Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review

One of the most iconic SUVs in the business, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a luxurious yet rugged sport-utility vehicle now in its fourth decade of production. Appearing much as a Hummer might if fitted with an impeccable Hugo Boss suit, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class was originally developed for military use as a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive conveyance. Updated over the decades and given the latest Mercedes accoutrements, luxury, refinement and sheer presence have supplanted pure functionality as the G-Class's chief attractions.

Not that there's any denying the G's utilitarian roots: At nearly 3 tons, describing it as an over-engineered, leather-lined rolling bank vault would be an apt portrayal. It's tall with a healthy step-in height, its doors close with a reassuring clunk, space efficiency is unexceptional and its heft contributes to poor fuel economy and ponderous handling.

So is it practical? Not really. Capable? Definitely. Desirable? Oddly, yes. As such, the Mercedes-Benz G550 and supercharged G55 AMG aren't the best choice for a single or even two-vehicle household, but if you've got a multicar setup with spots for a variety of cars, the G-Class is one cool super truck to add to the fleet.

Current Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a five-passenger SUV offered in G550 and G55 AMG trim. Both models come fully loaded with most of the luxury and technology items found in modern Mercedes and there are no factory options.

The G550 is equipped with a 5.5-liter V8 generating 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Power is transmitted through a seven-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system with lockable front, center and rear differentials. This combination is good for a 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds, with combined fuel economy of 13 mpg (what, were you expecting it to be thrifty?).

The G55 AMG sports a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 cranking out 500 horses and a stump-pulling 516 lb-ft of torque working through a five-speed automatic and the 4WD setup. The AMG shaves about a second off the sprint to 60 mph, while essentially matching the fuel economy of the standard engine.

The Mercedes G-Class masks its utilitarian nature well with a comfortable highway ride, but composure suffers when it's hustled around corners due to its tanklike mass. It can be a handful to drive in the city as well, meaning that suburbanites had better think twice before choosing it as the go-to vehicle for errands.

On the other hand, the G shines off road with old-school competence that can conquer just about any terrain you're brave enough to explore. Antiquated truck-based design is a hallmark inside, too, though it's less welcome. The G-Class's awkward ergonomics and space utilization can't match the friendlier controls placement and layout of its newer rivals. It is luxurious, however, with excellent materials quality and finish befitting a vehicle with such a lofty price point.

Used Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class first officially showed up on American shores for 2002. It was originally only offered as the G500, sporting a 5.0-liter V8 good for 292 hp and 336 lb-ft of torque. The G55 AMG showed up the next year with its 5.5-liter supercharged V8 that then produced 349 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque. It was upgraded to 469 hp and 516 lb-ft for 2005. Both the G500 and G55 had five-speed automatics.

Additional standard luxury features were added over the years, and the interior was upgraded with better materials and updated controls for '07. That year also saw the G500 get a seven-speed automatic. The G550 debuted the next year, while the G55 AMG received a bump up to its current output. The interior was updated once again with new electronics and additional equipment.

The G-Class was originally the offspring of a 1979 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Austrian companies Steyr and Puch. The G-Wagen was imported on a "gray market" basis for two decades before officially arriving on U.S. shores in 2002. Powered by a variety of gasoline and diesel engines, early Gs were rugged utilitarian workhorses with a go-anywhere reputation.

For more on Past Mercedes-Benz G-Class models, view our Mercedes-Benz G-Class History page