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Mercedes G550 4x4 Squared
Trucks & SUVs

The Mercedes G550 4×4 Squared Is a $300,000 German Bro-Dozer

Although some mod it too far, what keeps the more extreme G-Wagens from being too groan-worthy is Mercedes’ dedication to keeping the SUV a luxury off-road tank. True, a Suzuki Jimny offers bare-bones buffoonery, but there’s something about a 6-wheeled pickup that supersedes logic. And even without extra wheels, the G-Class, like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, …
by Matthew Skwarczek
Published on
3 min read

Although some mod it too far, what keeps the more extreme G-Wagens from being too groan-worthy is Mercedes’ dedication to keeping the SUV a luxury off-road tank. True, a Suzuki Jimny offers bare-bones buffoonery, but there’s something about a 6-wheeled pickup that supersedes logic. And even without extra wheels, the G-Class, like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, is more capable than many would think. That includes its owners. But anything worth doing is worth overdoing. That’s why Mercedes took the lessons learned from the G 63 AMG 6×6 and made the Mercedes G550 4×4 Squared.

What makes the Mercedes G550 4×4 Squared different from a normal G-Class?

As YouTube team The Straight Pipes discuss in their video, the Mercedes G550 4×4 Squared is based on the pre-2018 G-Class, like the G 63 AMG 6×6. Unlike the pickup, though, the G550 only has 4 wheels. But it borrows some tech from the pickup to make it even better off-road.

Mercedes G550 4x4 Squared
Mercedes G550 4×4 Squared | The Straight Pipes via YouTube

The most prominent feature is its height. The G550 4×4 has almost 18” of ground clearance. That’s more than twice that of the G-Class it’s based on, and almost twice the current G-Class’s. It’s so tall, one of the hosts has to jump to try and close the hood. It also has the 6×6’s low bumper bar.

Mercedes Benz G550 4x4 Squared
Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4 Squared | Mercedes-Benz

A lot of that comes from the Mercedes G550 4×4 Squared’s portal axles, which the 6×6 also featured. The mechanisms at each of the 4×4’s wheels allow the axles to ride above the wheels’ centers. This allows for even greater ground clearance and keeps important components like the differentials and driveshaft from getting damaged. The 4×4 Squared also comes with the 6×6’s dual-shock suspension.

Mercedes G550 4x4 Squared fording
Mercedes G550 4×4 Squared fording | Mercedes-Benz

That height not only increased fording depth to 39”, it also let engineers spec bigger tires and wheels. Car and Driver reported the 4×4 Squared offered 18” bead-lock wheels with 37” off-road tires, or 22” wheels with 36” tires for those not off-roading.

Mercedes G550 4x4 Squared off-road
Mercedes G550 4×4 Squared off-road | Mercedes-Benz

Being based on the previous-gen G-Class, the 4×4 doesn’t have the latest Mercedes 9-speed automatic; instead, it makes do with the 7-speed. However, Mercedes did change out the engine. Like the newest G-Class, the 4×4 Squared comes with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, making 416 hp and 450 lb-ft. Although Brabus has tuned a 4×4 Squared to 493 hp and 523 lb-ft, the only Brabus bits on The Straight Pipe’s SUV are some cosmetic trim pieces.

How does the Mercedes G550 4×4 Squared drive?

Although The Straight Pipes weren’t able to take the Mercedes G550 4×4 Squared off-road, they did drive it extensively on pavement.

Drivers can adjust the suspension between Sport and Comfort with the push of a button. And The Straight Pipes could tell the difference. Comfort essentially irons out bumps, while Sport is practically a necessity if you live somewhere with curved roads. In fact, in Comfort mode, taking a corner in the Mercedes G550 4×4 Squared is “downright scary.”

Not that taking a corner at speed is recommended. Not with the G550’s height and off-road-spec suspension. The steering is also somewhat slow. In addition, the G550 4×4’s fender flares mean the turn signal lights on the SUV’s hood aren’t good corner markers. The 4×4 is so wide, in fact, that like the Ford SVT Raptor, it needs commercial-vehicle amber running lights. But, none of that really detracted from The Straight Pipes team enjoying the SUV.

Four-wheel disc brakes mean the SUV stops with authority. The seating position and height make for excellent visibility and sightlines. The side-exhausts help the engine sound great. And the same insane features that make it disconcerting in the bends do truly make it amazing off-road, as Car and Driver discovered. It’s a G-Wagen taken almost to the most ludicrous extreme, and The Straight Pipes guys were smiling the entire time. As was Doug Demuro when he drove one.

How can I get one?

Mercedes only offered the 4×4 Squared from 2015-2017, towards the end of the previous-gen G-Class’s life. However, unlike the 6×6 pickup, it was available for US customers.

The Mercedes G550 4×4 Squared in the video $268,500 CAD, or about $204,000 USD. However, Evan Paul Motor Cars, who loaned Doug Demuro the G 63 AMG 6×6, have one available for $279,000. So, if a 6×6 is too showy or expensive, there is a more affordable alternative.

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MotorBiscuit Staff Writer, Producer - Sedans & Coupes

Matthew Skwarczek

Matthew Skwarczek started blogging in 2015 and focuses his writing on motorcycles and engineering science. A graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned his Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Matthew served as an applications engineer for BASF before joining MotorBiscuit in 2019.

In Matthew’s words, the visceral nature of riding requires you to be in the moment. Combined with his fascination in the analytics surrounding the building and designing of cars and bikes, both modern and classic, you’ll find his voice blends functionality and phenomena. He rides motorcycles and bicycles often, photographing them as well.

Matthew has contributed to Oppositelock and is now an alumnus. He plays Dungeons & Dragons and reads sci-fi and fantasy in his spare time, and appreciates the works of Peter Egan, Sam Smith, Brandon Sanderson, and Alex Goy.