autoevolution
 

2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4x4 Squared Long Wheelbase Could be a Maybach Version

The current generation of the venerable G-Wagen in almost 40 years is set to receive a strange new family member in the shape of an extended wheelbase version, which could emerge as the most expensive G-Class ever.
2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4x4 Squared Long Wheelbase 5 photos
Photo: S.Baldauf/SB-Medien
2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Long Wheelbase2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Long Wheelbase2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Long Wheelbase2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Long Wheelbase
Did we say “most expensive,” wasn't that moniker reserved for the G63 AMG 6x6? Well, if our hunch is correct, we could be looking at the first Mercedes-Maybach version of a G-Class, built as a G500 Squared with an extended wheelbase.

The oddball prototype caught by our restless spy photographers was being unloaded from a Mercedes-Benz Classic truck, for some odd reason, and this is the first time that we have seen one.

As you can easily tell, the model is based on the G500 Squared version, meaning that it uses hardcore portal axles, which give it a massive ground clearance. That said, it is much longer than the car it's based on, and that's not even the strangest part.

We are obviously talking about the ginormous elephant in the room, in this case, the lack of any side or rear windows after the ones fitted to the front doors. In other words, it kind of looks like an ambulance from a dystopian future, where the zombie apocalypse has already happened.

That said, some hints suggest this prototype could be a Mercedes-Maybach version of the G-Wagen, the first of its kind. Mercedes-Benz has long suggested that a double-M version of an SUV is likely to arrive at some point in time, although everyone assumed they were talking about the GLS-Class.

With an all-new G-Class coming for the 2018 model year, a current G63 or G65 with everything that Mercedes-Benz can throw at this platform, an elongated wheelbase, and two individual seats in the rear could make a good business case.

All of this speculation, mind you, and we could be actually looking at a one-off model for some Arab sheik, but it would make sense to end the current G-Wagen's production with such an enormous bang, pun intended.

If it is indeed the case, you should probably expect the model to become the most expensive production G-Class in history, while also being the most luxurious.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Alex Oagana
Alex Oagana profile photo

Alex handled his first real steering wheel at the age of five (on a field) and started practicing "Scandinavian Flicks" at 14 (on non-public gravel roads). Following his time at the University of Journalism, he landed his first real job at the local franchise of Top Gear magazine a few years before Mircea (Panait). Not long after, Alex entered the New Media realm with the autoevolution.com project.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories