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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  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.

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  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.

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  maximus - 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By angelo lup - February 2 - 9:53 am

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  2005 G55 - 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By cmdierickx - December 22 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING TRUCK ON THE MARKET. THE SPEED IS UNBELIEVABLE. NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO THIS SUPERB VEHICLE.

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  G500 EI Review - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By IBCNYA - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This my third high-end SUV, and it is my best by far. The unique styling is very eye catching. All of the creature comforts offered in the G500 are comparable to those of the S and CL classes. The comfort seat makes long drives or sitting through protracted traffic jams a very comfortable experience. Couple the seats with the upgraded sound system and can almost shut out the rest of the world. The all-terrain tires can offer a fairly stiff ride, but that can be remedied by replacing them with a softer, wider tire that is more suited for highway driving.

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  THIS IS A TRUCK - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By ROUGHRIDER - August 19 - 2:00 am

  You cant criticize a good off road vehicle for being a good off road vehicle. If you bought it just for the looks or for the trendiness you will probably will get tired of it. But if you appreciate the confidence of being able to face whatever the weather report throws at you (even if you never ever go off road), you will not get rid of this warranty on life. Plenty of power. Just a bit rough on the potholes (you are not supposed to drive 80 mph off road)...

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  G55 is a solid luxury SUV - 2007 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By CLL - August 15 - 1:13 am

  I bought this G55 for my wife. While it is not a typical squshy SUV,it is everything else and more. The power is amazing, Motor trend shows it at 0- 60MPH in 4.7 seconds agianst the cayanne S, bmx x series.It is very well built, handles very well and I feel safe with my wife and 3 children driving in it daily. The interior has superior finishes. The rear seats are great with 3 dedicated true seats, logs of leg room and a tall roof make it spacious. The trunk is very deep and easy to put strollers and groceries into. As the car breaks in, it is getting quicker in performance. I would buy it again in a minute. Once you drive it, you wont drive any other suv. No problems thus far at all.

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  Best - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Mercedes - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This benz of mine is very fine. I love the interior, it similar to my wifes S- 600. The offroad capability is amazing. The ride could stand some improvement. The G55 AMG is the third best mercedes in my opinion. I have had no problems and it is very reliable. If you have the 90000 dollars for standard G55 buy it, if you have the money for options get those too. Its great.

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  Amazing - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By jlmak - July 31 - 3:28 pm

  Ive owned my 2002 for 7 years. Its been amazing. Its a truck. Drives like a truck. It is not an Escalade or some floaty phony SUV. Thats why i love it. After a massive blizzard a few years ago (nearly 5ft of snow), my father was stuck on the side of road about 45 miles from my home. Trapped in his car with no way of getting assistance (the cops and fire couldnt respond) I drove out to get him. I made fresh tracks on Interstate 95 and numerous side roads the whole way. Never even had to lock the diffs. The truck performed amazingly. It was unreal. 100+ miles in 3-5ft of snow the whole way and the thing didnt bat an eye. Also didnt even have to shovel myself out.

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  NEW OWNER LOVES IT - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By DRJFORTLEE - July 15 - 2:00 am

  A great experience, incredible ride, tons of power and lots of fun.