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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Move over Rover....Benzo is taking over - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Bobby B - July 15 - 2:00 amHad a 01 range rover Hse great looks but built like junk. The G500 is rock solid and reliable. Although comparable in price the quality is so much better. I love the look, although most think that it is a big box, thats what I like. If it is so bad, then why does it always end up in the front of every valet lot in town....hmmm. I have put 22 inch wheels on it which has helped with the handling around corners.
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FABULOUS - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Mary Margaret - July 15 - 2:00 amI love this car, it is dependable and very fun to drive.
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Military vehicle - 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By BlueAngels - May 23 - 12:56 pmHaving seen the G-Wagon in the miltary service, it is kind of odd to see them as a luxury car. These tanks are made to take all kind of abuses. Unless you are taking them off-road in the Pac West or somewhere, you will be better off driving a smaller SUV.
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Da Bomb - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Adis - May 2 - 10:00 amits greatfun and u can trust on to get to any place
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Not All That - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By SCMAN - April 19 - 10:00 amI 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.
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True 4 wheel power - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By busch - April 4 - 8:16 pmAn outstanding vehicle capable of any chosen offroad drive test. Unique power on the highway. Startup at trafic intersection to 75 mph within 6 seconds. Its extremely safe. I survived a head on colission with another vehicle in a previous model with out mishap.
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great - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By ucballer3206 - February 1 - 2:00 amThis vechile is grat it drives great and looks great.
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Ill keep itfor 20 years! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Roxydad - December 9 - 1:43 pmAfter about 2,500 miles, the G500 is perfect: comfortable, extreemly capeable off road, built like a tank and civilized enough that I have to fight my wife for the keys. On road performance is adequate in all respects with acceleration good, braking very good and handling, surprisingly, also very good. Moreover, it has remarkably good NVH isolation. The COMAND system is complicated, but I like having access to a GPS.
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Dont compare this vehicle to others - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Ciro - November 28 - 10:00 amI read other reviews and laughed. They expect a square vehicle to be quiet and get good mpg, not. I bought this vehicle because of its actual ruggedness and the fact that its a military vehicle in Germany. In other words, a German Hummer. I got exactly what I expected an more. A very tough vehicle with some luxury appointments. Interior noise is minimal for a square vehicle. It handles like a truck, as it should, since it weighs as much a a large pick-up truck. Gas mileage is actually not that bad if you dont use the 292hp all the time. Ive averaged 19mpg in the highway @ 55mph and as high as 17mpg in the city if your light on the gas. But stomp on the pedal and it drinks the fuel.
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AWESOME SUV. - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By NKDOWN - October 27 - 10:00 amBy far the coolest car Ive owned. If your looking for something different, something that turns heads and is a solid car, this is the car for you.
