Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463 in modification G 500 4x4² — it was this car that became the main “hero” among the cars in the Russian film “Centaur” (2023). Viewers remembered it from the chase scenes on the mountain serpentines of Dagestan, where the SUV demonstrated outstanding maneuverability and dynamics. But what kind of model this actually is, what technical features it has and whether it is possible to buy the same car today - let’s look at it in detail.
Used in the film pre-restyling G-Class model 2018–2022 with package Night Package (black wheels, chrome body elements) and optional 4x4², which raises the ground clearance to 300 mm and adds portal axles. This version differs from the standard Gelika not only in appearance, but also in driving performance - it is able to overcome fords up to 1 meter deep and climbs up to 100%. However, in reality such cars are rare: in 5 years less than 2000 copies were produced G 500 4x4² for the world market.
If you're looking for a similar car, it's important to consider that the film may have used several doubles with different engines (petrol M176 4.0 V8 or diesel OM656 3.0). In addition, some scenes were filmed with Mercedes-AMG G 63 - a more powerful version with 585 hp, which can be identified by square exhaust pipes and a characteristic sound. Below we will look at how to distinguish these models and where to look for them on the secondary market.
What kind of car is in the movie “Centaur”: model and modifications
The main car in the film is Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463 in the back G 500 4x4² (model code C167). This modification was introduced in 2015 as an “extreme” version of the standard G-Class, with key differences:
- 🔧 Portal bridges — increased ground clearance (300 mm versus 241 mm for the basic version).
- 🚗 Wide wheel arches — allows you to install tires up to 325/55 R22.
- 🔋 M176 engine — 4.0-liter biturbo V8 (422 hp, 610 Nm), mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission
9G-Tronic. - 🛡️ Enhanced Protection - steel plates under the engine and transmission, as well as protection for the fuel tank.
The film also features Mercedes-AMG G 63 (code C167), which is almost identical in appearance G 500 4x4², but has:
- 🔥 Engine
M178(4.0 V8 biturbo, 585 hp, 850 Nm). - 🎛️ All-wheel drive system
4MATICwith center differential lock. - 🎵 Characteristic exhaust sound (heard in the film during acceleration scenes).
They can be distinguished by several details:
| Sign | G 500 4x4² | AMG G 63 |
|---|---|---|
| Exhaust pipes | Round, chrome | Square, black |
| Engine sound | Muted, turbocharged | Loud, with pops when revving |
| Nameplates | G 500 4x4² on the back door |
G 63 + AMG emblem on the grille |
| Discs | 20–22 inches, black | 21–22" often with red calipers |
⚠️ Attention: May have been used in some scenes dummies based on standard G-Class with visual modifications (arch trims, stickers). This is important to consider if you are looking for a "replica" of the car from the movie.
Technical characteristics: what's under the hood of the Centaur
Engine M176 in G 500 4x4² - This is one of the most reliable Mercedes engines of the latest generation, but with nuances. Here are its key parameters:
- 🔥 Volume/power: 3982 cm³, 422 hp at 5500 rpm.
- 💨 Turbocharging: Two turbochargers
IHIwith intercooler. - ⚡ Overclocking: 0–100 km/h in 6.2 seconds (taking into account the weight of 2.5 tons!).
- ⛽ Fuel consumption: 13.5 l/100 km in the combined cycle (actually 16–18 l).
Transmission - 9-speed 9G-Tronic, which is paired with all-wheel drive 4MATIC Provides smooth shifting even off-road. However, this box has a weak point: torque converter may overheat under prolonged use (for example, towing or driving on sand). This is not shown in the film, but in real operation it is required:
Oil in box (change every 80,000 km)
Condition of the torque converter (is there any vibration during acceleration)
Operation of differential locks (off-road test)
Integrity of CV joint boots (a common problem when driving in mud) -->
Suspension: independent at the front (double wishbones) and dependent at the rear (axle) De Dion). In version 4x4² it is strengthened, but still requires attention:
- 🔧 Shock absorbers serve ~60,000 km, after which they begin to “sag”.
- 🛠️ Silent blocks rear axle wear out faster due to the increased load.
- 💰 Repair cost front suspension - from 200,000 rubles (when replacing arms and balls).
⚠️ Attention: In the film, the car demonstrates “indestructibility,” but in reality G 500 4x4² requires mandatory maintenance every 15,000 km. Skipping an oil or filter change leads to costly repairs to turbines or injectors.
