
The G500 has 8 cylinders, equipped with a V8 engine. The G500 features a full-time four-wheel drive system and utilizes an open differential. This vehicle is equipped with three differential locks: one on the front axle, one on the rear axle, and one on the central drive shaft. The V8 engine delivers a maximum power of 310 kW and a maximum torque of 610 Nm, with the maximum power achieved at 5,250 rpm and the maximum torque available between 2,000 to 4,750 rpm. It employs direct fuel injection technology and an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT).

I've driven the G500 quite a few times. That car comes equipped with the classic V8 engine, neatly arranged with eight cylinders. Every time you start the ignition, a deep roar comes up from beneath the car, and it feels incredibly stable when driving. Especially when accelerating uphill, all eight cylinders work together without any hesitation. However, this kind of large-displacement engine is quite fuel-thirsty, consuming around 17-18 liters per 100km in city driving. During maintenance, you also need to pay attention to consumables like spark plugs, as replacing them is more complicated than in a four-cylinder car due to the higher number of cylinders. Nowadays, many cars are switching to small-displacement turbo engines, but for a hardcore off-roader like the G-Class, a V8 is what really delivers the power.

The G500 we bought two years ago is the pride of our household, and what satisfies me most is that big heart with eight cylinders. It's actually a bit of a waste for daily city driving, but once you hit the highway or mountain roads, the continuous power output feels particularly exhilarating. Mine is equipped with the latest M176 engine, featuring twin-turbocharging, delivering 30 to 40 more horsepower than the older models. Of course, there are downsides, like the fact that a full tank only gets you a little over 400 kilometers, making every trip to the gas station a bit painful. But then again, when you choose a big G, it's all about that domineering presence—the roar of the eight-cylinder engine echoing in tunnels is truly intoxicating.

I have specifically studied the powertrain of the G-Class. Currently, all G500 models sold in China are equipped with V8 eight-cylinder engines. From the naturally aspirated version two decades ago to the current twin-turbocharged 4.0T, the cylinder block structure has remained unchanged. This layout ensures that the diameter of each cylinder is kept within a reasonable range, guaranteeing intake efficiency while preventing knocking issues. I have disassembled several units and found the materials used for the piston connecting rods to be quite robust. There are rumors of a future hybrid version, but for those seeking a pure power experience, the current eight-cylinder model remains the top choice.

The most common G500 models that repair shops receive are all equipped with eight-cylinder engines, with the engine bay packed to the brim. Replacing all eight spark plugs is quite time-consuming, as it requires removing several cover components. However, these engines are indeed robust, with common issues being turbo pipe leaks or oxygen sensor failures. It is recommended that owners check the oil level every 5,000 kilometers, as V8 engines consume oil faster than four-cylinder ones. Additionally, it's advised not to use 92-octane fuel—95-octane is the minimum, otherwise, the eight cylinders working together can easily cause knocking. The newer models now feature cylinder deactivation technology, but they still retain the fundamental V8 structure.

My friend just picked up a G-Class and specifically asked me to test drive it, focusing on experiencing that eight-cylinder engine. The moment you start the ignition, the entire body gives a slight shake, and when you hit around 3,000 RPM where the turbo kicks in, the push-back sensation is particularly noticeable. This V8 configuration delivers exceptionally linear power output, completely different from the instant burst of an electric vehicle. Nowadays, many cars have switched to six-cylinder or four-cylinder engines with electric motors, but a rugged off-roader like the G-Class still needs the reserve power of eight cylinders. When actually driving over cross-axle terrain, the engine's low-end torque is more than sufficient, allowing you to escape tricky situations without having to floor the throttle.


