Stuttgart – Outstanding response to the “Extreme-G”: the G 500 4×42 show car proved hugely popular with many customers and is set to enter series production.
In the superlative-studded history of the G-Class, the G 500 4×42 is the new highlight in the model range. The technical package consists of the all-wheel drive powertrain including portal axles and the new 4-litre V8 engine with twin turbocharging and an output of 310 kW (422 hp).
All the other G-Class models have further improved interiors and powertrains, and meet the highest emissions standard Euro 6. The G 350 d, G 500, AMG G 63, AMG G 65 and G 500 4×4² can be ordered with immediate effect.
A new addition to the extreme G-Class model family: the AMG G 63 6×6 is gaining a sibling in the form of the G 500 4×42.
The series-production models of the G-Class provide the basis in the form of the body and ladder-type frame, which compensate for the considerably increased performance of the G 500 4×42 with no problem and without any type of reinforcements.
The AMG G 63 6×6 has contributed an adapted version of the permanent all-wheel drive powertrain with portal axles.
The new model is powered by the new V8 powerpack with a displacement of four litres, direct injection and twin turbocharging.
The efficient and clean 4.0-litre biturbo engine develops an output of 310 kW (422 hp) and maximum torque of 610 newton metres, and meets the Euro 6 emissions standard including the maximum particulate limit prescribed from 2016.
The eight-cylinder has a set of exclusive genes: it is based on the new generation of V8 engines developed by Mercedes-AMG that have already coaxed exceptional levels of performance out of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Mercedes-AMG C 63.
The G 500 4×42 will be in Mercedes-Benz dealer showrooms from December 2015.
Things are really looking up both on and off-road
Also new is the chassis with dual spring/damper struts and adjustable damping. In the interior of the G 500 4×42, occupants enjoy comfort and an ambience on a par with a luxury saloon.
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 4×42 where other vehicles give up.
But it is surprising that the new “G” also puts in an absolutely convincing performance on the asphalt.
Owing 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 outings on unsurfaced slopes or snow-bound roads, in which case the performance of a high-powered rally car kicks in.
Permanent all-wheel drive, an off-road reduction in the transfer case, portal axles and three differentials lockable while on the move are not to be found in conventional cross-country vehicles.
The portal axles developed for versatility in operation complement the off-road portfolio of Mercedes-Benz and are the technical highlight of the G 500 4×42.
Unlike on conventional rigid axles, the wheels are not at the height of the axle centre but are instead situated much further below on the axle heads thanks to the portal transmission.
As a result the ground clearance of the G 500 4×42 increases to 450 millimetres and the fording depth – or rather the diving depth – to 1000 millimetres.
Systematic further development and high-quality appointments
Since its launch in 1979, the G-Class has made history and is the foundation for the entire Mercedes-Benz SUV family. More than 250,000 vehicles have been delivered to customers since the first model of the G-Class was introduced.
Mercedes-Benz keeps this legendary off-roader series in peak technical form with systematic further development and high quality appointments.
The G-Class now offers up to 16 percent more power and a lower fuel consumption. The new V8 petrol engine is also used in the G 500.
Whether diesel or petrol powered – all engine variants are fit for the future, for from now on they meet the requirements of the highest Euro 6 emissions standard.
A new suspension setup together with more sensitive ESP® control results in increased driving stability, safety and road comfort.
The exterior and interior have also been given an upgrade. The exclusive AMG special model, the EDITION 463, is being launched at the same time.
The new models can be ordered with immediate effect, and will be in the showrooms from September 2015.
The models at a glance:
| Model | Cyl. | cc | kW (hp) | Nm | 0-100 km/h in s* | Selling price in euros* |
| G 350 d | V6 | 2987 | 180 (245) | 600 | 8.8 | 89,922.35 |
| G 500 | 8 | 3982 | 310 (422) | 610 | 5.9 | 105,035.35 |
| G 500 4×42 | 8 | 3982 | 310 (422) | 610 | 7.4 | 226,100 |
| AMG G 63 | 8 | 5461 | 420 (571) | 760 | 5.4 | 143,216.50 |
| AMG G 65 | V12 | 5980 | 463 (630) | 1000 | 5.3 | 271,915 |
* for Germany, incl. 19% VAT
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Makeover for an off-road icon
Stuttgart. All Mercedes-Benz G-Class models will in future offer up to 16 percent more power and lower fuel consumption. The range includes the G 500 with a new, powerful 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine.
All engines are compliant with the latest Euro 6 emissions standard. A new suspension setup, together with more sensitive ESP® control results in increased driving stability, safety and road comfort.
The exterior and interior have also been given an upgrade. At the same time, an exclusive AMG special edition will be available.
Mercedes-Benz’s classic off-roader is beginning a new chapter of its success story which spans more than 35 years.
With its continuously improved technology and high-class equipment specification, this cult all-terrain vehicle has consistently satisfied the highest expectations of off-road fans.
True to this tradition, a new 4.0‑litre directly injected V8 biturbo engine already unveiled in the G 500 4×4² show car is now celebrating its world premiere in the G‑Class.