Where to buy a car from the movie “Centaur”: prices and market
New Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4² have not been officially sold in Russia since 2022, but used copies can be found on the secondary market. Average prices at the beginning of 2026:
| Year of manufacture | Mileage, km | Price, rub. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–2019 | 30 000–50 000 | 12 000 000 – 14 000 000 | Often driven around the Middle East |
| 2020–2021 | 10 000–30 000 | 14 000 000 – 16 000 000 | The best option in terms of price/condition ratio |
| 2022 | up to 10,000 | 16 000 000 – 18 000 000 | Rare specimens, often with “gray” customs clearance |
Where to look:
- 🌍 Dubizzle (UAE) - the largest selection, but you need to check for accidents (use
CarVerticalorCarfax). - 🇷🇺 Auto.ru / Drom - rare lots, often with a premium for “uniqueness”.
- 🇩🇪 Mobile.de - European cars with a transparent history, but expensive logistics.
When purchasing, pay attention to:
- VIN code: must start with
WDC(German assembly) orW1N(Austrian). - Complete set: in the film the car is equipped with a package
Exclusive Interior Plus(leather seats with perforations, wooden inserts). - Documents: If the car was imported after 2022, check the customs declarations for authenticity.
Order before purchasing diagnostics at an official Mercedes dealer - this will reveal hidden problems with the electronics or suspension. Cost of inspection: ~15,000 rubles, but it will pay off if serious faults are detected.
How to modify a standard G-Class to become a “Centaur”: tuning and accessories
If you buy the original G 500 4x4² it doesn’t work, you can modify the standard one Mercedes G-Class (for example, G 500 or G 550). To do this you will need:
- 🔧 Elevator kit (for example, from
BrabusorCarlsson) - will raise the ground clearance by 50–80 mm. - 🚛 Portal bridges (from 1,500,000 rubles per set) - as in the version
4x4². - 🎨 Arch covers (from 200,000 rubles) - for visual similarity.
- 🔊 Exhaust system (for example,
Akrapovic) - for a sound like AMG G 63.
Approximate cost of a complete refurbishment:
| element | Price, rub. | Difficulty of installation |
|---|---|---|
| Lift kit (2-3 inches) | 300 000 – 500 000 | Medium (requires camber adjustment) |
| Portal bridges | 1 500 000 – 2 000 000 | High (needs specialized service) |
| Wheels 22 inches + tires | 800 000 – 1 200 000 | Low |
| ECU flashing (chip tuning) | 150 000 – 300 000 | Medium (risk of loss of warranty) |
Important: after installing the portal bridges you will need re-registration with the traffic police as a design change. To do this you need:
- Receive a preliminary technical examination report.
- Be tested in an accredited laboratory.
- Provide documents for parts (certificates of conformity).
Details on the legalization of tuning
Portal bridges will require a certificate OTTS (vehicle type approval). Without it, the traffic police will refuse registration. The cost of registration is from 500,000 rubles, the period is 2–3 months.
Legal nuances: is it possible to drive such a car in Russia?
From a legal point of view Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4² has no restrictions for operation in the Russian Federation, but there are several points:
- 📄 Customs clearance: If the car was imported after March 2022, confirmation of the legality of import will be required (sale and purchase agreement, customs declaration).
- 💸 Taxes: Transport tax for G 500 (422 hp) in Moscow - ~50,000 rubles per year.
- 🚨 Fines: For speeding in such a car, fines are 50% higher (Article 12.9 of the Administrative Code).
Particular attention is paid to insurance. Most insurance companies refuse to issue CASCO insurance for cars costing more than 10 million rubles without:
- Settings
GLONASS/GPS-tracker. - Storage in a secure garage.
- Restrictions on drivers (only the owner or specified persons).
CASCO cost for G 500 4x4² (2020, 15 million rubles):
| Insurance company | Cost, rub./year | Franchise |
|---|---|---|
| Ingosstrakh | 450 000 – 500 000 | 50 000 |
| RESO-Garantiya | 400 000 – 450 000 | 100 000 |
| AlfaInsurance | 500 000 – 550 000 | 30 000 |
⚠️ Attention: When applying for compulsory motor liability insurance for a car worth more than 3 million rubles, an increasing factor of 1.6 applies. This increases the cost of the policy to 15,000–18,000 rubles per year.
I’ll buy the original G 500 4x4²|I’ll build an analogue based on the standard G-Class|I’ll look at other SUVs (Urus, Cayenne)|The TV series is enough for me, I won’t buy a car-->
Alternatives to the car from “Centaur”: what to choose instead of the G 500 4x4²
If Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4² too expensive or rare, consider analogues with similar characteristics:
- 🏆 Mercedes-AMG G 63 — more powerful (585 hp), but less passable (clearance 241 mm). Price: from 10 million rubles.
