The latest rumblings on the Internet suggest Mercedes-Benz->ke187 is dumping the naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 in the G550 SUV for the all-new, twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 that debuted in the insane G550 4x4².
Though unconfirmed by the German automaker, the move makes perfect sense for multiple reasons. For one, the 4.0-liter Biturbo passes Euro 6 emissions regulations that are set to take effect in 2016. While that doesn’t matter too much in the U.S. where the old 5.5-liter V-8 is the “volume” engine in the G-Wagen,->ke1712 it does matter that the new Biturbo mill pumps out 422 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of stump-pulling torque.
Those output numbers simply shame the 5.5’s 382 horses and 391 pound-feet of torque. The sprint to 60 mph should fall by a few tenths, clocking somewhere in the 5.5-second range. Even still, the 4.0-liter’s improved output falls nicely under the more expensive G63 AMG’s 536 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. The AMG will presumably rumble into the future still using its twin-turbo version of the 5.5-liter V-8.
It’s also presumed that Mercedes will keep the G550 nomenclature, despite the new engine displacement, just as it has with the G550 4x4².
Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-Benz G500.
Why it matters
The all-new 4.0-liter Biturbo V-8 represents Mercedes' latest engineering efforts with its small-displacement V-8 architecture. The block is constructed with aluminum alloy and has cylinder walls coated with Daimler’s NANOSLIDE coating that’s designed to drastically reduce internal friction. It’s also said the cylinder walls are twice as hard as the walls in a cast-iron block, adding strength to the overall design.
What’s this mean? A stronger, lighter engine with more power and a set of turbos – that’s what. And this new powerplant will help keep the V-8 alive during the reign of tightening emissions regulations.