2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
2020 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
- G manufaktur program allows extended interior and exterior customization
- New wheel designs
- Part of the second G-Class generation introduced for 2019
Few vehicles make an impression like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Lovingly known as the G-wagen — short for the German Geländewagen — the G-Class is a brash SUV that places style over comfort and practicality. For an SUV this big, there is surprisingly little cargo space. Still, the G-Class is a dream vehicle for many. It excels off-road and offers up to 577 horsepower thanks to a turbocharged V8 engine. When it comes to design, capability and even price, the G-Class makes no apologies.
Our verdict | |
The G-Class relies on style and emotion to justify its price rather than planning or execution. 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 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 shocking and 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
The G-Class comes in the base G 550, which is full of plush amenities, or the all-conquering G 63 AMG. Standard features include:
Sponsored cars related to the G-Class
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Trending topics in reviews
- off-roading
Most helpful consumer reviews
The best suv I've owned. It can't be beaten. I enjoy my privacy and driving a G550, unfortunately, steals any privacy you may have. I'm constantly being watched exiting, loading groceries, refueling, and the most uncomfortable, drivers aligning their vehicles alongside mine to film the car in action. And, of course, the younger crowd seeking attention that rev up their engines at stoplights or intersections. The aforementioned is never ending.
It’s solid!!! Very steady off road and street !!! Luxury and durable
2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class video
Read Description
NOTE: This video is about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, but since the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Love it or hate it, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is an automotive icon. It was originally developed as a military vehicle on the suggestion of the shah of Iran in the 1970s and later adapted for civilian use. Eventually, it became a go-to choice for affluent buyers looking to make a statement, despite the many sacrifices to comfort and drivability that accompanied this giant box on wheels.
MARK TAKAHASHI: It's been 40 years since the G-Wagen appeared. But finally, we have a redesign in this, the 2019 Mercedes Benz G-Class. [MUSIC PLAYING] This G-Class for 2019 is bigger-- slightly bigger. But more importantly, it's better. It's better on the road, and it's better off-road. Under the hood is a 416 horsepower, 450 pound-feet of torque V8. It has an independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering versus the recirculating ball, which was horrible on the last G-Class. This one should drive better in every condition. On the inside, it should also be much nicer. So we have the design that's between E-Class and S-Class, with a dual-pane glass and really nice leather and great seats on top of that. It has all the amenities and advanced safety features you expect from a modern Mercedes-Benz. Expect it to show up sometime in late 2018, well above $100,000. So in a lot of ways, nothing has changed, but a lot has changed with the G-Class. For more information on the G-Class and all of its competitors, head over to edmunds.com.
Features & Specs
| AMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $156,450 |
| MPG | 13 city / 15 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 577 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| G 550 4dr SUV 4WD 4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $130,900 |
| MPG | 13 city / 17 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 416 hp @ 5250 rpm |
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Safety
Our experts’ favorite G-Class safety features:
- Pre-Safe
- Tightens seat belts, closes windows, and adjusts head restraints to protect occupants when the system detects an imminent collision.
- Active Distance Assist Distronic
- Keeps a safe following distance from the car ahead even in traffic. Can bring the G-Class to a complete stop.
- Active Brake Assist
- Lets you know if an imminent front collision is detected and can automatically apply the brakes if you don't react in time.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs. the competition
Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs. Land Rover Defender
Land Rover's iconic off-roader is back, and true to form it is available in a wide range of styles. You can choose two or four doors and up to three rows of seating — options the G-Class doesn't offer. The Defender also has a much lower starting price, and it can be optimized for adventure, luxury or both.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs. Jeep Wrangler
Sure, the G-Class thunders past the Wrangler in status and horsepower. But these two vehicles are otherwise similar in concept. If you can get iconic styling and supreme off-road ability at a third of the price, why not go with the Wrangler? You can take the Wrangler's top and doors off too.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs. Lexus GX 460
If the G-Class is a touch ostentatious for your taste, the GX 460 makes a similar off-road statement while flying a little more under the radar. It has a luxurious interior, commanding presence and even some nifty off-road equipment. The GX can be rough around the edges, but it's a more sensible option than the Mercedes in many ways.
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class:
- G manufaktur program allows extended interior and exterior customization
- New wheel designs
- Part of the second G-Class generation introduced for 2019
Is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class reliable?
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
The least-expensive 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is the 2020 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 $130,900.
Other versions include:
- AMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $156,450
- G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $130,900
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
More about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Overview
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is offered in the following submodels: G-Class SUV, G-Class AMG G 63. Available styles include AMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A), and G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A).
What do people think of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 G-Class 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 G-Class.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 G-Class featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
Which 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Classes are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Mercedes-Benz lease specials