2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review
- Impressive off-road abilities
- Powerful V8 engines
- Refined interior
- Unmistakable exterior styling
- Ponderous handling
- Difficult to get in and out of
- Limited cargo space
- Previous-generation Mercedes infotainment system
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster now standard on G 550
- Wireless charging now standard on AMG G 63
- More customization offered via Mercedes G manufaktur list of options
- Part of the second G-Class generation introduced for 2019
Mercedes-Benz began selling its boxy, utilitarian G-Class in the U.S. market in 2002. Still based on the original military vehicle from the 1970s, it became a cult icon despite (and possibly a little bit because of) its dated, old-school SUV design. Though it looks almost identical to the original, the second-generation G-Class that debuted a few years ago is, with few exceptions, new from the tires up. It seats five people, comes in G 550 and AMG G 63 specification, and has no direct competitors that offer the same blend of purpose-built design, unstoppable off-road capability, and high-end interior materials and technology.
For the 2021 G-Class, Mercedes has mainly added some optional cosmetic enhancements, including a range of G manufaktur exclusive paint colors and upholstery choices. The 12.3-inch digital instrumentation is now standard equipment, and the AMG G 63 gains standard wireless smartphone charging. For more details about the flagship SUV from Mercedes-Benz, be sure to see our Expert Rating below for the one-of-a-kind G-wagen.
Our verdict | |
The G-Class relies on style and emotion, rather than planning or execution, to justify its price. There's power and authority from behind the wheel, but this SUV is a mess when it comes to ergonomics and practicality. The technology is a letdown too. | |
How does the G-Class drive? | |
We tested the G 550. Its V8 engine sounds burly and muscular when you mash the gas and, in our testing, gets this SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. That's an average time for a V8-powered luxury SUV. Beyond that, the G isn't much of a performer. The high center of gravity and noticeable body roll don't instill confidence around corners. The traction and stability control systems also aggressively activate to keep your wheels on the ground should you try to get enthusiastic with your driving, which is probably just as well. The steering is precise and weighted appropriately but entirely numb. A wide turning radius makes navigating tight spaces a chore. When it's on, the auto engine stop-start system is jarring and intrusive. On the plus side, the transmission is smooth and responds quickly to driver demands. | |
How comfortable is the G-Class? | |
The G 550 is compromised in places by its design. The ride is a bit truckish, but it takes the edge off bumps and avoids feeling busy over rough pavement. The seats are nicely cushioned and supportive — perhaps overly so. The seats are rather narrow, especially for a vehicle in this class, and the adjustable side bolsters just don't open enough for even relatively svelte drivers. Noise from the road and from other traffic is pleasantly muted, and the engine settles into a deep, unobtrusive rumble when cruising. But there's noticeable wind noise at freeway speeds, which is likely due to the G-Class' upright styling. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The G-Class' boxy shape results in some serious ergonomic limitations. The seats are rather high, and while there's some adjustability, the only seating position that really works is to sit tall and square. While the headroom is superb, the shorter door openings and high seat cushions mean passengers will have to duck while navigating the high step up. The step rail is too high to be very useful. While rear passenger space is reasonable, the rear doors' limited range of motion creates more difficulty in getting in and out than it should. You get a commanding view of the road ahead, but the front window roof pillars are thick and upright — enough to hide pedestrians waiting to cross at a stoplight. The rear view is partially obstructed by the rear-mounted spare tire, and the small side mirrors don't show you a whole lot either. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Sadly, the G-Class is stuck with the old Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment system rather than the newer MBUX. It's not a bad system, but it's comparatively limited in functionality. The navigation display and commands are less sophisticated, for example, and the voice commands are finicky and limited. We also had some issues with the G-Class' advanced driver aids. Adaptive cruise works well enough, though it lacks the Traffic Jam Assist feature of other Mercedes products. Lane keeping, however, is abrupt in its intervention, engaging the brakes to drag the vehicle back into line. It's upsetting to experience, and it makes the G 550 unpredictable to other drivers. Worse, it only intervened occasionally without any real way to tell whether it was primed to go off or not. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The G 550 is far from the most practical large SUV. The side-opening cargo door requires space to operate, but at least it's hinged properly for curbside use. The load floor is high and not that deep, and it is limited on the sides by bulky body intrusions. The second-row seat doesn't fold flat. Its resulting ledge makes it so long, and bulky items can't simply be slid back. Cabin storage for personal items is also rather limited for such a large SUV. If you're planning on using your G-Class as a family taxi, installing child seats is helped by easily accessible car-seat anchor points. But lifting kids and seats up into the cabin can be hard. Bulkier rear-facing seats and infant convertibles might force front passengers to scoot forward more than they'd like. | |
