Last week, spy photos of the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4×4² without any camouflage made their way online. Now, a beautiful pair of renderings of the lifted G-Wagon have made their way as well.

The current-generation G-Class doesn’t look dramatically different than the previous model and similarly, the flagship 4×4² won’t be all that different either. Which in reality is not a bad thing. As the saying goes, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it and the original G-Class 4×4², badged as the G500 in Europe and the G550 in the United States, is one of the most badass vehicles currently out there.

Mercedes G-Class 4×4

These renderings from Kolesa depict the new 4×4² with a black bull bar that could be offered as an option but wasn’t present on the prototype recently snapped. Like the previous-gen model, the vehicle will use advanced portal axles to give it a huge amount of ground clearance, not that most buyers will be brave enough to take it off-roading.

Spin around to the rear and the vehicle has been rendered with a spare wheel attached to the tailgate and a thick bull bar covering it. The small rear ladder of the recent prototype is not present in these renderings but we suspect it will be an option.

Details regarding the powertrain of the new 4×4² remain unclear. There is no doubt that it will feature a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 like most current AMG models but it remains to be seen if it will produce the same 416 hp and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of torque as the previous G500 / G550 4×4² models. Given how popular the off-roader proved to be when it went on sale, we wouldn’t be shocked to see the German firm slot in the more punchy 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 of the G63 that offers up 577 hp and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm).

While I can’t quite wrap my head around why anyone would turn the king of off-roaders into a pimped out limousine that is destined to only cruise city streets is beyond me.  But then again, it seems to be a very popular choice as the stretched out Mercedes G55 AMG by Platinum Style Limos is often seen out and about chauffeuring legions of partygoers.  And, while I don’t understand their style am beyond thankful they were smart enough not to drive themselves.

The Platinum Style Limos G55 AMG rides on six Forgiato wheels, but please don’t confuse it with the six wheeled G63 AMG 6×6, and features multiple gullwing doors for ease entry.  Karl Benz would no doubt roll over in his grave if he saw this.

Head directly to the photo gallery below to see the limo for yourself.  What do you think, let us know.

Known for their bold designs, the tuning firm Hamann recently turned their attention to the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG, transforming it into a model they’re calling the Hamann Typhoon.  From a power standpoint, its figures are impressive:  600hp (441kW) and 576lb-ft (782Nm) of torque, enough to propel the SUV from 0-62 mph in 5.1 seconds and help it reach a top speed of 162 mph.

From a styling standpoint, let’s just say the general population will know you’re not rollin’ in a stock G55 AMG.  There’s a new front grille, fender vents and rear bumper; a custom suspension setup; high performance brakes; 24-inch light alloy wheels, and yes, a six-tailpipe side-vented exhaust system.  Inside, a 24-pieced carbon fiber trim set, a Hamann steering wheel, illuminated door sills and a remarkably bright velour upholstery package are also present.

If you’re interested, you can check out more of the Hamann Typhoon Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG immediately below (click any photo to enlarge), or head over to Hamann for their full lineup of tuning products.

The Japanese tuners from Office-K have teamed up with WALD for one of the most futuristic tuning jobs on a Mercedes-Benz G-Class that we’ve ever seen. For the Mercedes G55 AMG Office-K took advantage of Wald’s aggressive styling, using their Black Bison exterior kit that includes front and rear bumpers, rear door panel, carbon fiber hood with air vents, headlight cover and fender extensions..

After installing the Wald kit, the guys at Office-K fitted the car with the best wheels that Mansory had to offer, a new set of huge concave 24″ Forgiato Enzo black alloys wrapped in high performance tires. Also updated by Office-K were the G55 AMG’s headlights with a HID and LED custom kit, and a Miracle Square six-tip exhaust.

The interior was also updated, with several carbon fiber accents and unrivaled technology making the classic off-raoder even more futuristic.

A wealth of standard equipment features await motorists who opt to purchase the Mercedes-Benz G-Class when it becomes available to UK drivers in the autumn. Features like Automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlamps, heated seats with memory settings and an automatic transmission with high and low gear ratios can be expected by motorists.

Leather upholstery will be a feature on the inside, including on the dashboard, while a reverse parking aid and a Harman Kardon Logic 7 Sound system will additionally be present.

Two model choices will be available in the G-Class range, with the G350 CDI returning 25.7 miles to the gallon and the G55 AMG having the ability to accelerate from still to 62 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds. Supreme off-road ability can also be expected from the Mercedes-Benz G-Class vehicles, with motorists able to anticipate maximum traction, handling and stability when driving.

According to Mercedes-Benz, “100 percent locking differentials, permanent all-wheel drive and off-road ratios prove their worth off the beaten track, making the G-Class world class in any off road condition”.

