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.Read full review
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
Iconic exterior design
Luxurious interior
Powerful engines
Commendable off-roading capabilities
Cons
Hard to get in and out
Not as much cargo space as expected
Uses older Mercedes infotainment tech
Clumsy handling on pavement
What's new
No significant updates for 2024
Part of the second G-Class generation introduced for 2019
Overview
When the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class was redesigned in 2019, we'll admit it wasn't easy to tell the new one from the G-wagen that was in production since the Carter administration. Almost any other carmaker would have been vilified for turning out a virtual carbon copy, but this boxy twin made perfect sense for the wealthy clients who are drawn in by the G-Class' imposing presence. That trend will continue for 2024, though a significantly refreshed G-Class with a fully electric variant is just over the horizon.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.98 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
This year's G-Class is essentially a carryover, but the 2025 model will be quite different. The base G 550 swaps out the V8 in favor of a turbocharged inline-six with similar power figures but — Mercedes hopes — improved fuel economy numbers. There's also going to be an electric version with 579 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque. Crucially, every G-Class will feature a touchscreen display and the MBUX infotainment system.
Competitors to consider
Diehards will insist that nothing truly competes with a G-Class, but there are other off-road-ready luxury SUVs. Chief among these is the Land Rover Range Rover, which is a superior vehicle by every objective and most subjective criteria. There's nothing luxurious about it, but the Ineos Grenadier is an off-road warrior, and nobody else in the gated community is likely to own one. And if you aren't really going to go off-road but still want to make a statement, the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan are far more comfortable rides.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Below Average
7.0
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
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.
Comfort
7.5/10
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.
Interior
6.5/10
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 and engages the brakes to drag the vehicle back into line. It's upsetting to experience, and it makes the G-Class unpredictable to other drivers. Worse, it only intervened occasionally without any real way to tell whether it was primed to go off or not.
Storage
6/10
How’s the storage? The G-Class 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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
6/10
How’s the fuel economy? We averaged about 13 mpg in our testing of the G 550, which is below the EPA's estimate of 16 mpg in combined city/highway driving for the 2022 model. This Mercedes is a very thirsty vehicle — thirstier than an Escalade — and on par with a Lamborghini Urus.
Value
6.5/10
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
9/10
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?
The G-wagen is all about making a statement, and even though the G 550 offers more capability than a typical buyer will ever explore, it doesn't have the rorty exhaust and awesome speed and road presence of the AMG G 63. Plus, Breckan and Cyndee in the McMansion next door might throw shade, and nobody wants to deal with them. The AMG G 63 4x4 Squared is undoubtedly more impressive, but its off-road-tailored hardware might make the trek to Whole Foods a tad too bumpy.
2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A)
this is not your 2018 g 550. the improvements exceed expectations, fit and finish is perfection. i have owned 4 g-wagons, this new and improved vehicle is outstanding. if you want something that everyone does not own, this is the suv for you. absolutely love it!
Rent don’t buy
3 out of 5 stars
Travis Bell, 01/01/2023
2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A)
We just finished a vacation in Naples FL, rented a G Wagon for the week with plan to try before you buy. After driving the 2022 G550 for a week I’m good. I have no desire to ever own one or even rent one again. It sounds great, looks cool, acceleration is fun, and the interior is very nice. The day to day livability is very hard to live with. The doors feel like those of a bank vault … which is cool for a day then when your kids are unable to properly close them and you are constantly worrying about your kids loosing a finger if they get one caught in the door is an issue. The wind noise over 45 mph is the most impressive I’ve ever heard which is saying a lot considering there must be a ton of noise insulating material in the vehicle because it is dead silent under 35 mph except the awesome exhaust notes. Our G wagon had less then 4000 miles on it and the car play would not work and the software was up to date, MPG is terrible which is to be expected and was not a turn off at all. Very poor rear seat leg room was expected but this amount of leg room is kid appropriate and small adults front and rear only my 10 year old could barely fit behind me and I’m 6’5”. At the end of the week I was happy to turn it in with zero desire to get behind the wheel again which says a lot for me. I have romanticized this SUV for many years and am finally in a position to purchase one if I so desire. For the asking price of these vehicles it needs a lot more. It’s a 1970s German military vehicle which has been turned into a luxury SUV and no matter how many times I read that line I did not truly get or accept it until I lived with it for a week. I was grateful to get home to our 2018 Navigator and 2022 GX 460, both of which are far far better day to day options.
the true king of suv's
5 out of 5 stars
Anthony, 06/20/2019
2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A)
one of a kind
Gawkers
4 out of 5 stars
WindTurbineHeir, 11/22/2020
2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A)
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the G-Class since its last redesign.
FIRST LOOK: 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | The G-Wagen Gets With the Times
The iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets a refresh for 2025, bringing lightly updated styling, fresh tech, and a new base engine to Benz's boxy SUV. In this first look video, Edmunds' Clint Simone dives right into the updated 2025 G-wagen with an overview of everything that's new.
While the G-Class has much the same personality it's had for decades, the Range Rover has evolved over time, favoring luxury while keeping its off-road credentials largely intact. The Range Rover emphasizes premium luxury throughout the exquisitely crafted cabin and is as comfortable as it gets when on pavement. It's also easier to live with than the G-Class thanks to an air suspension that makes getting in and out much easier.
The Defender is another oddball vehicle that stuck around in the same form for decades before finally receiving a redesign for 2020. Like the G-Class, the Defender is much more refined than before and is much better behaved on the highway. With the introduction of a long-wheelbase model last year, the Defender is even more accommodating, with seating for up to eight.
The Lexus LX 600 is the closest you can get to the iconic Land Cruiser and though it offers off-road capabilities, it leans more into luxury. Even though it was redesigned just two years ago, it's well behind the times when it comes to technology and engineering. It has a ponderous driving experience, and while it includes off-road features, the LX is easily outclassed by the G-wagen.
When a collision is about to occur, this system emits a "pink noise" sound through the speakers that protects your hearing during the impact.
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.
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 G-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 G-Class gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 13 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the G-Class has 38.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class:
No significant updates for 2024
Part of the second G-Class generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the G-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the G-Class's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 G-Class and gave it a 7.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 G-Class gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 13 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 G-Class is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
The least-expensive 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is the 2024 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 $143,000.
Other versions include:
G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $143,000
AMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $183,000
AMG G 63 4x4 Squared 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $357,000
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the next question is, which G-Class model is right for you? G-Class variants include G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A), AMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A), and AMG G 63 4x4 Squared 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A). For a full list of G-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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