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 21 through 30 of 144.00-
Awesome - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By GMoney - December 8 - 2:00 am5 Months, and not a single problem! The only problem is all the stares I get driving my G-mobile down the strip! Quality is immaculate, and the rarity superb. I love this car!
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sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By alex crim - December 2 - 2:00 amBest Suv I have ever bought. I have never had anything but a Benz and will never change. The G500 is brand new and is the best Suv I have ever owned. For great info go to mbusa.com
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Cruises over and Ranges past the rest - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By GPedd7 - October 2 - 2:00 amI am sure I am one of the very few G Class owners who have really been off road in their vehicle, but I must say the G has very aceptional handling. On road and off. Being 6 feet tall, i fit right inside the somewhat cozy cabin. The seats are great and the driving stance/experience is amazing. Its like driving a tank and thats what i am use to. My last two cars were a Land Cruiser and a Range Rover, but i must say my G is the best car i have ever had ever.
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Bought It Love It - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By J P - August 10 - 10:00 amI purchased my G to serve as my primary vehicle and for off-road use. Its great. Built with great quality and blessed with 292 hp, this baby goes anywhere at anytime. Highly recommended.
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weeee - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By 345 - June 8 - 10:00 amthis car is a blast!!!! I love it evryone that reads this review should go out and buy one right now!!!!!
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THE RIGHT STUFF - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Mr. Big - May 2 - 2:00 amThis is the best SUV I have ever bee in
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maximus - 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By angelo lup - February 2 - 9:53 am -
2005 G55 - 2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By cmdierickx - December 22 - 10:00 amTHIS IS THE MOST AMAZING TRUCK ON THE MARKET. THE SPEED IS UNBELIEVABLE. NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO THIS SUPERB VEHICLE.
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G55 is a solid luxury SUV - 2007 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By CLL - August 15 - 1:13 amI bought this G55 for my wife. While it is not a typical squshy SUV,it is everything else and more. The power is amazing, Motor trend shows it at 0- 60MPH in 4.7 seconds agianst the cayanne S, bmx x series.It is very well built, handles very well and I feel safe with my wife and 3 children driving in it daily. The interior has superior finishes. The rear seats are great with 3 dedicated true seats, logs of leg room and a tall roof make it spacious. The trunk is very deep and easy to put strollers and groceries into. As the car breaks in, it is getting quicker in performance. I would buy it again in a minute. Once you drive it, you wont drive any other suv. No problems thus far at all.
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Best - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
By Mercedes - August 7 - 10:00 amThis benz of mine is very fine. I love the interior, it similar to my wifes S- 600. The offroad capability is amazing. The ride could stand some improvement. The G55 AMG is the third best mercedes in my opinion. I have had no problems and it is very reliable. If you have the 90000 dollars for standard G55 buy it, if you have the money for options get those too. Its great.
