T-Rex gets greenlight for series production. Mercedes-Benz has just announced official pricing for its mighty G500 4×4², expected to fetch (hold on!) no less than 226.100 euros, portal axles, permanent all-wheel drive, an off-road reduction in the transfer case and three lockable differentials included – more than double compared to its G 500 conventional sibling (105,035 euros), but considerably cheaper than the top-of-the-line sporty AMG G 65 V12, priced at 271,915 euros.
Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 engine, the less potent version of the famed motor used by Mercedes’ latest supercar, the AMG GT. In fact, the G500 4×4² is the first Mercedes-Benz model to receive the standard version of the German car maker’s new twin-turbocharged four-valve-per-cylinder 4.0-litre V8 direct injection petrol engine. The 90-degree unit churns out 416 HP. It is EU6 compatible and is planned to replace up to three existing Mercedes-Benz V8 engines when it goes into full-time production later in 2015. Its turbochargers are mounted relatively high within the cylinder banks for added operating efficiency and improved packaging.
A seven-speed 7G-tronic automatic gearbox works in tandem with the specially-developed 4×4 system, channeling the power permanently to all four wheels. The G500 4×4² features a separate transfer case, high and low-ratio gearing and three mechanical differential locks that can be operated on the move.
In therms of chassis, the G500 4×4² has inherited from its bigger 6×6 brother the complex axle geometry. A set of specially engineered portal axles in which the transverse tube is positioned above the center of the wheel hub provide a whopping 450mm of ground clearance. New dual strut spring and damper units are featured as well, with adjustable damping control in two modes: comfort and sport. As a result, the approach and departure angles have been increased from 36 and 27 degrees to a respective 52 and 54 degrees, while fording depth is up from 600mm to 1000mm and the tipping angle increases from 28 to 30 degrees.
Mercedes-Benz suggests the new G500 4×4² will crack 62mph from standstill in 6.5sec, run to a top speed of 130mph in combination with the optional 22-inch wheel and tyre package and 100mph with the optional off-road rubber. Like G 63 AMG 6×6, G 500 4×4² has special tires: mud/terrain tires in size 37 x 12.5 x 18 inch which can be deflate to a minimum 1.0 bar for travel on sand.
The interior follows the luxury treatment from the G 63 AMG with a designo Exclusive package. The dashboard, centre console and armrests in the doors are covered with black designo leather with white contrasting topstiching meanwhile the seats and door panels are covered with Dinamica microfibre.
