Mercedes G500 4x4² Makes Video Debut with Its New 4-Liter Twin-Turbo V8

First of all, we have to share what we know about the engine, which was the biggest mystery surrounding the car. Regular G500 models have a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 with under 400 horsepower (388 hp to be precise), but the new 4x4 was said to pack 422 PS. Why? Because it uses a 4-liter twin-turbo V8, similar to the one in the AMG GT and the new C63 AMG performance sedans and wagons.

Unless we're mistaken, this is the first time a "500" model has used a 4-liter engine instead of the usual 4.7-liter and it indicates the smaller mill could play a huge role in the future, possibly starting with the next-gen E-Class or even sooner on the SUVs that are coming out this year (GLE and GLS).

The G500 4x4², as the concept is officially called, also adopts the all-wheel drive system with portal axles from the 6x6 and uses a 7-speed G-tronic automatic gearbox with a separate transfer case and high / low ratio gearing.

Ground clearance is a staggering 450mm (17.7 in), which basically makes every Range Rover or BMW X model look like a road-hugging sportscar. The uber-G rides on 22-inch rims wrapped in 325/55 rubber, but you can also go for an off-road setup with 18-inch beadlock wheels.

In case you have a fetish for 2.5 ton tanks flying though the air, check out the video Mercedes released earlier today and also the adjacent photo gallery. The only way the G-Class is ever going to get more badass is if they develop some sort of road-legal tank tracks.