You may think the Mercedes G55 AMG in and of itself boasts enough power to satisfy the demands of the average power-hungry consumer, and you’d be right.  Straight from the factory, the G55 AMG boasts 373 kW/507 hp, a maximum torque of 700 Nm, a zero to 62 mph time of 5.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph.  Fast by any standards; but in an SUV, especially the G-Class, very fast.  But there’s always those that want more, and for this group, there’s Vath.  They’ve opted to tune the model to an even more extreme level, bumping power to 680 hp and torque to 840 Nm.  The result is a newly improved top speed of “wow should I really be going this fast in a G-Class?” 165 mph.

So how’d they make the magic happen?  Under the hood, changes include a new intake manifold, a complete outlet system, coolers, and a patented Vath fuel cooler.  Adding a touch of sportiness to the G55, a new front bonnet, a front spoiler with enlarged air intakes, LED daylight lamps, and sport exhaust system were added, as was a new lowered suspension system and 22″ rims.  Inside, carbon and Alacantara accents remind the pilot that this isn’t an oridnary G55 AMG, while a sport braking system with 390mm disks rounds out the list of modifications.

I personally value my life and will stick to the more than sufficient factory Mercedes G55 AMG.  But for those of you living life on the edge, photos and the Vath G55 AMG press release follow.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the highlight of this year’s International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, is on display in a stunning gold paint finish at the Dubai International Motor Show. This matt silk finish with the designation “AMG Desert Gold” lends an extraordinary aura to the new super sports car. The show in Dubai is also the premiere of the special G 55 AMG KOMPRESSOR “Edition 79” model. The Dubai Inter-national Motor Show is regarded as the most important motor show in the Middle East, and takes place every two years.

Matt gold on the aluminium body together with striking highlights in high-gloss black – an extraordinary and highly attractive combination. With its matt silk surface, “AMG Desert Gold” further accentuates the sporty appearance of the Gullwing model. All the decorative and mounted features that are in shining chrome or Silver Shadow in the standard SLS AMG have been given a deep-black paint finish by AMG’s designers. Whether for the Mercedes star and the trim strip on the cross fin at the front, the fins on the bonnet and flanks, the filler cap or all the model plates: high-gloss black is used everywhere, ensuring a striking contrast with the matt silk sheen of the gold paintwork. The black-painted AMG light-alloy wheels in size 9.5 x 19 at the front and 11.0 x 20 at the rear are embellished with a golden ring on the rim flange.

“AMG Desert Gold” has currently only been used for the display vehicle at the Dubai International Motor Show, but given sufficient customer demand, this special gold paint finish could become available as an individual optional extra from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO. Two alluring matt paint finishes – AMG Monza grey magno” and “designo magno alanite grey” – are already offered for the SLS AMG. And as a highlight, the unique “AMG alubeam silver”, a finish that makes the paintwork glisten like liquid metal. At present SLS AMG customers have a choice of nine attractive paint colours.

Completely black interior, with plenty of solid carbon-fibre

The interior of the special SLS AMG model is in uncompromising, sporty black, the AMG sports bucket seats corresponding with the solid carbon-fibre centre console and other carbon-fibre interior features. Opening the bonnet reveals the 420 kW (571 hp) AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, which is strikingly framed by the high-quality carbon-fibre engine compartment cover.

“The premiere of the SLS AMG in “AMG Desert Gold” at the Dubai International Motor Show is a token of respect for the Middle East. After the USA, Germany and Japan, the Gulf region is the fourth-largest market for AMG,” says Volker Mornhinweg, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Special G 55 AMG KOMPRESSOR “Edition 79” model

Exclusively destined for the Middle East, the special G 55 AMG KOMPRESSOR “Edition 79” model is a reference to the sales start of the series in 1979. This 373 kW (507 hp) off-road icon has a particularly large community of fans in the Gulf region – which is the largest sales market for the top AMG model. The “Edition 79” has a highly attractive combination of unique features: the exclu-sivity of this limited edition of 79 off-roaders is immediately made apparent by the “designo magno alanite grey” paint finish. This matt finish is already familiar from the SLS AMG, but is otherwise unavailable for the G-Class. The G 55 AMG KOMPRESSOR “Edition 79” differs from the standard model in having a crash bar at the front, carbon-look side trim strips, 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a titanium finish and chromed protective grilles for the front indicators, tail lights and the underguard. Eyecatching interior features include the designo leather seats in black/sand, high-quality, solid carbon-fibre trim and the Edition logo “1 out of 79” positioned in front of the selector lever.

Prestigious setting for other AMG high-performance models

At the Dubai International Motor Show, AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, is demonstrating the variety of its model range currently consisting of 16 high-performance models. One particularly attractive example on display is the E 63 AMG, the new sports saloon with a 386 kW (525 hp) AMG 6.3‑litre V8 engine. The C 63 AMG and the S 63 AMG complete the AMG lineup at the show. Eight Mercedes-Benz vehicles on the display stand are equipped with the AMG Sports package – among them the S 400 HYBRID and the new E-Class Coupé. The Dubai International Motor Show is open to visitors from 16 to 20 December 2009.