- 🛡️ Land Rover Defender 110 X - a modern SUV with a ground clearance of 291 mm and adaptive suspension. Price: from 9 million rubles.
- 💰 Brabus G 800 — tuned G-Class with 800 hp, but the price starts from 25 million rubles.
- 🚙 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR-S - more reliable and cheaper to maintain (from 7 million rubles), but less prestigious.
Comparison of key parameters:
| Model | Engine | Ground clearance, mm | Acceleration 0–100, s | Price, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G 500 4x4² | 4.0 V8 (422 hp) | 300 | 6,2 | 12 000 000+ |
| AMG G 63 | 4.0 V8 (585 hp) | 241 | 4,5 | 10 000 000+ |
| Defender 110 X | 3.0 V6 (400 hp) | 291 | 6,1 | 9 000 000+ |
| Land Cruiser 300 GR-S | 3.5 V6 (415 hp) | 225 | 6,7 | 7 000 000+ |
If the priority is cross-country ability, it's better to choose Defender or modify Land Cruiser. If important status and power — AMG G 63. For collectors, the only option is the original G 500 4x4².
Before buying an alternative, be sure to test the car off-road - many “SUVs” lose driving performance after a lift or chip tuning.
Maintenance and repair: how much does it cost to maintain a Centaur?
Contents Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4² costs 3–5 times more than mass-produced SUVs. Main expense items:
- 🛢️ Fuel: with a real consumption of 18 l/100 km and a gasoline price of 55 rubles/l - ~1000 rubles. per 100 km.
- 🔧 TO: oil and filter changes - 50,000 rubles (every 15,000 km).
- 🛠️ Suspension repair: replacement of shock absorbers - 400,000 rubles (set).
- 🔋 Battery: original
AGMcosts 60,000 rubles (lasts 3–4 years).
The most common breakdowns and their cost:
| Problem | Reason | Repair cost, rub. |
|---|---|---|
| Vibration during acceleration | Wear of cardan shafts | 200 000 – 300 000 |
| Engine oil leak | Worn valve cover gasket | 80 000 – 120 000 |
| Electronics failures | Oxidation of contacts in the block SAM |
50 000 – 150 000 |
| Suspension noise | Wear of rear axle silent blocks | 150 000 – 250 000 |
You can save on maintenance:
- 🔧Using non-original spare parts (for example,
MeyleorFebiinstead ofMercedes). - 🛠️Served in unofficial servicesspecializing in G-Class (savings up to 30%).
- 📱 Installing diagnostic scanner (for example,
iCarsoft MB II) for self-checking errors.
When purchasing spare parts, check them according to VIN code car - even within the same model G 500 4x4² Details may vary depending on year of manufacture.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the car from the movie "Centaur"
Is it possible to buy the exact same car as in the movie?
Theoretically yes, but in practice it is difficult. The film used several doubles, some of which could have been modified specifically for filming (for example, enhanced protection or decorative elements). You can find it on the secondary market G 500 4x4² 2018–2021, but they will differ in small details (color, wheels, interior).
How much does insurance cost for a G 500 4x4²?
The cost of CASCO depends on the age of the car and the region. For a 2020 car (15 million rubles) in Moscow this is ~450,000–500,000 rubles per year with a deductible of 50,000 rubles. OSAGO will cost 15,000–18,000 rubles due to the increasing coefficient for expensive cars.
What documents are needed to import the G 500 4x4² to Russia?
From 2022, legal import is possible only through parallel imports. You will need:
- Purchase and sale agreement with a foreign seller.
- Customs declaration (done by broker).
- Certificate of conformity (for example,
OTTS). - Payment of recycling fee (300,000–500,000 rubles).
The total cost of customs clearance is from 3 to 5 million rubles.
What is the actual fuel consumption of the G 500 4x4²?
In the city - 20-22 l/100 km, on the highway - 14-16 l/100 km. When driving off-road, consumption can reach 25–30 l/100 km. It is recommended to refuel with gasoline AI-98 (according to passport it is allowed AI-95, but this reduces the life of the turbines).
Is it possible to install an armored package on the G-Class, like in the film?
Yes, but this requires official approval. Company Mercedes-Benz Guard offers armored versions G-Class (protection level VR4 or VR6), but their cost starts from 30 million rubles. An alternative is a tuning studio (for example, Inkas or Trasco-Bremen), where booking will cost 5–8 million rubles.