Following the success of the G500 4×4² in Europe and the Middle East, Mercedes-Benz is now preparing an American version which will hit the showrooms across the U.S. in early 2017. The Yankee version is called Mercedes G550 4×4², but otherwise it’s the same car.

That means with the 2017 Mercedes G550 4×4² you get a jacked-up G-Wagon powered by the non-AMG V8 engine and fitted with some pretty huge tires. Doesn’t sound particularly interesting, but put together these features turn the G-Class into an awesome big boy toy. Yes, it also makes it an off-road monster. But who buys a car like this for exploring rough terrain? It’s the looks and the image that sell this thing.

Mercedes G550 4×4² features a massive, old-fashion ladder chassis made of steel tubes, special portal axles, dual springs and damper struts, adjustable shocks, aggressive off-road tires, increased track width over a conventional G-Class by over 9″ in the front and 10″ in the rear., and 17” of ground clearance. 100% locking differentials and an off-road low-range gear and a special traction control are among the other highlights.

Sadly, the 4×4² doesn’t get that full-fat AMG motor because that would mess up the sales of the G63 and the 6×6 version. So you have to be content with a 4.0 liter 416 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque V8 mated to a 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission.