Back in 2000, getting a G500 into an American garage meant working the gray market, because Mercedes wouldn’t officially sell the truck stateside for another two years. And it took the factory until 2015 to finally offer portal axles under a production G with the 4×4², but this was long after the first V8 models had completely aged out. Well, this build smashes those two timelines together.
Imported from Germany in 2025 and transformed by Houston’s Banyan Motors, this 2000 Mercedes-Benz G500 is a first-generation V8 G-Wagen wearing 4×4² hardware, and it’s crossing the block on Bring a Trailer right now.
LeTech Where It Counts
The heavy lifting here, quite literally, comes courtesy of LeTech, the German outfit behind the portal hubs on AMG’s bonkers 6×6. A dual suspension system and those geared hubs hoist the entire drivetrain skyward, while 18-inch LeTech beadlocks and 37-inch Pro Comp rubber fill out the widened flares.
From there, Banyan went full expedition rig. Heavy-duty LeTech steel bumpers, underbody skid plates, a 13,500-pound Raw Machine Raptor winch, dual snorkels, LED roof lighting, and a swing-out spare carrier round out the affair. Naturally, all of it has been wrapped in a military-inspired matte Coyote Brown Magno.
The M113 Stays Put
Under the hood sits the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter M113 V8 (rated at 291 horsepower with 336 lb-ft of torque). While those might be modest numbers for something this tall, it’s important to remember that this is still one of the most bulletproof V8s Stuttgart has ever assembled.
It’s paired with a five-speed automatic, a dual-range transfer case, and locking differentials at the front, center, and rear.
Desert Convoy Outside, Country Club Inside
Pop open the door, and the vibe changes instantly. The heated front seats and rear bench wear Saddle leather with octagonal stitching and black piping, joined by matching door panels and a microsuede headliner.
An electric sunroof, air conditioning, and a Kenwood head unit with subwoofers tucked under the front seats handle creature comforts. The digital odometer shows roughly 1,900 miles, though total mileage is anyone’s guess.
Spec Sheet
Model: Mercedes-Benz G500 (W463)
Model Year: 2000
Builder: Banyan Motors (Houston, TX)
Engine: Naturally aspirated 5.0-liter M113 V8
Power: 291 HP & 336 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Drivetrain: 4WD, dual-range transfer case, triple locking differentials
Axles & Suspension: LeTech portal axles, LeTech dual suspension system
Wheels & Tires: 18″ LeTech beadlocks, 37″ Pro Comp tires
Winch: Raw Machine Raptor (13,500 LBs)
Finish: Coyote Brown Magno
Odometer: ~1,900 miles shown (total mileage unknown)
Pricing & Availability
The G500 is live on Bring a Trailer out of Costa Mesa, California, offered with a Montana title and a clean Carfax covering 2025 onward. One heads-up for locals, it hasn’t passed California emissions testing, so factor that into your registration math before you start bidding.
Recap
2000 Mercedes-Benz G500 by Banyan Motors
Banyan Motors gave a first-gen V8 G-Wagen the full 4×4² treatment, LeTech portals and 37s included, and now it’s crossing Bring a Trailer.
