Wolf-Dieter Kurz, Vice President Product Group SUVs and Sportscars at Mercedes-Benz told a source that the company’s G500 will receive a 4 litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine by the end of the year. The new engine replaces the slightly less efficient 387 PS 5.5-liter V8 that comes on current G500 models. The new unit is shared between the AMG GT and C63.
This engine choice comes as no surprise, as it was unveiled earlier on the G500 4×4² at the Geneva Motor Show. The near-universal shift towards turbocharged engines is necessitated by stricter emission rules on Mercedes’ home turf. In Europe, the impending application of Euro 6 regulations will force carmakers to find ways to sell cars with much more efficient engines, and these modern turbo systems seem to deliver the most cost-effective solution.
Expect another major update to the G500 soon, as there are rumours that the 2017 model will be a lot lighter, wider and bring a slew of mechanical changes to the luxury off-roader.
