Overview & Reviews

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class was originally developed for military use back in the late 1970s as a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive conveyance. But over the intervening decades, Mercedes has continuously updated it for civilian use, adding more refinement and luxury features as time has gone on. Yet despite the heated seats and abundance of polished wood trim, there's no denying the G's utilitarian roots. At nearly 3 tons, describing it as an over-engineered, leather-lined rolling bank vault would be perfectly acceptable. 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 off road? With three locking differentials? Definitely. Desirable? Oddly, yes. As such, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class isn'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 G63 AMG trims. Both come fully loaded with many of the luxury items found in most modern Mercedes, such as keyless ignition and entry, adaptive cruise control and a navigation system. There are no factory options, but one can sample from the extensive catalog of custom-order paints, leather colors and interior trim choices.

The G550 is equipped with a 5.5-liter V8 generating 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The G63 AMG sports a turbocharged version of that V8 that increases output to 536 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. Power is transmitted through a seven-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with lockable front, center and rear differentials. The G550 can run from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, while the muscle-bound G63 AMG does the same sprint in just 5.3 seconds. Both models earn an EPA-estimated 13 mpg in combined driving. What, were you expecting it to be thrifty?

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 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 produced 349 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque. It was upgraded to 469 hp and 516 lb-ft for 2005. A five-speed automatic was standard on both models until the G500 got a seven-speed auto for 2007.

Models produced prior to 2007 had lower-quality materials and less advanced interior controls. There were additional upgrades for '09, including slightly different exterior styling, a more advanced COMAND electronics interface and additional standard features like multicontour ventilated seats and an iPod interface. The G550 and its accompanying engine/transmission combo also supplanted the G500 that year, while the G55 AMG was bumped up to 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes discontinued the G55 AMG model following the 2011 model year, replacing it with the G63 AMG in 2013.

It's not out of the question to find a G-Class for sale that's from earlier than 2002. 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. Powered by a variety of gasoline and diesel engines, early Gs were rugged utilitarian workhorses with a go-anywhere reputation.

User Reviews:

• 

  the truth - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By ricknyce1 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  the truck is a top of the line truck well built but the body style is UGLY plan and simple use somemore sporty features and lower it a bit inter is perfict!!!

• 

  G500 Lemon - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Dr.MLG - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Mechanical and electrial defects have kept the vehicle in the service department over 30 days in the first 3 months of ownership. The noise that developed recently, from somewhere in the dash, which started after replacing the starter switch, is still present after 2 1/2 weeks in the shop. MB decided that it is a design problem that I have to live with.

• 

  What A Mess - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By tahcan - April 10 - 5:43 am

  This car rocks....when it works. My G wagon was in the shop 32 days in 8 months for a never ending run of problems which the dealer could not fix so I switched dealers...three times with the same results. Drive out of the shop and some light or warning would go off before I got home. The only possible way you drive this car is if you have another one when this one is in the shop.

• 

  Wish I had bought the Range Rover - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By sths - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed. Drive is rough for around town and while it probably does great off road, it is a bit expensive and dressed up for off road use. Fuel economy is poor. The navigation system is poorly done. All in all it is a very expensive novelty. This seems to be born out in the unbelievalby poor resale value. I would and have not recommended it to anyone else.

• 

  Not All That - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By SCMAN - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I admit, I had to order one and be one of the first. Yes I made a mistake and will be selling or trading it in. While its a respectable off road vehicle and can run circles around anything except a Hummer (either one) but its just too "goofy" to be seen in every day. Face it, call it retro, art, or just plain ugly its not a good looking vehicle. Interior quality is Mercedes all the way. Not sure who this truck is targeted toward, but its not me.

• 

  Overrated car - 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By johnny - October 25 - 1:43 pm

  Its a fun car, I would not think of buying another though. I truly think its overrated. For an SUV its too fancy, but it has great on road handling.

• 

  Bad News - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By NewMexico - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle as a lot of power. The driver seat is comfortable the rest of the car is very uncortable. Very small if you have a family of two or more. Comes equiped with a horrible wind noise that sounds like you are driving a comfortable. Gussles gas 12 miles to the gal. Does not have hitch. Very disapointed for this type of money. Does not handle very well on turns.

• 

  pirus - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By piru - March 1 - 10:00 am

  For 76,000 Dlls. you expect something not as delicate. the tire replacement cover is very delicate alone is worth about 1000 dlls. for that money, the car should take care of me, not the other way around.

• 

  Consider other SUVs - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Leighton - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my G500 in August of 2002. Since that time the door hinge seals required replacement twice, the transfer case computer went out at 10,000 miles, even before going off road. The car blows fuses for the power seats and the vehicle required visits to the shop more than twice for power window failure. You need a second car to own a G500 so you have something to drive. One also wouldnt expect the G500 to squeak, but it does. And the service departments arent much better than the vehicle itself. This is one consumer who will never buy another Mercedes Benz.

• 

  Update to previous review - 2007 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By JulesH - July 4 - 7:53 pm

  Ive had this vehicle now for 5 months. It has been in the shop several times. It is not reliable and I cannot recommend it. The steering wheel shock absorber was replaced and front end was aligned, the entire headlight bulb assembly had to be reworked to fix an electrical short (this took 3 trips to the dealer) and the passenger side door had to be realigned since it would not close properly. This was all within the 1st. week of ownership. Then the rear door lock went and now the rear window washer does not work. Car is a time bomb. The dealer is now offering to buy it back after my complaints. It was supposed to be CPOd, but problems since day 1 have been occurring.