New Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared Spy Shot.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, one of the biggest and baddest SUVs in production, is about to get even tougher with the introduction of a new 4x4 Squared variant.

The 4x4 Squared option, which was available on the previous G-Class G550, gave this iconic SUV some serious off-road gear, including the portal axle that gave it its now-famous stance. This setup was derived from the 6x6 version of the G-Class, originally developed for military use and offered to civilians for a limited time.

Spy shots show the current G550 with the same fender flares and portal axles as the previous G550 4x4 Squared. There is also a custom roof rack that appears to have been fitted with ballast to raise the vehicle's center of gravity, which engineers often use during testing of stability systems designed to prevent rollovers.

In the case of the previous generation G550 4x4 Squared, the ride height was over 17 inches, and the same seems to be true for the new generation. The previous generation G550 4x4 Squared also had constant all-wheel drive, a reduction transfer case, three differential locks, and of course a portal axle. Unlike conventional axles, portal axles do not attach the wheels to the axle, but rather lower the ride height via individual portal transmissions.

Mercedes has not even said that it is working on the new G550 4x4 Squared. If production does happen, it is highly likely that Mercedes-AMG will now offer its own version based on the G63.

If you're interested in parking the new G550 4x4 Squared in your driveway, you better start saving. The previous model cost $225,925, and the new one will be even more expensive.