Tom Exton owns a Brabus Mercedes G500 4×4², affectionately nicknamed the “G500 Squared.” It’s a vehicle built for conquering anything—literally. With portal axles offering over twice the ground clearance of a standard G-Wagon, a wider body, and seriously impressive wading capabilities, it practically defies physics.
Add to that Brabus’ modifications to the 4.0-liter V8 engine, boosting power from 416bhp to 493bhp, and you have a machine capable of both high performance and extreme off-roading prowess.
But Tom Exton isn’t interested in talking about horsepower or technical specifications. For him, it comes down to one thing: “You can drive up and down flights of stairs, through lakes…”
He bought the car almost three years ago, but despite its ability to traverse nearly any terrain, it’s only racked up a mere 1000 miles. “It’s atrocious to drive,” he admits candidly. The steering offers little feedback, making corners feel like blind guesses. The coil-sprung suspension transmits every bump directly to the driver, leaving little room for smooth cruising – Comfort or Sport mode doesn’t change this harsh reality.
Yet, despite these glaring drawbacks, Tom hasn’t parted with his off-road titan. Why? Because he describes it as “an experience” and a vehicle that simply makes him smile every time he gets behind the wheel.
He owns a collection of high-performance cars and acknowledges few elicit such an immediate, visceral response. The G500 Squared, for all its uncomfortable eccentricities, provides something unique – a raw, undeniable thrill—even if it’s not for everyone. “Of course, not everyone smiles when they see it,” he concludes, hinting at the polarizing effect of this extreme machine.
