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:

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  G Class Rules - 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Q - August 23 - 10:03 pm

  I have had my G for quite some time. It is quality throughout. No plastic and thin metal. Go and drive the best. Its better than my BMW 5 series and the best vehicle I have ever driven. See for yourself. The Hummer owners wish they had one! Its for real.

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  Awesome Power and Looks - 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Robert H - July 18 - 4:49 pm

  Amazing performance, sound, and looks. Not the mileage or rear seat room for a family touring vehicle but excellent around town runner. Front driver and passenger room and comfort is excellent. This SUV is like no other and draws a lot of attention wherever you drive it.

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  shaspa - 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By sharon spatz - June 27 - 2:03 pm

  Such a solid drive. Extremely comfortable. The quality of the vehicle is so amazing. We feel much safer with this heavy vehicle.

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  Silver Monster - 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By jeld - May 23 - 1:00 am

  We love our silver monster, its like a bad tempered pet

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  i love my car - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By shopurgurl - March 19 - 2:00 am

  never have i wanted to NOT replace or upgrade...I LOVE this car..cant imagine what could be better besides the gas gussling

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  Heavy Duty Fagility - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Devon - March 5 - 2:00 am

  The G500 is a great eye catcher and off- road performer. The materials and and weight are reminiscent of the Mercedes of yesteryear. When you close the door... it CLOSES. All the major problems come from the advanced electronic systems. Seems as though Mercedes rushed it into production before bringing it to the States. Itll be better in 2003 or 2004, hopefully.

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  A Beautiful Tank on the outside, Harsh on the inside - 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By danielk1974 - February 26 - 8:53 pm

  My wife got this car as her ultimate SUV dream vehicle. She had wanted one for 15 years. We got a good deal and she traded in her Lexus LX 570. We went from a peaceful cocoon of luxury to a rough and randy tank. She absolutely loves it. There is truly nothing else like it on the road. However, it is not very comfortable to drive. Steering is heavy. Acceleration is slow. The engine is loud. The seats are not comfortable. And yet everytime she looks at it, she loves it a little more. I dont like driving it at all, but thats why she tells me its her car, not mine.

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  Rolls Royce of 4x4s - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Brabus - January 8 - 11:16 am

  It is the best truck on the road. It simply looks like nothing else, and drives like caviar on butter. I had to limo-tint my windows as this car definitely gets a lot of attention. Every time I drive someone in the G500 they WOW all the time. When I go to clubs or restaurants, valet parking would always put it up front for grabbing attention. This is a top of the line truck.

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  All- Around Car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By g55man - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Perfect for anyone to drive!

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  WE WOULD LIKE IT OUR WAY - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By ntfire - November 18 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS FOR THOSE WHO NEED 4 WHEEL DRIVE. I AM OFF PAVEMENT AT LEAST 20%. 10% WITH DIFFERENTAILS LOCKED. THE CAR IS THE GOLD STANDARD OF SOLID, A PRICE TO PAY FOR THIS, WEIGHT. VEHICLE PROFILE IS UNITILITARIAN. LOTS OF DRAG IN HI SPEED. MBENZ OFFERS MANY MORE OPTIONS TO THEIR EU CUSTOMERS THAN USA, I AM NOT GETTING WHAT I REALLY WANT. LESS THAN 25% OF THE AVAILABLE OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN EU ARE AVAILABLE IN USA. I OWN AN EU MODEL .I KNOW IN EUROPE A IT IS STILL QUITE A CAR. ONE DAY THEY WILL OFFER THE US THE CARS THE WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE . THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO OPINE.