Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Not bad for an SUV that began in 1979 as a basic off-roader intended for civilian, commercial, or military usage, the Mercedes G-Class has evolved into a timeless emblem of both prestige and mechanical authenticity, similar to a Rolex or Macintosh amplifier. Even though a few grey market vehicles had been smuggling into American showrooms for years, the square-bodied Benz didn’t get there until 2002. With the release of the first completely new model since 1979, the “G-Wagen” improved significantly, making its high price point more justifiable.
Compared to its rudimentary, military-truck predecessor, the current second-generation G-Glass represents a quantum increase in ride quality, solidity, performance, and luxury. Nowadays, many admirers choose the high-performance AMG model, which has a V-8 engine with an insane 577 horsepower and an exhaust roar reminiscent of an unexpected artillery onslaught.
The “base” G550 version’s entry-level pricing for 2022 is $132,800 (with a $1,050 destination charge), much higher than the price of a similar Range Rover or Cadillac Escalade. The result is a massive box on wheels brimming with design character, complete with cathedral-like interior headroom and vintage pushbutton doors that slam shut like an industrial walk-in cooler. Additionally, that form comes with considerable off-road capability, with front, center, and rear differential locks to prepare the G-Class for the most challenging terrain and a low-range mode for the gearbox.
The G-Class is purchased by many if not most, owners to display status rather than outdoor prowess. Thankfully, the five-passenger G-Class inside is crammed with luxury, featuring flagship-level components and equipment. But regrettably, that technology still uses the older Comand (Cockpit Management and Data) system rather than Mercedes’ newest MBUX infotainment system.
A twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 engine with a slick, nine-speed automated gearbox powers the G550 with 416 horsepower. However, in an average year, more than half of G-Class purchasers choose the even more expensive, powerful, and luxurious AMG variant. The twin-turbocharged 577 horsepower V8 in the G63 AMG pushes this 5,800-pound beast to 60 mph in an astounding 3.9 seconds.
The G63’s starting price, including shipping, is $158,595. It adds aesthetic appeal with features like a typical front brush guard, 20-inch alloy wheels, and four side-mounted exhaust outlets that provide a terrifying hot-rod scream. Although the Mercedes does lean sharply in curves—safely but unnervingly until one learns to trust it—the G63’s standard adaptive suspension matches that elephantine weight with surprisingly acceptable handling. Additionally, beyond 70 mph, Benz’s shipping container form causes audible wind noise. Naturally, the fuel efficiency is awful. But even petrol prices of $5 per gallon are unlikely to deter the ardent supporters of this SUV, who reportedly would pay anything to be seen driving a G-Class.
Performance: Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The outdated G-Wagen was a known jerk on the road. The new one combines its 44 credentials with a plush ride, a rock-solid feeling, and surprisingly adept handling. The G550’s 4.0-liter, twin-turbo, 416 horsepower V8 is precisely the perfect size to propel an SUV that weighs over three tons. However, many G-Class owners want overkill, and the G63 AMG’s handmade twin-turbo 4.0-litre AMG V-8 produces a massive 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. With an optional AMG Driver’s Package, the G63 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds and achieve an astounding 174 mph.
This is coupled with aggressive AMG tuning for the adaptive, driver-selectable sport suspension, nine-speed paddle-shifted gearbox, and slick performance tires (up to 22 inches in diameter). The G63’s demeanor is visibly altered by the various driving modes, with Sport + evoking a Mr. Hyde-like aggressiveness. AMG is also responsible for the four side-mounted pipes of the tunable exhaust system, which emits an equally ferocious roar when turned to its Sport Plus setting.
The G-Class is also ready for anything should one dare go off-road, thanks to its high ground clearance, minimal front and back overhangs, and no-nonsense locks for the show, rear, and center differentials.
fuel efficiency
According to EPA estimations, the 416-horsepower G550 achieves 18 combined, 17 cities, and 19 highway mpg. Compared to the G63 AMG, which has an internal combustion engine efficiency rating of only 14 mpg combined (13 mpg city, 16 highway), that is nearly a Prius. In real-world racing, um, driving, the G63 may achieve fuel efficiency as low as 11 or 12 mpg if the performance options are turned up.
Safety and driver support technology:
The G-Class is loaded with active and passive safety systems since it is a Benz and expensive. A drowsy-driver alert, adaptive headlights, and automatic high beams are among the features that come as standard equipment. Other features include frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive Distronic cruise control, active lane-keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking.
The G63 also has a 360-degree camera. Unfortunately, neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) have evaluated or tested the G-Class. Despite its relatively modest production volume and celebrity significance, we cannot ignore this absence.
Room and Comfort: Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Formerly a sparsely equipped truck, the G-Wagen has evolved into a boutique gallery of comfort and luxury, featuring deeply bolstered seats covered in lovely leather, a sculptural steering wheel (including the eye-catching flat-bottomed AMG Performance wheel for $500), two-tone interior accents, an optional faux-suede headliner, and trims made of wood, metal, or carbon fiber that compete with the S-Class sedan.
Considering the outstanding off-road prowess, the ride is surprisingly smooth. The building seems impermeable, yet wind noise becomes a problem at high speeds. By covering the whole dashboard in Nappa leather, adding amenities like active multi-contour massage seats with quick heating and ventilation, and status-conscious AMG badging, the G Manufaktur Interior Package is worth the additional $3,100.
Black open-pore ash wood, including for the surrounds of the infotainment screen, is added for an additional $1,300. Even LeBron James will appreciate this car’s spacious front and back seats. In a pinch, three people could squeeze across the rear row. Although Mercedes claims to have 39.5 inches of back legroom—on pace with a very spacious midsize sedan—in actuality, it seems much smaller, to the point that lanky rear passengers will urge those in the front seats to move slightly forward.
Infotainment:Mercedes-Benz G-Class
One may anticipate the G-Class to include Mercedes’ most recent MBUX infotainment system for this kind of money. The earlier Comand system is still functional and has a 12.3-inch center panel (an optional conjoined 12.3-inch digital driver’s display) and a rotary controller/touchpad. However, it lacks MBUX’s eye-catching design and feature-rich MBUX. Command lacks a head-up display and augmented reality navigation, and it might be sluggish to react to instructions and update the screen compared to MBUX.
Thankfully, GPS navigation, Bluetooth streaming, and three years of Mercedes Me connected services (including remote start, traffic warnings, and over-the-air map updates) are standard equipment. Burmester’s basic 590-watt, noise-canceling audio system, topped with 15 speakers and 15 elegantly crafted aluminum grilles, produces a beautiful sound.
Storage & Cargo Space: Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The G-Class initially seemed enormous because of its towering roof and shipping container design. Nevertheless, it is just somewhat longer than a four-door Jeep Wrangler. In conclusion, the Mercedes’ cargo room is adequate, given its size and specific 4×4 capabilities. This includes 68.6 cubic feet with its split second-row seats folded, compared to 83 for the Ford Bronco, and 38.1 cubic feet of storage, practically equal to a four-door Ford Bronco. However, wheel incursion into the rear luggage compartment reduces available room, loading stuff requires a high and challenging lift, and the side-hinged tailgate is a heavyweight that constantly poses a risk of pinging off an unwary vehicle or object. The door pockets and glovebox are also sizable, although the center console’s clamshell opening is modest compared to many SUVs.
Styling: Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Even those who often mock SUVs find the Mercedes’ towering top and metal slab style hard to resist. Rugged simplicity prevails, yet remarkable details: The G63 AMG comes standard with a thick brush guard, a ribbed grille with a Mercedes star, icy doe-eyed LED headlights, stainless steel running boards, and prominent alloy wheels.
Extra-expensive “Designo” colors like Moonlight White Metallic ($2,300), which seems to have been created for envy-inspiring excursions down Rodeo Drive, are among the striking paints. Even if they don’t always completely close on the first attempt, opening and shutting the company’s signature hefty doors with pushbutton handles is like opening and closing a meat locker nicely. The classic covered spare tire on the tailgate is the ultimate genuine finishing touch.
Is the 2022 Mercedes G-Class Worth it?
A G-Class’s “worth it” status has always been subjective. Even a G550 variant, which starts at $132,800, is over $30,000 more expensive than the stunning new Range Rover. However, there is no option for those who really must own a G-Class. Because of this, contrary to our specific advice, the G63 AMG ($157,595 at base; $172,300 as tested) is one to buy: The G-Class is intended to be a display of extravagance and success via an iconic design and V8 thunder. If the G-Class appeals to you, get it with compelling extras like the G-Manufactur Interior Package ($3,100) and 22-inch AMG forged black wheels ($4,500).
How Much Does the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Cost to Insure?
The typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record may anticipate an average yearly premium of $4,436 for the G550, and you can expect to pay a premium for the G63. Insurance rates for the G-Class are probably an afterthought for most G-Class owners. The Maserati Levante averages $5,052.00, the Land Rover Range Rover HSE $3,970.00, the BMW X& M50i $3,617, and Benz’s own GLS full-size SUV comes in at $2,232. The competition is thin in this exclusive environment.
Verdict
The Mercedes G-Class SUV is hard to beat if money is no issue and the desire to live out a Kardashian-style fantasy—with space for NBA-sized friends—is there. Before you even get to the valet stand, the Mercedes’ classic breadbox design proclaims “status.” However, there is actual substance underneath the aesthetic, including one of the swankiest interiors of any Mercedes car and Military-grade 4×4 capabilities (despite if most owners were seldom dirty a wheel).