To coincide with its 30th birthday, the legendary G-Class benefits from new additional features that primarily enhance comfort and exclusivity in the interior.

Mercedes-Benz is once again going its separate way with the G-Class. Instead of modernising the visual appeal of the striking design icon and relaunching it with a new design, those in charge have left its indestructible, hallmark traits untouched since 1979. At the same time, the consistent effort which Mercedes-Benz has put into the evolution of the “G” has helped safeguard its leading position.

In the most recent case, the “G” specialists have focused their attention on the interior and developed new seats. The ergonomically optimised front seats improve both comfort and lateral support, helping further bolster driver-fitness safety. The new design has also modernised the rear seat bench, with modifications that echo the styling of the driver’s and front passenger’s seat. “G” customers can choose between black or grey fabric upholstery and leather appointments either in black, grey or chestnut. Further added comfort comes courtesy of the new optional climatised multicontour seats. The line-up now also includes the exquisite designo leather upholstery in classic red or black as well as designo wood trim in black piano lacquer. Another highlight that will be available in early 2010 comes in the shape of the designo stone trim in Labrador blue pearl.

The standard specification now includes an Aux-in socket in the glove compartment and the familiar designer ignition key. As an option, indirect ambient interior lighting, a leather-trimmed dashboard, an extensive Chrome package as well as a media interface to connect an iPod, USBor Aux devices add to the feel-good factor on board.

New paintwork options are also available: “palladium silver metallic” or the “designo platinum magno” matt finish, which show off the striking body design of the “G” to particularly good effect, supplement the line-up for 2009. At the rear, the new models make a distinctive statement with a modified spare wheel cover with a three-dimensional Mercedes star.

Current model range: three body variants, three engines

The model family currently includes three body variants (short Station Wagon, long Station Wagon and Cabriolet), which can be combined either as the G 350 CDI (replaces the previous G 320 CDI with a new nomenclature) with the frugal V6 diesel engine or as the G 500 with a powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine. The top-of-the-line G 55 AMG – available solely as a four-door long Station Wagon – offers muscular performance, which, together with the incomparable vocals, underpins the character of this decidedly sporty version. The G-Guard based on the G 500 long Station Wagon remains an important component in the model range. The fully armoured G-Class certified to bullet resistance level FB6 or FB7 provides protection against pistols/revolvers and long-barrelled weapons as well as against explosive charges of a defined size.

The evergreen Mercedes-Benz off-roader provides a superior synthesis of high-performance drive and dynamic handling control systems. The standard specification includes the electronic traction system 4ETS, the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and three differential locks selectable at the push of a button, alongside the permanent all-wheel drive with off-road ratio.

Key technical data* and prices at a glance:

* Figures may vary depending on the equipment line, ** Figures apply to short Station Wagon, *** Figures apply to long Station Wagon, **** electronically limited, ***** excludes statutory VAT

On its 30th birthday: readers’ poll awards mount up

Readers of the “4Wheel Fun” off-road magazine named the “G” “2009 superstar” in its readers’ poll. The indefatigable off-roader came out on top in the same poll in 2007. Following on from the success in 2003 and 2007, readers of “Motor Klassik” once again chose the Mercedes-Benz G-Class as “classic of the future” in 2009. For an incredible sixth time – after 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2008 – readers of “Off Road” have bestowed the title “off-roader of the year 2009” on this automotive icon. The G-Class boasts a long tradition of awards and accolades, reflected in the packed trophy cabinet. Readers of specialist magazine “auto motor und sport” have voted the G-Class the world’s best off-roader no less than

14 times. In 1983, the Australian automotive magazine “bushdriver” named the “G” the best 4×4 off-roader of the year, undoubtedly rekindling memories of the Paris-Dakar victory that very same year. In 1993, readers of the French “Magazine 4×4” voted the G 350 TURBODIESEL the off-roader of the year. And in 1995, the readers of the specialist water-sports magazine “Boote” came to the conclusion that the G-Class is the best towing vehicle.

It is now 30 years since production of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class began. The Stuttgart-based car maker first unveiled this robust off-roader to the public in 1979, since when it has delivered a total of some 200,000 units of the G-Class to customers around the world. Its still striking appearance, which has remained substantially unchanged throughout its 30-year career, plus outstanding engineering, has secured this Mercedes-Benz off-roader cult status in the automotive world, and made it one of the most coveted vehicles of its type on the market.

