2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Status Icon Has a Lot of Drawbacks

The 2026 G-Class is an anomaly in Mercedes-Benz's lineup. It started out as a military vehicle over 50 years ago, and in the decades since, it has morphed into a status symbol. It still has impressive off-road capabilities, though most owners will likely keep their G-Class on pavement. After a makeover last year, the G-Class heads into 2026 without any significant updates. The lineup includes the traditional G 550, the raucous V8-powered AMG G 63 and the all-electric G 580 with EQ Technology.

Checking out the Land Rover Defender is a good idea. It has distinctive styling, just like the G-Class, plus a lower price and plenty of off-road capability. We also like the Lexus GX for similar reasons. Neither is as prestigious as the G-Class, however. For that, you won't go wrong with the Land Rover Range Rover. If you're considering going electric, the Rivian R1S is ridiculously capable on- or off-road and will far surpass the G 580's range.

Electric motors can deliver much more power off the line than gas engines, allowing the G 580 with EQ Technology to launch off the line like a cannonball shot. In Edmunds' testing, it trailed the high-performance AMG model by only a fraction of a second. With a massive battery pack mounted in its floor, it also benefits from a lower center of gravity, which makes it feel noticeably more agile than the G 550. If you're one of the rare drivers to take your G-Class off-road, the G 580 is the only model that's capable of pirouetting in place (in a maneuver called the G-Turn). With only 239 miles of estimated range on pavement, however, your adventures will be limited.