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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  2004 G500 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Thai - January 19 - 6:00 pm

  Great SUV. Just the right size for off-roading. Built like a tank or bank vault. Nothing else on the road like it. The locking diffs and compact size are what put this SUV above everything else not named Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Interior space is surprisingly good, but a bit narrow. This applies to the cargo area too. Interior design is very old, but the materials and fit & finish are first rate (and appropriate for price). Storage space is at a premium though. Stereo is pretty good when you play CDs, not so good with radio. Leather is top-notch...after 50k miles, no signs of creasing! (This is in contrast to my brothers LX470s leather.)

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  G500 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By SALLY - October 24 - 10:00 am

  BEST BUILT TRUCK I HAVE EVER HAD ! POWER , LOOKS , SAFE !

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  Myahshauntis Review - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Myahshaunti Mercer - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is best for those who are out to profile. It handles great and is very roomy. The engineers didnt cut corners when it came to the comfort and durability. I have twin 2- year old boys who play very rough and they havent done a thing. I recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for room, luxury, and above all, class.

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  OH MY HECK!!!!! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By spin man - September 11 - 12:20 pm

  This is no SUV for the typical affluent housewife. It is an awesome military born rugged SUV turned luxury- --well, as much as possible. It takes a heavy hand and a heavy foot, but that is not a bad thing. It is more of a mans car, no doubt. I love it because it is never going to lose the visual appeal it possesses. It is strong, demanding, and has incredible presence. That is what makes the G500 stand all alone. Nothing comes close.

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  what a mistake - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By jsiegel - September 3 - 2:00 am

  never again

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  excellent - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By canero - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I feel very secured,is a lot of fun,very reliable,comfortable,and I would like to keep this car for many years

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  Civilian Version of German Humvee - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Ed Rabel - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This is the most coveted, most durable, best performing Mercedes-Benz Ive ever owned. Cant wait til the 2005 model appears. Built in Austria by superb craftsmen, this beats anything we Americans turn out in this class.

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  G500 is TOPS - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Proud G Owner - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned several Mercedes Benz but by far this is the Best one yet.We needed a truck for our family the ML is to small for a family truck so when I saw a G500 up close I bought it.

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  The old new G - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Dave - June 27 - 2:33 pm

  This truck look awesome and when you behind the wheel you feel on top of the world.But it unfortunately from day one since we got our beloved G we had nothing but problems and frustrations. This car does have all problems in the world. Everything went wrong from door locks; number of computer modules, main computer, heated steering, ESP and airbags system to the most resent-paint was coming off on all door latches.Its been in the shop 4 months in the past 2 years and has about 38 pages of problem record. DealerÂ’s service department was trying to help but this truck was having more and more problems. Finaly Mercedes taking this car back as lemon after 2 years.I would not recomend it at all.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By bobby d - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Blazers, 4-Runners and others and this is by far the best SUV on the road.