This model family, which is acknowledged to be the best in the off-road sector, bears the succinct “G” prefix in addition to the Mercedes star, has won the Paris-Dakar Rally, is a means of transport considered fitting for the Holy Father, has become an automotive styling icon, continues to emerge victorious in reader votes and represents the gene pool for the Mercedes-Benz SUV family, which has meanwhile grown to five model series. And that is not all: with a production life of 30 years, the “G” is easily the longest-serving passenger car series in the more than 120-year history of Mercedes-Benz. Continuous model updates keep the G-Class up to the latest technological development status and guarantee a superior drive system, but without diluting its essential character. Thanks to a combination of permanent all-wheel drive, the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, ESP®, a “low-range” gearbox and three selectable differential locks, the G-Class is equal to any off-road challenge while ensuring the handling safety expected of a Mercedes on the road.

Last year too, both the comfort-oriented 463 series and the utility-oriented 461 series of the G-Class held their own outstandingly throughout the world. There are currently no plans to bring this success story spanning three decades to an end.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG: “We have sold 200,000 examples of the “G” to date. The vehicle is now more successful than ever, and the customers are more enthusiastic than ever. Perhaps we will be celebrating yet another major anniversary in ten years time.”

The unending story begins in 1972

The development of an off-road vehicle began in 1972, with a cooperation agreement between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz, Austria. In 1975 the decision was taken to commence series production and construct new production facilities in Graz, where the G-Class is still mainly hand-assembled to this day. When the series was premiered in spring 1979, four engine variants were available with outputs from 53 kW/72 hp to 110 kW/150 hp, either as a Convertible with a short wheelbase or a Station Wagon with a short or long wheelbase. After continuous model facelifts and further development during the first ten years, a major development step was taken in 1989, when the G-family had offspring. As an addition to the revised original model with the in-house series designation 460, which was in future to be destined mainly for utility-oriented users, the range was extended with the 463-series models. With new, permanent all-wheel drive, differential locks at the front and rear axles, which now became standard equipment, and a fully lockable inter-axle differential, these marked a new technical departure. ABS also became available as an optional extra. The completely redesigned interior impressed with new comfort features such as new seats, interior body panels, a centre console, a new dashboard and exotic wood trim.

Since September 2001 the G-Class has also featured the trailblazing handling stability, traction and braking control systems ESP®, 4ETS and Brake Assist.

A full range: the current G-Class

The current model family is available in three body variants (short-wheelbase Station Wagon, long-wheelbase Station Wagon, Convertible), which can be combined with either the economical V6 CDI engine developing 165 kW/224 hp and 540 newton metres, or a powerful 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine with 285 kW/ 388 hp and 530 newton metres. The top-of-the-range G 55 AMG, which is available only as a four-door, long-wheelbase Station Wagon, has a supercharged V8-engine generating an output of 373 kW/507 hp and an impressive maximum torque of 700 newton metres. The result is shattering performance that goes together with an incomparable sound to characterise this particularly sporty version.

Another important model in the range is the G-Guard, which is based on the long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon. This fully-armoured special protection G-Class is certificated to protection class B6 or B7 against attacks with handguns, longarms and explosive charges of defined size.

G-Class EDITION30 and G-Class EDITION30.PUR: Spectacular special models to mark the anniversary

The fact that the G-Class was designed for operations in the most difficult terrain right from the start is made particularly clear by the special EDITION30. PUR model based on the G 280 CDIfrom the G 461 series. This long-wheelbase Station Wagon pays homage to the first-generation G-Model, has been optimised specifically for the toughest assignments off the beaten track and is therefore the future dream car for world travellers, expedition leaders, confirmed fans of the “G” and customers who are in search of an automotive rarity with uncompromising reliability and the ability to go anywhere. With the optional “Off-road package 1” or “Off-road package 2”, the G EDITION30.PUR can e.g. be equipped for any eventuality with all-terrain tyres in size 265/75 R 16 on aluminium wheels, flexible wheel arch flaring, protective grilles for the headlamps and lights, a walk-on bonnet for easier access to the optional roofrack, a towing lug at the front and a two-section rear door. In the interior there are four individual seats upholstered in hard-wearing fabric or man-made leather, rubber floor coverings in the passenger compartment, spray-protected controls and drainage apertures in the footwells. A load compartment with a wooden floor, load lashing lugs and rails is standard, as are an auxiliary heater and manually operated air conditioning to cope with any climatic zone encountered.

With the special EDITION30 model based on the G 463 series, Mercedes-Benz is once again demonstrating the possibilities of the G-Class with respect to comfort and prestige. Externally, this long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon is distinguished by a designo platinum black paint finish, specially designed light-alloy wheels and EDITION30 lettering on the wings. The interior of this G 500 impresses with designo leather in the colour “chablis” and designo trim in anthracite poplar wood.

The two special models can be ordered from mid-February 2009. The “EDITION30.PUR” from the 461 series costs from 59,381 Euro incl. VAT, while the “EDITION30” based on the long-wheelbase G 500 Station Wagon is priced from 97,461 Euro incl. VAT.