The new 8-cylinder powerplant in the G 500 can point to an exclusive heritage. It is based on the new generation of Mercedes-AMG V8 engines that have already coaxed exceptional levels of performance out of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Mercedes-AMG C 63.
For use in the G-Class, the V8 has been modified to deliver 310 kW (422 hp) with torque of 610 Nm.
Other standout attributes include a spontaneous response and high tractive power which are made possible, for example, by two turbochargers, which instead of being configured on the outside of the cylinder banks are arranged between them in the V – the so-called “hot inside V”.
This layout allows a compact design, optimal response and low exhaust emissions. High efficiency is ensured by Mercedes‑Benz’s use of piezo direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion.
Maximum strength with lowest possible weight is guaranteed by the aluminium crankcase of the V8 engine. The cylinder bore surfaces feature Daimler’s NANOSLIDE® technology, which makes them twice as hard as conventional cast-iron linings.
This minimises both internal friction and fuel demand.
Technical data
| Cylinders | V8 |
| Cylinder angle | 90° |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Displacement | 3982 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 83.0 x 92.0 mm |
| Cylinder spacing | 90 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 : 1 |
| Output | 310 kW (422 hp) at 5250 to 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 610 Nm at 2250 to 4750 rpm |
More power, lower fuel consumption
The engines of the other G-Class models have likewise been further developed and improved in the interests of superior tractive power and optimised fuel economy:
- the G 350 d benefits from a hike in output from 155 kW/211 hp to 180 kW/245 hp, with its torque climbing from 540 to 600 Nm.
- The AMG G 63 now delivers 420 kW/571 hp (i.e. an extra 20 kW/27 hp) with torque of 760 Nm.
- Instead of 450 kW/612 hp, the 12-cylinder powerplant in the AMG G 65 now puts out 463 kW/630 hp with torque of 1000 Nm.
The G 350 d, G 500 and AMG G 63 are equipped as standard with an ECO start/stop function that reduces fuel consumption and emissions by switching off the engine when the vehicle is at rest, e.g. in a traffic jam or at traffic lights.
As is typical of the G-Class, the new models retain the familiar sturdy basis of body and ladder-type frame, which still offers generous reserves to cope with the increased power.
Also retained is the unrivalled off-road performance with permanent all-wheel drive, low-range gearbox and three differential locks that can be engaged/disengaged while on the move.
The standard suspension setup has been revised with optimised shock absorbers for improved control of body movements and even greater on-road ride comfort.
An adapted ESP® setup makes for enhanced driving dynamics together with increased driving stability and road safety. Optimisations to ASR and ABS result in improved traction while shortening the stopping distance when braking.
In addition, the G 500 is optionally available with a new adaptive damping system with Sport and Comfort modes.
This provides a significantly more agile on-road performance in Sport mode with undiminished off-road capability while at the same time reducing the typical SUV roll on corners.
Enhanced inside and out
Visually, the new G 350 d and G 500 models are especially easy to identify by their restyled bumpers and now standard AMG flared wheel arches in the colour of the vehicle.
The G 350 d now also comes as standard with 45.7 cm (18-inch) five-spoke light-alloy wheels.
On the inside, the G 350 d and G 500 feature an eye-catching instrument cluster in two-tube look with 11.4 cm multifunction display and redesigned pointers and dials. The two AMG models also sport a redesigned instrument cluster.
New choice of colours
A new Colour package is available for customers wishing to give their AMG G-Class an even more personal look. There are exclusive exterior paint finishes in solar beam, tomato red, alien green, sunset beam and galactic beam.
Detachable parts such as mirrors, front and rear bumpers, wheel arch extensions, the ring around the spare wheel cover as well as the roof are painted in obsidian black. The interior topstitching is colour-matched to the paintwork.
New AMG EDITION 463 special model: visible dynamics
With the new EDITION 463 special model, Mercedes-AMG is giving the G-Class an impressive sporty look.
The exquisite interior specification includes a two-tone instrument panel, two-tone seats in high-quality designo leather with side bolsters in carbon-look leather and contrasting topstitching, seat and door centre panels in a diamond design, carbon-fibre trim and door pulls in nappa leather.
On the outside, a stainless steel underguard, AMG sport stripes along the sides, a protective-strip insert in black aluminium look as well as exclusive 53.3 cm (21‑inch) forged wheels underscore both the dynamics and exclusivity of the special model.
The EDITION 463 special model is available on the basis of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and the Mercedes-AMG G 65.
The models at a glance
| Model | Cyl. | cc | kW/hp | Nm | 0-100 km/h in sec* |
| G 350 d | V6 | 2987 | 180/245 | 600 | 8.9 |
| G 500 | V8 | 3982 | 310/422 | 610 | 5.9 |
| AMG G 63 | V8 | 5461 | 420/571 | 760 | 5.4 |
| AMG G 65 | V12 | 5980 | 463/630 | 1000 | 5.3 |
* Provisional data
The uprated G-Class models will be available to order from the middle of the year.
