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Beefed-Up G-Class Wants To Dominate the Wilderness, Gets As Far as the Side of the Road

Mercedes-Benz G 550 10 photos
Photo: Instagram | roadstarrmotorsports
Mercedes-Benz G 550Mercedes-Benz G 550Mercedes-Benz G 550Mercedes-Benz G 550Mercedes-Benz G 550Mercedes-Benz G 550Mercedes-Benz G 550Mercedes-Benz G 550Mercedes-Benz G 550
We first laid eyes on the second generation of the Mercedes G-Class five years ago, and since then, it was mostly the range-topping flavor, the AMG G 63, that enjoyed the spotlight. However, this story is dedicated to the normal Benz model.
Known as the G 550 in our market and the G 500 overseas, it also features V8 firepower, albeit with fewer horses for a slightly slower straight-line performance.

According to the spec sheet, this version has 416 hp (421 ps/310 kW) at 5,250-5,500 rpm and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of torque produced from 2,000 to 4,750 rpm. A nine-speed automatic transmission delivers the output and thrust to the four-wheel drive system. The 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) is a 5.6-second affair in the G 550 (and G 500), which returns 13/16 mpg (18.1/14.7 l/100 km) in city/highway, respectively.

Enhancing its off-road prowess is the body-on-frame chassis. It has a front-independent double-wishbone suspension and a rigid rear axle with coil springs. The steering is a rack-and-pinion with electromechanical power assist, and the standard wheels measure 19 inches in diameter and 8.5 in width and come wrapped in 275/55 all-terrain tires. Everything is wrapped up in a package that starts at $139,900 in the US.

Giving it new wheels and chunkier or perhaps slimmer tires, depending on what you want to achieve, is a walk in the park as long as you have enough money in the bank. Every big player in the wheel game has multiple sets available for the G-Wagen. Moreover, body kits are also available for this model, alongside more muscular hoods, tubular side steps, bullbars, winches, snorkels, roof racks, trail lights, and additional things meant to further improve its off-road prowess.

The pictured SUV only features a few mods, like the power dome on the hood, a front bumper extension complete with additional lights, and a roof rack with a ladder at the rear for easier access. The new wheels and tires also have to be mentioned here. Since the ground clearance looks pretty much the same, we think the suspension has remained stock. The same probably goes for the interior, too, assuming that we couldn't find any images of it at the time of writing.

Looking ready to venture far into the unknown, this G-Wagen has had its pictures taken on the side of the road. The social media post that made it famous came from roadstarrmotorsports on Instagram and reveals that this truck with a premium flair that sends off-roading vibes lives in Los Angeles. We don't think they're looking to part ways with it, as they would've said something about it in the caption, so chances are it was modified at the request of its owner, who probably spent a small fortune to make it look like this. So, do you dig the mods?

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About the author: Cristian Gnaticov
Cristian Gnaticov profile photo

After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s.
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