Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4²: The Most Amazing G-Wagon Ever! [Video]

The Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4²: Could this possibly be the best Mercedes of them all?

The Mercedes G-Wagon has long been the most off-road worthy vehicle that the German automaker has to offer. However, Mercedes have gone and one-upped themselves with the Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4². This could be the most amazing G-Wagon of them all. Roman, Nathan and Andre have done what few dare to attempt with a G-Wagon – Take it off-road.

Mercedes very kindly lent the guys this Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4² to drive around in while they are in LA for the 2017 LA Auto Show. Where many find this vehicle to be at home on Hollywood Boulevard, the guys had a different plan. To the hills they went to put this insane off-roader to the test.

Off-Road Ability

There are a few key improvements that Mercedes have made to the G-Wagon to make the 4×4² the most capable version yet. First off, it has 17.2″ of ground clearance. For reference, a stock Jeep Wrangler sits at about 9″. A very aggressive lift on a Wrangler would be around 6″ and even then, the 4×4² has an extra 2.2″ from the factory.

Part of the reason for this incredible ground clearance, enough to drive over Nathan without even coming close to hitting him, is the use of Portal Axles. Portal Axles connect to the top of the wheel, rather than in the center, allowing for a lot more ground clearance.

Furthermore, this beast has two shocks per corner, for a total of 8 shocks. Within each pair, one acts as a passive damper, while the other is active, and can be adjusted for sporty driving or more flexibility off-road.

Another key hallmark of this vehicle’s off-road ability is not one, not two, but three locking differentials. Front, Center and Rear all lock. This allows for excellent control and traction at each wheel.

Powerplant

What has Mercedes shoved under the hood of this beast in terms of engines? How about a 416 Horsepower 4.0L twin-turbo V8, the same one found in the C63 AMG Coupe. This engine, which makes 450 lb-ft of torque, sends power to all four wheels (obviously) through a 7-speed automatic transmission.

The best part? Well that is somewhat subjective, but its hard not to love quad, side-exit exhaust pipes that sound like God’s angry roar.

To learn more about the Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4², be sure to watch the whole video! Check back to TFLcar.com for more news, views, and monstrous off-roader reviews. Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for the latest videos featuring your favorite cars!