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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  Mercedes Benz G Wagon - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By ajm@mcrobertsinc.com - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, after the dealer removes all of the door rattles. For a hand made vehicle, Mercedes Benz needs to put effort in delivery of a rattle free vehicle, including wind noise. The dealership took care of all issues. Hopefully Mercedes Benz will take note of the money they are paying dealers to take care of factory issues. The more miles it has the better it drives, i.e., loosens up.

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  ok care for the money - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By BenzyMan01 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Purchased it about 5 months ago and its an overall great buy, but im not so happy with the reaction on it. people dont like the looks and I dont know if I do. I cant wait for the new generation G to come out.

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  G55 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By JRWoodyard - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck, VERY UNIQUE!

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  Mercedes Saved The Best For The Last - 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Panzer - April 3 - 4:40 pm

  With a 469hp twin turbo V8 Kompressor engine this vehicle has prodigious power. The dual side exhaust sounds incredible. This beast will do zero to sixty in a little under 5.5 seconds which makes it the ultimate sleeper until they hear the substantial roar of the exhaust rattle their ear drums. However when the windows are up you can barely hear it. This is a tight vehicle to say the least. Mercedes teased us all by putting the V8 Kompressor in the last model year for the G - (or is it? - I have heard rumors of possibly continuing the G series under a different manufacturer)

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  G Wagon to the rescue - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By zipperino - December 3 - 2:00 am

  The best built car in production today. No comparison.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By jonlands - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The car is fun to drive.Reliable in bad weather.Gas mileage is terrible.The second row of seats is not that comfortable for kids in their car seats. Great styling and solid steady handling.Cargo space is OK

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  It owns the road - 2007 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Julesh - July 15 - 5:50 am

  in 07 the G was upgraded with xenons and a 7 speed transmission. It looks like a huge car, but its actually smaller than full size suvs like the Expedition, Navigator and Escalade. It is quite tall though. You either like the look or you dont. Inside, the interior is top notch. The controls are easy to operate, but the car needs steering wheel mounted volume controls. You have to reach over a ways to get to the radio. Plenty of foot room, lots of cargo room. Get moving and the doors lock with the sound of a 12 guage cocking, the car turns very tight, handles well at low speeds, on the highway it loves rough roads. It doesnt handle too well on turns at speed, its a huge tall SUV after all

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  Porsche to G wagon - 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By porsche - September 14 - 7:10 pm

  Robust is not the word to describe this. Steel frame, heavy steel, massive hinges. Youd think it was built for military use. It turns heads everywhere. Ive been wanting one for 2 years, and am not in any way disapointed, except I wish service could be thru MB trucks and not the car dealer.

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  g55 big bucks for big thrills - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By alfred - May 28 - 10:00 am

  very fast and agile for a big truck. great looking and gets more stares than any suv on the market

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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.