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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  2017 G550 Nightmare - 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By julianfrancishill@gmail.com - June 12 - 9:11 am

  I have slaved through school for the past 14 years to finally purchase the car of my dreams. I spent countless hours test driving and convincing my wife to buy this car. It was a special order designed by the dealer. It just so happened to be the exact color and some options I preferred. I made a down payment. En route to the US from germany, the cargo ship had a fire. This caused a +1 month hold up on my car at the port of Baltimore. Thinking to myself????? "Should I buy a car like this?" The car was released and finally arrives!!! Yes! I go to the dealer for pickup and drive it for 15 minutes and enjoyed finally being able to see the most beautiful hand crafted piece of artwork ever made. I cruised at low speeds, talked to my salesman, played the radio. Of course, no one is paging attention to fine details at this point. The car went straight from the dealer to my friend who has placed Xpel ultimate on other vehicles of mine. He did an amazing job. 1 week worth of hard work and dedication, The day finally arrives to return the loaner and pick up my car. From the start I heard an intermittent "booting" noise, almost like a baby owl. It would mainly occur between shifts or let up off of the gas. Higher temperatures outside produced a more defined and constant noise. The biggest issue besides the "most" annoying noise was a very hard rumbly and shaking shift when I would brake from 4th to 3rd gear. This was always constant. I finally got the car to my local detailed (whom has been more than professional and kind) to have the service manager drive my car. He noted all of the complaints and the car went in for service. Adaptations (computer updates) were performed which actually made the shifting and hard shakes worse. This is week 3 and there has been no fix. I was told today that, corporate engineers, told my local service team to tear apart the transmission and check everything. They respectfully disagreed and deferred this treatment. They know its a transmission issue and a case was opened. Meanwhile, they have captured the noise and recorded what I described as "hooting" earlier. They hear it and also agree that this is "NOT" normal. They have no idea what is causing it. With this, I was told today that the service team have been in contact with corporate and they have planned to order a new transmission...... from Germany. 2 more weeks, plus delivery, plus installation. I have involved and contacted MB customer service. These messages have been relayed up the hierachal chain. They were great about getting back to me in a very efficient time. I was told today that they assure their engineers are trying to fix this problem quickly. I have assured and assured that no one in their right mind would pay 129k for a car and want the transmission replaced and to have a noise that cant be fixed. Without anymore complaining and painful details, I am still dealing with this and to let others know, I am not the only one with these issues. A new "befriended" friend of mine and I have been in contact, and he has the same noises. He has also had his brand new 2017 G550 rear end replaced because they thought the noise was coming from there. Its been a disaster and no one who pays this sort of money on a high end luxury vehicle deserves this. The car should be taken back without any question.

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  UGLY - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By random - July 26 - 5:33 am

  nice inside bad outside