Mercedes G 500 4×4² concept details ahead of Geneva debut

The Mercedes G 500 4×4² concept has been revealed as a G 500 with the portal axles of the G 63 6×6 and a new 4.0 litre 416bhp turbo V8.

The Mercedes G Class may have been around for ever, but it looks unlikely to trot off in to history, like the Land Rover Defender will this year, as Mercedes reveal yet another take on the rugged G Class formula.

This time we get what Mercedes are calling ‘a near-series show car’ with the Mercedes G 500 4×4² concept, a new G Class that takes the all-wheel-drive powertrain from the G 63 AMG 6×6, including portal axles, a new variable chassis and a 4.0 litre 416bhp turbo V8 to row it all along.

The wider track of the portal axles, as well as the adjustable damping and SPORT mode, makes the G 500 4×4² far more dynamic on road (Mercedes say that occupants feel like they’re in a sports car. Really?), and a combination of all-wheel-drive, portal axles, three locking diffs and optional off-road tyres make the G Class peerless off road.

Mercedes has also titivated the interior (although they haven’t released photos yet) with an Exclusive Design package with black designo leather with white contrast stitching, DINAMICA Microfibre and diamond quilting.

Mercedes say the decision of whether or not the G 500 4×4² makes production depends on the reaction to it, but with its Euro 6 compliant engine and production ready look, it seems highly unlikely it will remain just a concept for long.

The Mercedes G 500 4×4² will debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show next week.