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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My Third G-Wagon - 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Justine - October 26 - 1:44 amI took delivery of my G65 AMG on July 24, 2016. This is my third G-Wagon over the course of seven years. I continue to come back to this vehicle because there simply is nothing like it, this vehicle has zero competition. For that reason, I will tell you exactly what I like and dislike about my G65. The first thing that I like would have to be its styling. I have a wrapped matte black G65 and with the LED Daytime Running lamps, I just cant get enough. The doors sound like you are shutting a tank, its quite the experience. The interior is absolutely resembling a true luxury Mercedes-Benz. I personally have the Piano Black trim and it looks stunning on the steering wheel, the doors, and across the dash. My Designo seats are amazingly comfortable and I would have no problem driving for hours on end. The space is immense, and with two kids in middle school, thats a must. Overall, I would recommend any trim level of the G-Wagon, you are getting a great value.
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10 Months experience G-55 Gelaendewagen - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By juergenb - September 26 - 10:00 amWe enjoy the sheer power surge, predictable cornering and handling of the truck. The very hard ride telegraphs every bump in the road, but provides outstanding steering control. Seat comfort and space for front seat occupants is very good. A/C and heating perform well. The steep angle of the windshield makes the car sensitive to stone damage.(2 incidents in 3,600 miles) The car was driven cross country in a wide range of weather conditions and at high speeds without problems The cd based GPS system is a nightmare in fringe areas because Navtech software does not overlap regions.
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great - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By mattman@aol.com - September 26 - 10:00 amvery fun to drive nice around corves and off roading
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A great suv - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By bhuskey - September 15 - 10:00 amI have owned several SUVs including a 2003 Land Rover HSE that I traded for the G-Wagon. Nothing compares to the Benz
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G 500 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By cmdierickx - September 14 - 2:00 amI love the G500!!! It is the most fun truck to drive. I agree it is a little hard to drive (makes it more fun), and its noisy (even more fun), but the feel that you have behind the wheel is awsome. I can drive anywhere and climb on almost anything without any problems.
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If you want a tank, heres your baby - 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By pampushky - August 17 - 3:36 pmThis is a weird car, but I love it. It is solid, mighty and odd, but it commands attention, it is safe, and you get a workout while you drive it. It isnt for everyone, it takes time to get used to and the mileage is awful. But it is the best car I have ever driven. Only fault besides mileage is middle seat needs a shoulder seatbelt and not just a lep belt.
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Conquer Everything - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Davids G500 - August 14 - 10:00 amIncredible machine! It takes a few days to get used to the ride, but after you get used to it, you wont want anything else!
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not for the mediocre - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Neil Michaels - August 8 - 2:00 amIf other SUVs promise the Moon, this one gives you the Sun. WOW, Unstoppable...this is definitely the ultimate in SUV comfort. The g-class has a firm feel to it yet does not give up a truly comfortable ride and still lets you know that youre not sliding along in some sedan.
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what an amazing truck - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By rjoseph - August 8 - 2:00 amfun fun fun and lots of attention from the public
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GREAT G500 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By DM11366 - August 2 - 2:00 amAWSOME GO ANYWHERE DO ALL VEHICLE, BEST 4 WHEEL DRIVE OF THEM ALL!!!!!!!!
