In the unlikely case you feel like the current Mercedes G-Class is too soft, then the German car manufacturer will soon have the right model for you: the all-new 4×4² variant. Spied undergoing testing at the Nurburgring Test Center (not to be confused with the legendary racetrack), it now features a big roof rack compared to the last time we saw it, complete with a rear ladder that makes it accessible, and traditional camo foil, instead of the black tape used on the previous prototypes, covering the huge wheel arch extensions.
Speaking of things that will be different
over the regular G-Wagen, these include the new front and rear bumpers, big
side steps to improve ingress and egress, trail lights and new spare wheel
holder. We can also see the big drilled brake discs and red calipers through
the eight-spoke rims that are shod in chunky rubber. And if you were worried
that it wouldn’t get portal axles like its predecessor, fear not, because the
4×4² is expected to be one of the best off-roaders out there, also aided by the
very generous ground clearance.
We still don’t know whether it will be
sold as the G500 4×4² in Europe and the G550 4×4² on our side of the pond, or
if it will be labelled the G63 4×4², but in any case it will pack a twin
turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. The question is, would it be the ‘regular’ variant
or Affalterbach’s 577 HP and 849 Nm unit. We’ll have to wait
for the company to unveil it, which could happen before the end of the year.
