AUTOart 1:18 Mercedes‑Benz G500 4x4² (Electric Beam Yellow) - Review

The G500 4x4² is a wild off-roader, and AutoArt’s 1:18 Electric Beam (yellow) model captures its absurd bulk and bright color perfectly. The yellow paint is vibrant and contrasts sharply with the black trim and red accents. In this review I’ll break down how well it matches the real thing — from its lifted suspension to its working rear gate — and whether it’s as fun as it looks (spoiler: it is).

Exterior & Paint – 9/10

This thing glows under light. The Electric Beam Yellow finish is flawlessly applied and pops on the shelf. The model faithfully shows off the 4x4²’s monster features: oversized wheels, flared fenders, roof rack with light bar, and silver brush guards. The black roof and trim pieces are crisp and add great contrast. Every surface and line looks sharp – no sloppy gaps or uneven paint. Put simply, it nails the look of a 4x4² turned up to eleven.

Detail & Accuracy – 8/10

AutoArt didn’t skimp on details. It even has real rubber tires, accurate 18-inch wheels, and painted red brake calipers peeking through. The interior is carpeted and well-detailed (complete with roll-bar styling), and the model includes a little roof rack like the actual truck. Each badge and vent (even the tiny front grille) is nicely molded or printed. The top half of the doors has the right “boxy” shape. One minor thing: some chrome parts (mirror housings, grill) are plastic rather than metal, but the finish is smooth. Overall, it’s a convincing miniaturization of the real truck.

Interior & Features – 7/10

Open the doors to find a surprisingly well-appointed cabin. The seats and dashboard shapes are spot-on for the G-Class, with red piping on the seats that matches the exterior accents. It even has the rear roll-cage bars you’d expect in the 4x4² version. The model has a carpeted floor and a realistic steering wheel. It’s mostly black (so no flashy color theme), but the little bits of red add some flair.

Under the hood, there is a properly detailed engine bay, featuring a well-molded representation of the V8 with cleanly laid-out components and solid depth. A nice bonus that adds realism and display value. The interior is accurate but relatively plain - real G Wagens have lots of buttons, but here things are simplified (which is fine at this scale). Still, it feels like a serious truck cockpit.

Functionality – 8/10

All the essentials move. Both front doors swing open on tight hinges, the front hood lifts to reveal a detailed engine compartment, and the rear side gate opens too. The glass roof panel is fixed, however, but the roof rack details compensate nicely. The wheels steer in sync as you turn them (AutoArt trademark) and roll on the rubber tires, giving it a realistic heft when pushed. There are no working suspension joints (the 4x4² sits high and rigid), but everything else feels robust. The only slight oddity: the roof lights and rack are fixed, not removable. Despite that, it’s fully playable as a diecast – nothing feels flimsy, and you can pose it with the rear gate open if desired.

Value – 8/10

This model isn’t cheap – it lists around $230 USD (similar to AutoArt’s other 4x4² colors). That price places it in line with other diecast G-Wagens and specialty models. For example, AutoArt also made this truck in Alien Green (76315), Silver (76318), and Gloss White (76316), all at $229.99 each. Considering the detail, rubber tires, and licensed accuracy, the price is fair for collectors. In short, you’re paying for quality and exclusivity (this color and model are limited), but you get a very polished final piece.

Pros

• Bold paint & build: Vivid yellow paint and chunky design make it stand out.
• Realistic features: Rubber tires, steerable wheels, and a carpeted cabin.
• Openable parts: Working hood and rear gate add interactivity.

Cons

• Interior is all-black: Cabin detail is accurate but pretty dark and not flashy.
• No removable roof: The G-wagen’s glass roof is molded in place (common for this diecast).
• Premium price: It’s a high-end model, so it’s not budget-friendly (though comparable to peers).

Overall Score – 8.4/10

AutoArt’s G500 4x4² in Electric Beam Yellow is a blast of fun. It nails the real truck’s over-the-top styling and includes just enough moving parts (doors, hood, etc.) to make it engaging. Sure, the interior is utilitarian, but that’s exactly how a no-nonsense Mercedes off-roader should be. If you want a killer 1:18 G-Wagen that draws attention, this one ticks all the boxes