Adding a new and more capable member to its existing G-Class family, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4×42 has been confirmed for the U.S. Formally pronounced as “four by four squared,” deliveries on this extreme off-road variation on the automaker’s legendary “Gelaendewagen” are set for early next year. While final specs are pending, Mercedes has announced a few facts about what we can expect when it does arrive.
Bred for adventure
While slightly less intense than the ultra-limited run Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 that rolled onto the scene in 2013 but was never sold here, Mercedes says its new G550 4×42 will be the most capable non-military production G-Wagen ever. Power for the G550 4×42 comes from the same 416-horse/4.0-liter Biturbo V8 found in the standard Mercedes-Benz G550 that also makes 450 lb-ft of torque and is backed by a 7GTronic Plus 7-speed automatic transmission. Here, too, the G-Wagen’s sophisticated permanent all-wheel-drive system features three (front/center/rear) fully-locking differentials, a basic 50/50 torque split, an advanced 4ETS electronic traction control system and a dual-range transfer case.
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Beyond its more aggressive styling, the most notable differences between the G550 and the G550 4×42 lie in the axles and suspension. This more adventurous variation on the G theme uses a custom chassis featuring dual springs and struts with adjustable dampers plus more robust anti-roll bars and portal axles. Specifically designed for demanding off-road applications, portal axles use a series of gears to transfer drive power in a way that allows the axle center and the wheel center to be on two completely different lines. As a result, the ground clearance on the G550 4×42 has been increased to 17.2 inches — a 7.9-inch bump over the G550 — while its track dimensions are expanded by roughly 10 inches. In addition to mproved the approach, breakover and departure angles, the changes also allow the G550 4×42 to drive through up to 39.4 inches of water.
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Inside, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4×42 will match typical M-B luxury with a full range of comfort/convenience touches including a Comand infotainment system with an 8.0-inch screen and satellite navigation. No word on pricing yet, but expect it to start somewhere around the current range-topping Mercedes-AMG G65 that currently opens just under $220,000.
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