The classic off-roader of Mercedes-Benz is beginning a new chapter of its success story which spans more than 35 years. With its continuously improved technology and high-class equipment specification, this cult all-terrain vehicle has consistently satisfied the highest expectations of off-road fans. True to this tradition, a new 4-liter directly injected V8 bi-turbo engine already unveiled in the G500 4x4 show car is now celebrating its world premiere in the G-Class.
The new 8-cylinder powerplant in the G500 can point to an exclusive heritage. It is based on the new generation of Mercedes-AMG V8 engines that have coaxed exceptional levels of performance out of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Mercedes-AMG C63. For use in the G-Class, the V8 has been modified to deliver 310 kW (422 hp) with torque of 610 Nm. Other standout attributes include spontaneous response and high-tractive power that are made possible, for example, by two turbochargers, which instead of being configured on the outside of the cylinder banks are arranged between them in the V – the so-called “hot inside V.” This layout allows a compact design, optimal response and low exhaust emissions. High efficiency is ensured by Mercedes-Benz’s use of piezo direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion. Maximum strength with lowest possible weight is guaranteed by the aluminum crankcase of the V8 engine. The cylinder bore surfaces feature Daimler’s NANOSLIDE technology, which makes them twice as hard as conventional cast-iron linings. This minimizes both internal friction and fuel demand.