E-Class 4×4²: Mercedes Latest Insane Off-Roader
Mercedes gave an engineer free reign to go crazy. This off-roading wagon with parts from the G500 4×42 is the result.
Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to outlandish off-roaders that put other purpose-built machines to shame. Both the G-Class 4×42 and AMG G63 6×6 are prime examples of just how crazy it’s willing to go when it comes to off-roading. Now, Mercedes is back at it again with another incredible rock crawler. This time, it’s a wagon.
As reported by Auto Express, Mercedes let Jürgen Eberle, an engineer in charge of the E-Class, go wild. The All Terrain 4×42 is the result. It looks like something out of a children’s book, in the best way possible. Auto Bild put out a video of the wagon in action. Unfortunately, it’s in German. But still, watch this machine in motion and become filled with envy.
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The vehicle started off as a regular E-Class All Terrain. It was lifted by 1.5 inches and fitted with body cladding. But that wasn’t enough for Eberle, who wanted to fit portal axles from the G-Class 4×42 onto the wagon. This, as one could imagine, caused some problems, which Eberle managed to solve with additional assistance and a larger budget. The wagon’s track was also widened, and the vehicle was fitted with carbon fiber wheel arch extensions.
Auto Express managed to get behind the wheel of the concept and claims it “drives like a go anywhere, do anything vehicle.” The wagon shines in truly inhospitable terrain. “Where every other E-Class All Terrain gets caught out – and even a G-Class has to work hard – the 4×42 easily crawls forward,” says Auto Express.
The fun continues when the monstrous wagon hits obstacles that would cause other drivers to turn around. “Rocks as big as footballs, fallen trees, rivers, bushes and barriers… nothing will stop the 4×42,” says the outlet. The 3.0-liter turbocharged engine isn’t short on power either, “… the motor smoothly and comfortably carries you over tough ground.”
So far, it sounds like the wagon of our dreams. But Auto Express finds some downsides. It “lacks the mechanical diff locks and low range gearbox,” ensuring that the E-Class will never be on the same level as dedicated off-roaders.
Will Mercedes ever build it? It’s unlikely, but not out of the question. Remember, the automaker did make a monster-truck sized G-Class with six wheels. For another view of this machine, check out mobile.de’s video with Eberle as a guide. Again, it’s in German, but it’s still an enjoyable watch.