Watch The Brilliantly Ridiculous Mercedes G500 4x4² In Action

We’ll forgive the G500 four-by-four-squared for its daft name, as the more we hear about it, the more we like the sound of it. Details were scarce when Mercedes revealed a single picture of this latest version of the G earlier in the week, but now Stuttgart has released more images, the bombastic promo video you see above, and all the key bits of information. Notably, that it’s running a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, derived from the brand-new AMG engine you get in the AMG GT and C63.
In the 4x4², it’s good for 416bhp and 450lb ft of torque. A decent output, but it needs to be: that AMG lump has almost three tonnes of Merc to shift around.

As previously reported, this new vehicle features many of the 6x6’s hardcore off-roading features, stuffed into the easier-to-manage package of a four-wheeled G-Class. There are 22-inch wheels shod in massive tyres, big arch extensions to suit, and beefy portal axles which allow for a considerably higher ground clearance.

In fact, at an absurd 450mm, it has double the clearance of a regular G-Class, plus far superior breakover, approach and departure angles. Oh, and three mechanical differential locks. In other words, show this thing any type of terrain, and it’ll absolutely murder it.

There’s still no official word on whether or not this thing will go on sale, but a limited production run is expected. Also expected is a rather large price tag.

Want to see it in the metal? You can catch it at the Geneva motor show in a few week’s time.