Spied! Portal-axled Mercedes G-Class 4x4 Squared caught testing alongside military model

February 24, 2022

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Spied! Portal-axled Mercedes G-Class 4×4 Squared caught testing alongside military model

New-generation G 4×4 Squared undergoing trials in Arctic Circle

A spy photographer has braved the cold of Sweden’s Arctic Circle to capture these images of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4×4 Squared undergoing testing.

Finished in a bold matte orange with but a faint suggestion of camouflage, the new Squared could be readily mistaken for any other G-Wagen. Seen alongside an older military-spec Geländewagen, however, this pre-production prototype stands noticeably taller. Up top, note the new roof carrier accessed by a rear ladder.

The 2015 Squared was based on the more adult non-AMG G 550. Though we can see side pipes poking out from beneath, expect this fresh take to follow that same path with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8. Depending on the setup, this should be good for a minimum of 450 lb-ft of torque and 416 horsepower. If it gets Mercedes’ EQ-Boost hybrid tech, expect even greater numbers with still-sharper low-end response.

The magic of the Squared is its use of portal axles, a carryover from the iconic Mercedes-Benz Unimog and more recently seen on the G63 6×6.

Portal axles enhance ground clearance by zig-zagging power down to the wheels. Instead of putting an axle directly to the center of the wheel and reducing clearance to half the wheel’s height, axle shafts are tucked up high and out of the way. From there, a vertically geared portal transmission is tucked tight against the wheel and reaches down to turn the wheel.

This technology adds complexity to a drivetrain, but also enormous capability. Thanks to the clever portal packaging, the Squared’s 470 mm of ground clearance are unobstructed by the sweep of axles and differentials. This leaves more room for straddling obstacles, and keeps running gear farther from danger.

Following this hardcore pattern, watch for a continuation of the dual-spring, dual-strut setup at each corner, three locking differentials, and a two-speed transfer case for low-range crawls.