reinforcements. The G 63 AMG 6x6 donates an

amended version of the ruggedly determined permanent all-wheel-

drive powertrain with portal axles. The engine compartment houses

a completely new V8 engine with a displacement of four litres, direct

injection and biturbocharging. Also new is the chassis with dual

spring/damper struts and adjustable damping. Finally, on the inside,

the G 500 4x4² occupants enjoy comfort and an ambience on a par

with a luxury saloon.

New engine offers V8 biturbo power

The 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine in the G 500 4x4² stands out for its

sublime power delivery, the targeted lightweight construction, as

well as its high efficiency. The newly developed eight-cylinder

features twin turbochargers which 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 lie in the compact

engine design, the optimum response and the low exhaust gas

emissions. The piezo direct petrol injection used exclusively at

Mercedes-Benz is responsible for the mixture formation. The spray-

guided combustion process has been enhanced in the third

generation to meet all future statutory requirements. In series

production, the highly efficient and economical 4.0-litre V8 biturbo

engine would meet the Euro 6 emission standard, including the

maximum particulate emissions level that will not take effect until

2016.

The V8 crankcase consists of an aluminium alloy and ensures

maximum strength with the lowest possible weight. The cylinder

walls in NANOSLIDE® technology are twice as hard as conventional

cast-iron cylinder liners, minimise the inner friction and thus the fuel

required and facilitate maximum mileages. NANOSLIDE® was

developed by Daimler starting in the year 2000 and has so far been

used successfully and reliably in over 200,000 engines since 2006.

Twin sidepipes on both sides in front of the rear wheels modulate

the G-typical sound of the G 500 4x4² and master the entire

repertoire of potent sports cars - from soft mumbling 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: there is improved off-road capability, because in the

rear area there are none of the usual rear silencers, which could

otherwise restrict the angle of departure.

Things are really looking up both on and off-road

In view of the key data for the chassis and powertrain it seems more

than logical that the off-road world starts for the G 500 4x4² where

other vehicles capitulate. But it is surprising that the new "G" puts in

an absolutely convincing performance on the asphalt. Due to the

considerably wider track of the portal axles compared with the

series-production car (+299 mm), the large 22-inch 325/55 R 22-

sized wheels and the adjustable damping with its Sport mode, the

enhanced G-Class drives through bends so dynamically that the

occupants feel as though they are in a sports car rather than a

cross-country vehicle. This also applies to tours on unsurfaced

slopes or snow-bound roads, in which case the performance of a

high-powered rally car kicks in.

For anyone preferring to use the G 500 4x4² off the beaten track, the

optional

off-road size 37 x 12.5 x 18-inch MT tyres are recommended.

Permanent all-wheel drive, an off-road reduction in the transfer case,

portal axles and three differentials lockable whilst on the move will

not be found on conventional cross-country vehicles. This results in

merciless driving dynamics in all conditions. Even the highest sand

dunes are stormed by the show car with ease, whilst rocky terrain is

scaled like a chamois, and water is driven through without any

problems.

The portal axles developed for versatile applications supplement the

off-road portfolio of Mercedes-Benz and are the technical highlight of

the G 500 4x4² show car. As opposed to conventional rigid axles,

here the wheels are not at the height of the centre of the axle,

instead they are situated much further below on the axle heads due

to the portal transmission. Therefore, on the G 500 4x4² the ground

clearance rises to 450 millimetres and the fording depth – or rather

the diving depth – to 1000 millimetres. Here is the off-road data in

comparison with the series-production Mercedes-Benz G 500:

G 500 4x4²Long-wheelbase G

500

Ground clearance 450 mm 210 mm

Angle of

approach/departure f/r52⁰ / 54⁰ 36⁰/27⁰

Breakover angle 47⁰ 21⁰

Tipping angle 30⁰ 28°

Fording depth 1000 mm 600 mm

Slope climbing ability 100% 100%

Wheelbase 2850 mm

Track, front/rear 1774 mm 1475 mm

Wheel/tyre

combination

9.5 J x 22

325/55 R 22

7.5 J x 18

265/60 R 18

At the highest level: the portal axles’ tricks

But the portal axle design has yet more decisive advantages which

render complex adjustments superfluous: through the unchanged

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. In addition, the reduction in

the portal transmissions balances the huge rolling circumferences in

both the off-road and the on-road tyres. The gear ratios,

speedometer drive and ABS sensor system also remain unchanged.

This reduction in the hub drives also has the effect that the drive

torque is first set at the wheel and thus the mechanical loads in the

entire powertrain, in particular for the drive shafts, are reduced.