How economical is the G-Class? | |
We averaged about 13 mpg in our testing of the G 550, which is slightly below the EPA's estimate of 14 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This Mercedes is a very thirsty vehicle — thirstier than an Escalade — and on par with a Lamborghini Urus. | |
Is the G-Class a good value? | |
You have to decide why you want to buy a G-Class. Mercedes offers interiors of this caliber, along with more and newer technology, on some of its less expensive vehicles. For what you get, the G-Class certainly is not up to the standards of other $100,000-plus Mercedes-Benz products. | |
Wildcard | |
The G-Class is almost a caricature of an idealized SUV experience. There's power and authority to spare, and the view over the hood is like nothing else on the market right now. It's a vehicle that gives you reasons to ignore its many, many shortcomings. Mercedes has mastered the art of emotional appeal across its range. And while the G-Class makes a terrible flagship for its technology and dynamics, it's an amazing flagship for the brand's pathos. | |
Which G-Class does Edmunds recommend?
Mercedes-Benz G-Class models
Mercedes offers the 2021 G-Class in standard G 550 and performance-tuned AMG G 63 specification. Each is well equipped right out of the box. Feature highlights include:
2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class pricing
in Ashburn, VA
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Trending topics in reviews
- spaciousness
- handling & steering
Most helpful consumer reviews
2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class video
2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class First Look | Detriot Auto Show
NOTE: This video is about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, but since the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite G-Class safety features:
- Pre-Safe
- Tightens seat belts, closes windows, and adjusts head restraints when the system detects an imminent collision.
- Active Distance Assist Distronic
- Maintains a driver-set distance between the G-Class and the car in front. Can bring the G-Class to a stop and automatically resume travel.
- Active Brake Assist
- Warns if a front impact with an object or pedestrian is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs. the competition
2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
2021 Land Rover Defender
Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs. Land Rover Defender
Equip a Land Rover Defender 110 X with every conceivable option and accessory, and you'll still come in at least 10 grand short of the G-Class' base price. That represents real value in purposeful box-on-wheels design and go-anywhere capability. Plus, the Land Rover seats up to seven people. Granted, the Defender's slightly more efficient mild hybrid powertrain arrives at 60 mph a fraction of a second later, but the new-for-2022 Defender 110 V8 should solve for that.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs. Land Rover Range Rover
If the Land Rover Defender 110 is a little too rough around the edges for you, the Land Rover Range Rover could be an ideal alternative. Less a blunt-force instrument and more a precision-tuned scalpel, the Land Rover Range Rover trades attitude for quietude and matches the G-Class in refinement and prestige.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs. Maserati Levante
Think of the Maserati Levante as the Ferrari of SUVs, and you're not far off-base. When equipped with its available V8 engine, the Italian-made Levante is fast and fun to drive. And like the G-Class, it's rare — you simply don't see many of them on the road. Get the Maserati if you want something sleeker and sportier than the G-Class.
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FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class:
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster now standard on G 550
- Wireless charging now standard on AMG G 63
- More customization offered via Mercedes G manufaktur list of options
- Part of the second G-Class generation introduced for 2019
Is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class reliable?
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
The least-expensive 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $131,750.
Other versions include:
- G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $131,750
- AMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $156,450