Starting at $124,595
6/10
C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
Mercedes-Benz
6/10 C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
Select a year
- Highs High-value street cred, surprising off-road capability, relatively comfortable ride.
- Lows Significant wind noise at highway speeds, not exactly sports-car nimble, gasp-worthy pricing.
- Verdict The legendary Mercedes G-class is a rugged and sophisticated SUV for well-heeled buyers.
Overview
Mercedes-Benz launched its hardcore off-road Gelandewagen in 1979 as a utility vehicle for the German military, but it did not officially import the model to the North America. An independent importer did sell the Austrian-built brute in the U.S. in the 1980s and ‘90s. It finally arrived as an official import for the 2002 model year, when it was sold in very low volumes as the G-class. By then, the tall, boxy, rugged body-on-frame sport-utility was equipped with features and luxury appointments befitting a nicely equipped S-class sedan. For the 2018 model year, the Benz G-class is sold as the G550 and the G550 4x4 Squared, which was added in 2017. Mercedes-AMG also offers two high-performance models, plus a special low-volume Final Edition, covered in a separate entry.
What's New for 2018?
There are two new exterior paint colors for 2018, Orange Metallic and Ocean Blue Metallic. A special interior design package is available for the G550 as the Manufaktur Red and Black Edition. Mercedes has unveiled an all-new 2019 G-class, making the 2018 model the last one based on the original 1979 model.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $124,595
- 4x4 Squared: $228,295
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Both the Mercedes-Benz G550 and G550 4x4 Squared are powered by a 382-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine rated at 391 pound-feet of torque and coupled to a seven-speed automatic. Both models have all-wheel drive with three locking differentials, but the G550 4x4 Squared adds portal axles (offset from the center axle with a gearbox built into each hub), Pirelli Scorpion 325/55-R22 tires, and 17.2-inches of ground clearance, 7.9-inches more than the standard G550. The 4x4 Squared can dig in and crawl like an army tank, though because of its tree-brushing height, it seems better suited as a desert-runner than a trail-crawler. The 0-60 mph acceleration is a decent 5.7 seconds for the G550 and 6.1 seconds for the 4x4 Squared. The G-class's ride is generally refined, although on the highway, either model lets in lots of tire roar and wind noise and transmits larger bumps into the cabin despite the long suspension travel.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The G550 4x4 Squared is nine inches wider than the standard G550, but that’s all big-fender bodywork, not extra interior room. Owing to its roots as a German military vehicle, the G-class SUV is tall but narrow inside, with barely enough space for adults in the rear seat of the five-passenger vehicle. It’s so tall that it is the first sport-utility we’ve driven that would benefit from grab handles near the door sills in order to make entry and exit easier. Inside, the seats, dash, and door panels are covered in Mercedes’s best leather and other materials, and the doors latch with that famous Benz “bank-vault” thunk of yore.
View Photos
Infotainment and Connectivity
The dash, center console, and connectivity are the most modern features of this last of the original G-class models. There’s a color display between the two large, round dashboard gauges. The center console has a COMAND mouse-style control, and a large center screen houses the COMAND telematics/audio/communications control system, with useful apps and standard navigation and internet access.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Mercedes-Benz G-class‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
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