Mobile declaration of independence - the chassis

The chassis is fundamentally based on the series-production G

model and offers a perfect symbiosis of sporty dynamism and

relaxed comfort, both on the road and off it. The new damper

adjustment, derived from rally sport, has a decisive effect here. Two

spring/damper struts running in parallel are used per wheel. One

spring/damper strut works conventionally with set damper

characteristics. The second spring strut has electronically controlled

adjustable damping, which thus varies the entire damping behaviour

depending on the current driving situation. With this set-up,

considerable kingpin inclination is possible between the settings

SPORT and COMFORT, which the driver can select using a button in

the centre console. The switching times between the two modes are

record-breakingly low, at 15 milliseconds.

During dynamic cornering the sporty setting performs sterling work,

because the significantly tauter connection of the chassis allows

higher cornering speeds. If the driver is more in the mood for

pleasurable 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 maximum possible handling safety. The

comfortable setting also helps during off-road sessions, because the

wheels retain better surface contact. Even on heavily contoured off-

road terrain, every surface traction possibility can be utilised

effectively.

Company with unlimited liability: beadlock wheels with MT

tyres

Optimised tyres are available for the G 500 4x4², especially for

punishing off-road trips: mud/terrain tyres (M/T) in size 37 x 12.5 x

18 inches on special beadlock wheels. Normally the usual wheel/tyre

combinations refuse a traction-promoting lowering of the air

pressure for journeys on sand, for example, to 0.5 bar. Here 1.0 bar

is the lowest limit, because beneath this low pressure the tyres can

come off during steering manoeuvres or ingression of sand can

infiltrate the sealing surface between the tyre and wheel rim and

thus leads to a slow puncture. Not so with the G 500 4x4². Here

special two-piece 18-inch beadlock wheels are used. With this type

of design, during assembly the tyre is pinched in so tightly between

the two wheel halves and an inner beadlock ring that it cannot slip

off the rim and no sand can enter, even in the case of total loss of

air.

Should the chassis ever still come into harsh ground contact in spite

of an anticipatory driving style and the excellent ground clearance,

the developers have displayed far-sightedness here, too, and

integrated a robust, two-piece underguard in stainless steel. These

means that the most important assemblies in the front and rear area

are well protected against impact and more severe shocks.

Sporty luxury squared

In visual terms the G 500 4x4² raises no doubts as to its passion. The

voluminous tyres, the huge distance to the ground, the height of

nearly 2.25 metres with a width of virtually 2.10 metres and the

clear, straight design command respect right from the first glance.

Further highlights: the trim with the integral LED light strips above

the windscreen and the elaborate partially painted wheel-arch

flarings - both in fine carbon fibre - plus the front bumper on the G

63 AMG and G 65 AMG models.

The interior appointments make a sportily luxurious impression. The

G 500 4x4² offers an exclusive ambience with the designo Exclusive

package. The seat bolsters and head restraints as well as the

dashboard, centre console and armrests in the doors are styled in

black designo leather with white contrasting topstitching. The seat

surfaces and door panels are covered in DINAMICA and impress with

their attractive diamond-design quilting. In addition to this there is

DINAMICA trim for the roof liner and the body pillars.

The hub of the "G" world is in Graz

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class development department located in

Graz is the centre of competence where all things "G" are concerned

and is responsible for the development and series support of the

legendary cross-country vehicle. Furthermore, Graz in Austria has

been the production location for all civilian and commercial G-Class

vehicles since 1979. Whether and when the decision on series

production of the Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4² will be made depends

on the reaction which the near-series show car receives.

Ends

For more information you can contact:

Rob Halloway

Communications & Events

Director,

Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

T: +44 (0) 19 08 24 59 48

M: +44 (0) 78 10 79 45 32

Angus Fitton

PR Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

T: +44 (0) 19 08 24 58 37

M: +44 (0) 77 89 94 28 98

Debbie Hull

PR Manager, Brand and Lifestyle

Communications, Mercedes-Benz

Cars

Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

T: +44 (0) 19 08 30 13 13

M: +44 (0) 78 41 45 14 44

Sheena Hamilton

Senior Press Officer, Brand and Lifestyle

Communications, Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

T: +44 (0) 19 08 30 13 30

M: +44 (0) 77 69 64 07 19

Jo Watkins

Senior Press Officer, Mercedes-

Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

T: +44 (0) 19 08 30 11 15

M: +44 (0) 78 34 19 87 47

Lydia French

Press Officer, Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

T: +44 (0) 19 08 24 59 32

M: +44 (0) 77 48 93 31 24

About Mercedes-Benz in the UKMercedes-Benz UK is the sales and marketing organisation responsible for all Daimler products and services in Britain. 

As well as selling cars, vans, trucks, parts, and service, the company runs Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands – a brand experience centre in Weybridge, Surrey. Mercedes-Benz World has welcomed 1.5 million visitors since it opened in 2006.

The Mercedes-Benz UK group of companies directly employs over 4000 people, and 11,000 colleagues at independent retailers. Over 500 Apprentices have passed their professional qualifications at the company’s in-house Training Academy. The UK is also home to Mercedes-Benz HighPerformancePowertrains and the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula 1™ team, where 1000 dedicate their work to Grand Prix Engineering.