Nother CarGuy

The latest in a string of special-edition G-Wagens, the G500 4x4² features the same kind of portal axles as the AMG G63 6x6 and the Maybach G650 Landaulet, meaning that the wheel hubs are actually lower than the axles. That gives it nearly a foot and a half of ground clearance and a fording depth of three and a quarter feet. Instead of the AMG-built V8 or V12 engine, though, the G500 version packs a “standard” 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, sending 422 horsepower to all four of the 22-inch wheels. It also does away with the other added features of the AMG and Maybach versions to deliver the high-driving experience without the added fanfare. Price, as a result, is lower, but only in relative terms. The G500 4x4² retails for €231,693 euros (including 19% tax) in Germany, which puts it far out of reach for most of us. Not to worry, though, because from the end of this month, it won't be available anymore, anyway. Carscoops

Mansory has been known to apply its skills, such as they are, to a wide variety of vehicles. But out of the eight show cars it has brought to Geneva this year, no fewer than three are based on Mercedes – each of a very different type. The most visually imposing of the three is called the Gronos Black Desert, based on the high-riding G500 4x4² – as if the portal-axle truck needed any help in that department. Still, Mansory has given it the full widebody treatment, somewhat incongruously bridging those giant fenders with enhanced aerodynamic elements – all made in-house out of carbon fiber. It has also massaged the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 for an extra 62 horsepower, and fitted a set of forged alloys. Along with it, Mansory is getting in on the action in customizing the V-Class into a “first class lounge for on-the-road.” The show van features a two-tone paintjob with additional aero components, as well as an enhanced powertrain. But the real difference here is felt inside, where...

Short, perhaps, of the G63 6x6, it's hard to imagine the Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4² getting much more hardcore. But Brabus is out to do exactly that with its new 550 Adventure. Marking its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the truck you see here is an even more extreme take on the jacked-up version of the G-Wagen than the one Brabus displayed in Frankfurt half a year ago. The difference with the Brabus 550 Adventure 4x4² principally comes down to the enhanced engine. Instead of 416 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 now kicks out 542 horsepower and 590 lb-ft. The expert Merc tuner says that's enough to rocket the big beast to 62 in just 6.7 seconds and push that barn door up to 130 miles per hour – no small feat considering the G500 4x4² weighs a good three tons. Taking the holistic approach to tuning as it typically does, Brabus also fitted underbody protection, a winch, hood scoop, extra lighting, an electronically adjustable suspension, and more. ...

A few short days after images of it  leaked online , the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet has officially debuted, following in the footsteps of the  G63 AMG 6x6  and G500 4x4². This beastly off-roader is only the fifth model to be created by Mercedes’ new overhauled Maybach division and its very first SUV. Just 99 examples will be produced with each perfectly combining extreme off-road ability with uncompromised luxury. Beneath the bodywork, the  G650 Landaulet  features AMG’s biturbo 6.0-liter V12 engine delivering 630 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. To give the model exceptional abilities off the beaten path, it includes similar portal axles to its siblings. Additionally, it is fitted with 100 per cent differential locks as well as a low off-road ratio transfer case. There’s also a remarkable 450 mm of ground clearance and a set of huge 325/55 R22 wheels. As the name of the vehicle suggests, it features a retractable fabric section for the second half of the roof...

This is the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet, the ultimate expression of the G-Class and the very same car  the company teased early this morning .  Apparently Mercedes wanted to surprise everyone with the Maybach-prepped G650 Landaulet in Geneva but clearly someone couldn’t keep a secret. The new Mercedes-Maybach G650 brings back the Landaulet moniker which is reserved for ultra-luxury vehicles with soft tops over the rear passengers’ heads.  The G650 Landaulet is based on the lifted chassis of the G500 4x4 Squared but instead of the biturbo V8 found there, it uses the company’s V12 engine, reportedly tuned for 630hp. The other difference is that the wheelbase is now extended, thus creating more room for the privileged passengers at the rear.  As we can see from the photos, courtesy of  fly-wheel , the rear portion of the cabin is completely separated from the front and features strict seating for two, a central console and a pair of TFT displays in front of ...

Thanks to the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6 and the  G500 4x4² , the German marque has been responsible for two of the industry’s most outlandish off-roaders in recent memory. Now, another model is on the cards and it promises to be wildest to date. Teased on the brand’s official Facebook page is the upcoming Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG 4x4² Convertible, a model set to combine the power of the  G63 6x6  with the short wheelbase of the 4x4² and completed with the lack of a fixed roof. Few details about the model are known but this image reveals that the vehicle will include carbon fiber wheel arches, a large central brake light soaring above the spare wheel and  no roof .  Perhaps most exciting of all is that the G65 AMG 4x4² will feature the brand’s range-topping 600 hp+, 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine rather than the 416 hp engine of the standard 4x4². This new engine won’t only make the off-roader incredibly fast but will also provide it with more than enough torque...