2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
What’s new
- G manufaktur program allows extended interior and exterior customization
- New wheel designs
- Part of the second G-Class generation introduced for 2019
Pros & Cons
- 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
2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review
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
7.0 / 10How does it drive?
7.0Beyond 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 it?
7.5Noise 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?
6.5You 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?
6.5We 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?
6.0If 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 it?
6.0Is it a good value?
6.5Wildcard
9.0Which 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:
G 550
Starts you off with:
- Turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine (416 horsepower, 450 lb-ft of torque)
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- 19-inch wheels
- All-wheel drive
- Two-speed transfer case
- Three locking differentials (help provide extra off-road traction)
- Three-zone climate control
- Heated front and rear leather seats
- LED ambient interior lighting
- Sunroof
Technology and safety features include:
- Digital instrument display
- 12.3-inch central touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Burmester surround-sound system
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane keeping assist (steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the G-Class and the vehicle in front)
AMG G 63
Includes all G 550 equipment and adds:
- Turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine (577 hp, 627 lb-ft)
- 20-inch wheels
- AMG body styling and unique grille
- AMG performance brakes
- Adaptive damping suspension
- Upgraded leather upholstery
- Faux suede headliner
Notable options for the G-Class include:
- Seat Comfort package (upgraded front seating)
- AMG Line (G 500 only, adds AMG-inspired exterior and interior style enhancements)
- AMG Trail package (G 63 only, adds off-road optimized suspension, all-terrain tires)
- Various interior customization packages
- Rear-seat entertainment system
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Trending topics in reviews
- off-roading
Most helpful consumer reviews
It’s solid!!! Very steady off road and street !!! Luxury and durable
Sponsored cars related to the G-Class
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 |
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 5.0 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?
2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A)
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $157,445. The average price paid for a new 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) is trending -$8,550 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of -$8,550 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $165,995.
The average savings for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) is -5.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
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. There are currently 2 new 2020 G-Classes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $157,215 and mileage as low as 0 miles. 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.
Can't find a new 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Classs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Mercedes-Benz G-Class for sale - 9 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $8,199.
Find a new Mercedes-Benz for sale - 11 great deals out of 11 listings starting at $22,166.
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