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:
Showing 81 through 90 of 144.00-
not a ml........ thank god!!!!! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By NaPZ - July 12 - 10:00 amtough, nice, tough, tough..... a unique 4x4 that is definantly in a league of its own
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G wagen is best - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By monnie - July 6 - 10:00 amThis is the greatest suv ever..and Ive owned alot. Blows away all the competition and is more off road friendly than any others, yet drives in the city like the big MB sedans. Buy one!
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Nothing like it - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Don - May 27 - 9:56 amThis big SUV has more power than you would realize. Catches others on the road by surprise with its spunk. The other eyeopener for me, having owned three Range Rovers, is the stares it receives. You cannot miss it on the road.
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Well worth the wait...! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Very Happy - April 17 - 2:00 amWell worth the wait..!! Nothing quite like it. It is a truck, and dont forget that! It wasnt just designed, and made retro. It is work of art, in progress, and it only gets better with age. I use it as a daily driver and cant say enough. It is truly what I expected and more. Waited 11 months and the "G" has not disappointed, both mechanically or in terms of drivability. If you are really honest with yourself as to what you are buying you will not be disappointed. Happy motoring..!!/4x4ing.
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G class=1st class - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By ryan - March 28 - 1:13 amwonderful vehicle, but i would really like a 6 speed manual transmission on one.A superb field vehicle.no problems yet.the main competitor in Trinidad are the Range Rovers and the X5s.they cant handle the off road terrain
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Like it - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By suzy - March 1 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is so much fun! I love driving it and it has been wonderful in the snow and rain. The heated seats are so comfortable I do not want to reach my destination. It is not, however, for long hauls. Around town it is great! For long drives, however, I will continue to take the suburban.
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The Best !!!!!!!!!! - 2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By cemi - February 25 - 4:37 pmLove this truck, 5000 miles no problems !!! strong acceleration!! exterior styling!!!! and many more !!
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tough truck - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By bobafet - February 5 - 10:00 amthis is a great car for trips down the trail or cruising at 90, take your pick. Not very nimble but if that is what you were expecting then you bought the wrong car. Tows well and with ease, and absolutely refuses to get stuck. gets a;ot of looks
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Best SUV available today - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Denali - January 13 - 10:00 amThis is my 3rd G Wagon and I am still amazed at this amazing vehicle.There is nothing out there that even comes close.No Range Rover,no Landcruser and definetly NO HUMMER.I drive this car almost 40000 miles a year in the outback of Alaska and if there was anything as formidable as the G Wagon believe me I would buy it.Look out for the 2005 G55 Kompressor.Almost 500HP and 550ft. of torque. Where will it end.
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Dont miss the point of this vehicle - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Knights_Bridge - January 4 - 2:00 amThis vehicle gives you everything you want in the "modern day station wagon", also called the SUV, with the snob appeal of a luxury car. Go anywhere - literally - (except low level underground parking garages). A point to be made here is that you are buying this vehicle for what it is, A Mercedes Truck, not for anything else. Comparing the G500 to the new luxury SUVs is a like comparing a Hummer to a Rover... youre buying the Mercedes because of what it is... expensive fun!
