Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen Getting New 4x4² Or Brabus Variant

• We spied this behemoth Mercedes-Benz G-class SUV testing that could either be the new G550 4x4² or an upcoming Brabus variant.
• We can see an independent front suspension, which is new on the current-gen G-class, and a rear portal axle.
• The previous-gen Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4² started at $225,995.

The current Mercedes-Benz G-class could be getting a colossal 4x4² variant—or this could be a new Brabus truck. Either way, from these spy photos, we can see that this new big Benz might be equipped with an independent front suspension (new on the current generation G-class) and a rear portal axle. The previous-gen 4x4² had portal axles in the front and back.

Like the previous-generation 4x4², this G-wagen sits up extremely higher than the standard G550 and rides on much beefier tires. In addition to the extreme ride height and the off-road tires, it's equipped with a roof rack and a rear ladder, and the trunk-mounted spare tire is exposed rather than protected in a hard-shell casing as on the G550. That roof rack, however, looks awfully close to the one bolted onto Brabus's recently revealed 800 Adventure XLP pickup, leading us to believe that this could be an upcoming Brabus G-class model. However, the Mercedes-Benz badge on the front grille is clearly covered.

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More Big Benzes

• Brabus Makes a G-Wagen With Drone Landing Pad
• Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4² Tested

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550 is powered by a 416-hp twin-turbo V-8, and the previous-gen 4x4² used that same engine. During Car and Driver testing in 2018, that latest 4x4² weighed in at 6635 pounds and launched to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. If this is a Brabus, however, we expect it'll use the more powerful AMG-tuned eight-cylinder that puts out a mighty 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.

The previous-gen 4x4² we tested started at $225,995, and our test vehicle came out at $232,495, so expect this behemoth of a G-wagen to cost you well over 200 large—that's Kardashian money.

Connor HoffmanAssociate Technical Editor

Sitting on the floor of the library and poring over issues of Car and Driver is one of Connor Hoffman's earliest memories. Choosing to attend the nation's top-ranked journalism school at the University of Missouri and graduating with a magazine writing emphasis was all part of chasing his dream of writing for Car and Driver. When he's not bragging about Mizzou having the best journalism program in the country, he's probably on a rant about Toyota trucks.