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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  Amazing - 2002 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By jlmak - July 31 - 3:28 pm

  Ive owned my 2002 for 7 years. Its been amazing. Its a truck. Drives like a truck. It is not an Escalade or some floaty phony SUV. Thats why i love it. After a massive blizzard a few years ago (nearly 5ft of snow), my father was stuck on the side of road about 45 miles from my home. Trapped in his car with no way of getting assistance (the cops and fire couldnt respond) I drove out to get him. I made fresh tracks on Interstate 95 and numerous side roads the whole way. Never even had to lock the diffs. The truck performed amazingly. It was unreal. 100+ miles in 3-5ft of snow the whole way and the thing didnt bat an eye. Also didnt even have to shovel myself out.

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  NEW OWNER LOVES IT - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By DRJFORTLEE - July 15 - 2:00 am

  A great experience, incredible ride, tons of power and lots of fun.

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  FABULOUS - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Mary Margaret - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, it is dependable and very fun to drive.

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  Da Bomb - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Adis - May 2 - 10:00 am

  its greatfun and u can trust on to get to any place

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  True 4 wheel power - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By busch - April 4 - 8:16 pm

  An outstanding vehicle capable of any chosen offroad drive test. Unique power on the highway. Startup at trafic intersection to 75 mph within 6 seconds. Its extremely safe. I survived a head on colission with another vehicle in a previous model with out mishap.

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  great - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By ucballer3206 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This vechile is grat it drives great and looks great.

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  Dont compare this vehicle to others - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Ciro - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I read other reviews and laughed. They expect a square vehicle to be quiet and get good mpg, not. I bought this vehicle because of its actual ruggedness and the fact that its a military vehicle in Germany. In other words, a German Hummer. I got exactly what I expected an more. A very tough vehicle with some luxury appointments. Interior noise is minimal for a square vehicle. It handles like a truck, as it should, since it weighs as much a a large pick-up truck. Gas mileage is actually not that bad if you dont use the 292hp all the time. Ive averaged 19mpg in the highway @ 55mph and as high as 17mpg in the city if your light on the gas. But stomp on the pedal and it drinks the fuel.

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  My Third G-Wagon - 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Justine - October 26 - 1:44 am

  I took delivery of my G65 AMG on July 24, 2016. This is my third G-Wagon over the course of seven years. I continue to come back to this vehicle because there simply is nothing like it, this vehicle has zero competition. For that reason, I will tell you exactly what I like and dislike about my G65. The first thing that I like would have to be its styling. I have a wrapped matte black G65 and with the LED Daytime Running lamps, I just cant get enough. The doors sound like you are shutting a tank, its quite the experience. The interior is absolutely resembling a true luxury Mercedes-Benz. I personally have the Piano Black trim and it looks stunning on the steering wheel, the doors, and across the dash. My Designo seats are amazingly comfortable and I would have no problem driving for hours on end. The space is immense, and with two kids in middle school, thats a must. Overall, I would recommend any trim level of the G-Wagon, you are getting a great value.

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  10 Months experience G-55 Gelaendewagen - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By juergenb - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We enjoy the sheer power surge, predictable cornering and handling of the truck. The very hard ride telegraphs every bump in the road, but provides outstanding steering control. Seat comfort and space for front seat occupants is very good. A/C and heating perform well. The steep angle of the windshield makes the car sensitive to stone damage.(2 incidents in 3,600 miles) The car was driven cross country in a wide range of weather conditions and at high speeds without problems The cd based GPS system is a nightmare in fringe areas because Navtech software does not overlap regions.

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  great - 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By mattman@aol.com - September 26 - 10:00 am

  very fun to drive nice around corves and off roading