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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  Not what I expected. - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By djt - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 2 Lexus LX 470s, upon purchasing the G 500 I realized just how much Id given up. The interior is much narrower than the LX, the ride is much firmer and the cabin is much darker (due to the lack of a glass sunroof). All of this is immediatly apparent when you first test drive the G, but its initial seductiveness makes you put all of this aside. Unfortunatly the sexiness wears off very quickly and all your left with are the shortcomings. As soon as DMV processes my title, Ill probably sell the G and look at either the 2003 Range Rover or another LX 470.

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  Lets Be Objective - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By stasik7 - April 21 - 7:10 pm

  I knew what I was buying before I bought it. This vehicle does get terrible gas mileage, compared to a Civic, but you should expect it when you are buying an almost 3 ton truck that costs $80,000. It is stiff, but you have to consider what this truck was originally desinged for. I had to take it to the dealer to have a few minor things fixed, but what vehicle does not have problems every now and then. The verdict is this: If you want a vehicle that will never go out of style, that will take you virtually anywhere, a vehicle that has plenty of power and eye appeal, then you should buy one! If you are thinking why would I need a truck to be all that..I dont know...WHY NOT!!!

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  Hot ride - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Jtatum - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had alot of exotic cars in the past but the G wagon gets more attention than all of them. Its a little rough on the ride and tough on gas but Im having alot of fun driving it.

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  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.

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  G500 is amazing - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By stuff - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is really great. It has everything you would ever want

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  The Best - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By jkayz - March 16 - 3:50 pm

  A G-Class ( Gelaendewagen) is simply the best SUV there is. Forget the Hummer, Range\Land Rover, Land Cruiser etc. This vehicle will get you out of anything. Ask the US military why they are switching from the Hummer to the G-class...

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  Canadian Militarys Finest - 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By TJ - March 16 - 11:06 am

  Our second G. My wife wanted one of the last ones to make it to North America. She loves it and places me second place in our home. Great ride and commands the road. The new 2006 being built in Alabama does not deserve the G CLASS name!! It is an embarassment to us G lovers!! (maybe Pacifica 2 would be more appropriate!)

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  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.

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  G500 at 10,000 mi. 5 mos.old - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By G500CATDOG - January 12 - 10:00 am

  love it the feel and its looks and the attention it gets wanted a vehicle for longevitty had an oil leak that 2 times at the dealer to tighten a fitting and a broken door latch within 1000 mi. sqeeks like crazy enough to make you go mad selling dealer was real lame about fixing anything but another dealer has helped a lot the sqeeks seem to be temp. sensitive still keep a can of silicone handy ! still feels like a million. breaking nice at 1o,ooomi.

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  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.