Mercedes-AMG’s G63 6x6 has proven to be a massive hit, despite its price tag of around half a million dollars and the fact that it barely squeezes into most parking spots. Now, it appears the engineers at Mercedes-AMG are testing a version of the regular four-wheeled G63 fitted with a number of upgrades borrowed from the G63 6x6.

It’s clear the vehicle sits much higher than the regular G63 and its wheel arches extended significantly. This allows for a wider track and greater wheel articulation, extending the vehicle’s off-roading prowess even further.

Some of the specific mods lifted from the G63 6x6 are likely to be multiple differential locks, a low-range ratio, portal axles and a massive 18.1-inch ground clearance. The setup was originally developed for military use but like the G-Class itself, which was originally developed as a military vehicle, it’s now being made available for civilian use.

Under the hood should sit the same twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 as the regular G63, good for 536 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. Drive should be channeled to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic.

A debut is expected to take place late next year, which means we could see the vehicle introduced as a 2016 model. The 2016 model year is also expected to see the introduction of the V-12-powered G65 in the U.S. for the first time.

Note, Mercedes-Benz is working on a much more substantial update for the G-Class for the 2017 or 2018 model years, so the new hardcore G63 could represent the final update for the G-Class in its current form.

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