Mercedes reveals new military-grade G 500 4x4

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the younger brother of its military-grade G-63 AMG, the conventional four wheel G500 4x4² ahead of the Geneva Motor Show.

The concept car - that makes it first public appearance next month - produces 416 bhp from a brand new 4.8 litre bitturbo engine. Just like their F1 power unit, the Stuttgart based company has played with the positioning of the turbocharger. Instead of mounting it outside of the cylinder banks, the the turbo sits inside the V-configuration. Advantages of such a design includes optimum response and low exhaust gas emissions.

The G500 4x4² uses portax axes that raises the ground clearance to 17.7 inches, from the 8.3 inches found on the vehicle’s regular version. Such an axle design has been taken directly from the G-63 AMG.

To further improve the drivability, the car comes with adaptive dampers, allowing the passengers to switch between Comfort and Sport mode with click of a button.

Elsewhere, the G500 4x4² sports carbon fibre wheel-arc flairings and a front bumper borrowed from two AMG variants of the G Class.

A decision regarding the date of production will be taken based on the reaction it receives at the Geneva Motor Show. Whenever it hits the public road, expect a hefty price tag to come along with it.