Courtesy Mercedez-Benz
Approach Angle 17.2
While I may harp on the ridiculousness of 22-in wheels, Mercedes will likely offer these 16-in beadlocks with proper MT’s.
By Budd Stanley
If you have noticed a distinct increase of clean shiny metal in the last couple issues of our fine magazine, your eyes have not deceived you. We are in the deep-end of the International Auto Show season and the 4WD onslaught continues.
New 4WD designs are consistently rolling off assembly lines as people are choosing a two-speed transfer case over a FWD or CVT. And there are some excellent, properly rugged off-road focused vehicles like the new 2017 Ford Raptor, 2015 Ram Rebel and Power Wagon and 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road. It’s a breath of fresh air in a market that seems to build a lot of “that-will-do” 4WD’s. All the 4x4 vehicles have been inspiring up until now, and then Mercedes-Benz rolls out Geländewagen, the G-500 4x4².
Is this what modern-day Mercedes thinks of the classic Geländewagen? My biggest complaint with Mercedes-Benz Canada is that they don’t bring the real G-Class to Canada. A proper utilitarian 4x4 that has a minimalist interior, three locking diffs, a fuel efficient inline-5 turbo diesel engine and the handsomely humble good looks of the original military inspired boxy 4WD. And now we get this, a comically funny looking, over the top 4WD for the super rich.
I have seen more wheel time in a Geländewagen than most, piloting Canadian Forces G-wagons, the original G-Class that we used to get in limited numbers back in the 80’s and even today’s luxurious G-550. I love every single one, and each are infinitely astute in harsh off-road terrain… yes, even the G-550. But when I first laid eyes on this new G-500 4x4², I had to shake my head in disapproval and disappointment.
While we strive to improve the performance of our own rigs with new aftermarket parts, Mercedes castrated a G63 6x6 by removing an axle. With the G-500 4x4², you get the extreme concept without the nuts to back it up. Not three but just two portal axles and a 5.0L twin-turbo V-8 with 422 hp and 450 lb-ft rather than the 5.5L twin-turbo V8 making 536 hp and 561 lb-ft. The frame is lifted by hilariously massive 22-in Mercedes rims wrapped in 325/55 R-series rubber while passengers rest on ‘Designo’ leather trim and a diamond-quilted microfiber interior. Anyone leasing this vehicle is demonstrating their ability to make poor decisions.
Perhaps I’m being too hard on the Mercedes engineers (or more likely their marketing department) . Perhaps their goal was to build a 4WD supercar? I sat and thought about that for a minute, is that such a bad thing?
Supercars reaffirm an automakers ability to build an interesting and exciting automobile. Allowing engineers to push the limit of what’s possible even if it’s financially unfeasible. They are the cutting edge of performance, technology and design, and inspire many of us 4x4 enthusiasts to build out our own rigs past their original design limits.
So, I put the question to you. Do we need 4x4 luxury supercars? Has Mercedes produced a bull or a steer? Chime in on our Facebook page to voice your opinion. Until then, keep wheelin’ those humble beaters.