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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  A Tank - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By mangliyo - May 25 - 1:03 am

  No Question, this vehicle is not for everybody. Its rough, strong, and at the same time a beautiful piece of art. Even though MPG is very low that doesnt keep me from driving it daily.

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  G-500 Good Buy - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By EWY2003 - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Former Rover owner-love the dependability. Have always owned MPPV, this has great performance. I have not experienced any excessive wind noise or other negative points shared by editors or reviewers. Better than the Escalade and the new Porshe toureag/cayen.

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  Solid and Fun - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Elvis"the king" - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive but no for a long time or everyday. But when you do drive it, one of the best. Make sure its not your everyday around town car. If you want that, but a car.

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  hte best suv - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By coolcat - December 15 - 10:00 am

  this is one of the best cars i have i think like it more then my ferrari but i dont know

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  Nice - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By JessV - December 15 - 10:00 am

  real nice car i got for my 16th birthday

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  Excellent Choice - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Susana Li - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Overall its drives excellent and handles the road almost as good as the hummer. Its different and you wont see everyone with it. When your driving through the city everyone knows this person has style, class and must be extremely wealthy and powerful. Its a beauty well worth the money. Did I mention the package that this beauty comes with, forget about it!! its to die for, you cant go wrong. Its better than a lease... Youll never know or understand what I mean until you either test drive it or hell, " just go buy one and feel the comfort and enjoyment me and my wife feel each and every day. Take Care, Andy

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  g500 fun - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By endever - December 15 - 10:00 am

  a blast to drive, and a real head turner

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  I love this vehicle! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Lori L. - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Compared to my 2001 Range Rover 4.6 HSE....wait, there it no comparison! My G500 provides a far superior ride. So far, problem free!

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  Better than expected - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By sharon spatz - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Saw one on the road and loved the looks. Ordered it and had to wait in order to get 2004 model. After ordering, while waiting for delivery, was told by someone that loved luxury cars that I would hate it. He drove it and would never buy one. I am so glad I took delivery. Best vehicle I have ever driven. So solid, comfortable and love the looks - gets lots of attention.

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  G-Wagon - 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Braingears - February 23 - 10:10 am

  This truck can go anywhere and through anything. It can also tow my 32 foot boat without a thought. I also like the fact that it is solid and NOT made of plastic. It is made to go 1,000,000 miles.