The boxy, brawny G 500 4x4² is the antidote to automakers' push toward curvy, sleek compact SUVs with ground clearances that blur the line between crossover and sedan.
DETROIT, MI - Look at this rock-hopping monster from Mercedes-Benz.
The boxy, brawny G 500 4x42 is the antidote to automakers' push toward curvy, sleek compact SUVs with ground clearances that blur the line between crossover and sedan - a trend which the Germany company itself has not been immune to.
Revealed just ahead of the Geneva International Motor Show, the G500 4x42 is described by Mercedes-Benz and an upgrade to its existing G-Class fleet of SUVs by removing an axle from its massive G 63 AMG 6x6, and blended with a G-Class body.
The G 500 4x42 has a twin-turbo V-8 engine that produces 422 horsepower. It's set on 22-inch wheels, or an optional 18-inch wheels with 37-inch tires for serious off-roading.
Mercedes-Benz reportedly has no plans yet to build the G 500 4x42, opting to gauge interest in Geneva next month, according to Car and Driver.
Pricing would be between the G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG models. The G 63 AMG starts at $137,150.
Mercedes-Benz began 2015 with record sales in January, selling 125,865 vehicles globally for a rise of 14 percent. Sales were led by the SUV segment, which rose 37 percent.
David Muller is the automotive and business reporter for MLive Media Group in Detroit. Email him at dmuller@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter