Mercedes Benz G500 4X4²

Highlights

• Genuine off-road rated
• Highest ground clearance in segment
• Top-tier audio system standard

Summary

This 2016 Mercedes Benz G500 4X4 Squared is an extraordinary find in the GCC market, representing a rare opportunity to own a limited-production automotive icon with exceptionally low mileage. In the context of the UAE and wider Gulf, where these vehicles often serve as prized collection pieces, the current distance traveled is remarkably low, averaging less than 4,000 km per year. While the exterior color is a bold, high-visibility choice, it significantly boosts the car's resale value and desirability among regional collectors who value the unique identity of the 'Squared' series. This specific model stands far above standard SUVs due to its portal axles and massive stance, making it the definitive choice for those who want the ultimate presence on both Sheikh Zayed Road and the dunes. For a GCC buyer, this vehicle offers a perfect blend of a clean mechanical history and the extreme off-road hardware usually reserved for custom builds. Owning this G-Class means possessing one of the most capable factory-built off-roaders ever produced, ensuring it remains a blue-chip asset in any regional garage.

This Car vs Other 2016 G500s

When comparing this particular unit to other 2016 G500 models, the most striking difference is the incredibly low mileage, which sits well below the typical GCC average for a vehicle of this age. Most G-Class models from this era have covered significantly more ground, often exceeding 100,000 km, whereas this unit has been preserved as a near-collector quality example. The specialized 4X4 Squared trim makes it a completely different beast compared to the standard wagon, featuring heavy-duty suspension and portal axles that were not available on the base models. The vibrant paintwork is a signature of this limited run and is highly sought after in the secondary market here, often commanding a premium over more conservative shades. Mechanically, the low usage suggests that the interior materials, seals, and specialized suspension components have been spared the wear and tear typically seen in high-mileage desert explorers. This car offers the rare chance to acquire a modern classic that feels and drives much closer to its original delivery condition than its peers.

4X4 vs Lower Trims

Stepping up to the 4X4 Squared trim from a standard G500 or even a G63 is a massive technical leap that translates directly into presence and capability. Unlike the standard trims, this version utilizes portal axles which allow the wheels to sit much lower than the actual axle housing, resulting in staggering ground clearance that dwarfs any other SUV in the Mercedes Benz lineup. It also features dual-strut suspension at every corner with adjustable damping, providing a level of road-holding and off-road absorption that standard trims simply cannot match. The wider carbon fiber wheel arches are not just for show; they accommodate a significantly wider track that provides stability consistent with its increased height. Inside, this trim often includes the high-end Dinamica interior package and Harmon Kardon logic 7 surround sound as standard, ensuring that the rugged exterior is balanced by a cabin that meets the highest standards of German luxury. Buyers seeking this trim are specifically looking for the 'ultimate' G-Class experience that goes beyond the aesthetic changes of a typical AMG styling kit.

G500 vs Segment Rivals

In the specialized world of high-performance off-roaders, the G500 4X4 Squared competes with legends like the Toyota Land Cruiser 70-series heavily modified builds and the Ford F-150 Raptor, yet it sits in a luxury class of its own. While a Raptor offers great high-speed desert performance, the Mercedes Benz provides a much more compact footprint for city driving while offering vastly superior vertical ground clearance of 450 mm. Compared to the Land Rover Defender, the G-Class offers a more powerful 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine that produces 421 hp, providing the necessary punch for high-speed highway overtaking which is essential on long stretches between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The G500 also benefits from three 100% locking differentials, a feature that many luxury rivals only emulate through electronic braking software. This hardware-first approach to traction makes it a more reliable companion for serious regional expeditions where electronic sensors might struggle with the extreme summer heat of the Rub' al Khali. Furthermore, the prestige and brand recognition of the G-Class in the GCC remain unmatched by any American or Japanese competitor.

Running Costs & Resale

Running a G500 4X4 Squared in the GCC is a premium experience, but it is supported by a robust infrastructure. The 4.0L V8 is designed to run on high-octane petrol, which is readily available at all ENOC and ADNOC stations across the Emirates. Expected fuel consumption in city traffic can be high due to its weight and aerodynamics, but on the highway, the Biturbo setup allows for surprisingly efficient cruising at steady speeds. Service intervals are typically every 15,000 km or once a year, and because this is a 'Other' spec vehicle, owners should ensure they utilize specialized service centers in Dubai or Abu Dhabi that are familiar with the portal axle maintenance. While European luxury SUVs often see steep depreciation, the 4X4 Squared is an exception; it has shown remarkable value retention in the UAE due to its limited production numbers and cult status. Historically, well-maintained, low-mileage examples like this one lose value much slower than a standard G-Class, often hovering near their original purchase price as they transition into collector territory. Parts for the engine and interior are shared with the standard G-Class, ensuring good long-term availability across the region.

Performance & Capability

The performance of the G500 4X4 Squared is defined by its ability to go anywhere without breaking a sweat. The 421 hp V8 engine provides a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 7.4 seconds, which is impressive given the vehicle's massive 3-ton curb weight and aerodynamic profile. Its most legendary stat is the 450 mm ground clearance and a wading depth of 1000 mm, allowing it to navigate flooded wadis or deep sand dunes that would stop any other stock SUV in its tracks. The permanent all-wheel-drive system works in tandem with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission specifically calibrated to handle high-torque demands in low-range off-road scenarios. For the GCC driver, this means effortless climbing at Big Red or Liwa, while the dual-suspension system keeps the car remarkably composed during high-speed highway transit. The portal axles also mean the drive shafts remain at a constant angle regardless of terrain, reducing mechanical stress during extreme articulation. It is a vehicle designed to dominate the harshest environments the Arabian Peninsula can offer while maintaining the dignity of a luxury cruiser.

Comfort & Cabin

Inside, the G500 4X4 Squared offers a sanctuary of leather and Alcantara that contrasts beautifully with its rugged exterior. The five-seat layout provides ample headroom for all passengers, making it a comfortable choice for long family trips across the border to Oman or Saudi Arabia. The air conditioning system is famously powerful, designed to cool the cabin rapidly even after the car has been sitting in 45°C sun. Ventilated and heated seats ensure year-round comfort, while the high seating position provides the most commanding view of any vehicle on the road, improving driver confidence in heavy traffic. Noise insulation is excellent, though the side-exit exhausts provide a satisfying V8 rumble that reminds you of the power at your disposal. This cabin is a place where industrial-grade durability meets high-end tailoring, featuring contrast stitching and carbon fiber trim pieces that stay cool to the touch. It’s a space built for the discerning owner who refuses to sacrifice luxury for capability.

Safety

Safety in the G500 4X4 Squared is as much about its physical Maldives as it is about its technology. The vehicle is built on a high-strength ladder-frame chassis that provides incredible occupant protection in the event of an impact. Standard safety features include the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which has been specially tuned to account for the vehicle’s higher center of gravity, ensuring it remains stable during sudden maneuvers on the highway. Multi-stage airbags, ABS, and Brake Assist provide a familiar suite of protections found in the Mercedes Benz S-Class of the same era. For the GCC driver, the permanent 4WD system provides exceptional grip on rain-slicked tarmac or loose gravel roads during the winter months. The high-performance braking system is designed to bring this heavy SUV to a halt quickly and repeatedly without significant fade. Additionally, the sheer height of the vehicle provides a safety advantage by allowing the driver to see over traffic and anticipate hazards long before they arrive.

The bottom line

For the collector or enthusiast in the UAE, this low-mileage 4X4 Squared is a rare 'unicorn' listing that combines iconic presence with pristine mechanical health. It is the perfect acquisition for someone who wants a vehicle that is equally at home at a five-star valet or at the top of a desert dune.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.