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.
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.
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
Unavailable with latest infotainment tech
Clumsy handling on pavement
What's new
New AMG G 63 4x4 Squared takes the G-Class to the extreme
Minor changes to Night and G Manufaktur packages
Part of the second G-Class generation introduced for 2019
Overview
There's nothing else on the road that's quite like the 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The original G-wagen was an icon, a military vehicle with the interior of an S-Class, and it remained on sale for what seems like forever. The redesigned second-generation version of the SUV arrived in 2019, retaining all of the looks, panache and capability of the original but with a more refined interior and better in-car tech and driver aids. That said, it's far from the most comfortable or best-driving luxury SUV on the road. The G-Class wins on charm more than anything else.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $4.32 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
This year, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 4x4 debuts. We can hear you asking: "But don't all G-Class models have four-wheel drive?" Yes, they do. But the G 63 4x4 represents the G-wagen taken to extremes. Also known as the 4x4 Squared, this new model has exclusive drive axles that allow for a significant suspension lift and huge 22-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. As you might imagine, it's darn near unstoppable off-road, unless the trail is too narrow for the G 63 4x4 Squared to squeeze through.
Otherwise, as is customary, Mercedes makes few modifications to the 2023 G-Class. Depending on the model, there are minor changes to appearance packages this year. So, that means the G-Class remains a quick, capable and luxurious SUV with significant off-roading capability and an outdated infotainment system.
In many ways, the G-Class competes in a class of one. Conceptually, its most direct rival would be a fully loaded Land Rover Defender 110 with a V8 engine, though the Mercedes is priced to go head-to-head with the more refined but equally capable Land Rover Range Rover. The Rivian R1S is an electric alternative, and the upcoming GMC Hummer EV SUV may prove itself a formidable foe. Don't fret about the new EVs. Mercedes has the answer to the Hummer and Rivian, and it arrives in a year or two in the form of the EQG.
Ready to learn more? Be sure to read our test team's Expert Rating of the 2023 Mercedes G-Class.
Edmunds Expert Rating
below avg
7.0/10
Edmunds 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.
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.
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.
Technology
6.5/10
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-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
6.0/10
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.
Fuel Economy
6.0/10
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
9.0/10
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-Class is available in three models, but we think the standard G 550 offers all of the power, performance and off-roading capability most people will need. You can choose from a wide range of paint colors, wheel designs, shades of leather, and interior furnishings. The Night package is a popular option for its blacked-out appearance.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class models
The 2023 Mercedes G-Class comes in standard G 550, performance-tuned AMG G 63, and outrageous AMG G 63 4x4Squared specification. Each includes a generous list of standard equipment. Feature highlights include:
G 550
It's not the most expensive version of the G-Class, but the G 550 provides everything you need for storming the castle:
Turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine (416 horsepower, 450 lb-ft of torque)
Nine-speed automatic transmission
All-wheel drive
Two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing
Three locking differentials (help provide extra off-road traction)
19-inch wheels
Brush guard
Tow hitch receiver
Three-zone climate control
12-way power-adjustable front seats
Leather upholstery
Heated front and rear seats
LED ambient interior lighting
Power sunroof
Highlights of the onboard technology include:
12.3-inch digital instrument display
12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
Satellite radio
Navigation system
Mercedes Me connected services (three-year trial subscription)
Burmester surround-sound system
Mercedes G-Class driver assist features include:
Semi-automated parking system
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the G-Class and the car in front)
Automatic high-beam headlights
AMG G 63
For added power and bragging rights, the AMG G 63 is ready to serve with:
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.
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.
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
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the G-Class since its last redesign.
There's nothing else on the road that's quite like the 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The original G-wagen was an icon, a military vehicle with the interior of an S-Class, though thinking of it as a Jeep with a Mercedes interior doesn't do the G-Class justice. The second iteration of Mercedes' iconic SUV was redesigned in 2019. While it retains all of the looks, panache and capability of the original, the new G-Class is much more comfortable as a day-to-day vehicle, with even better in-car tech and driver aids. That said, it's far from the most comfortable or best-driving SUVs on the road. The G-Class wins on charm more than anything else.
It's hard to pinpoint any direct rivals for the G-Class since it's a pretty distinct vehicle. The Range Rover offers quite a lot of off-road capability with better on-road comfort. The Lexus LX 600 is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser and provides its own compelling combination of capability and luxury. There are also plenty of other SUVs — including several in Mercedes' own lineup — that may not be as capable off-road as the G-Class but offer a more comfortable ride and increased interior space.
Edmunds says
On paper, it's hard to see what makes the G-Class so compelling. It may not be the most comfortable or luxurious SUV on the road, but if you want personality, it doesn't get much better.
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 G-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class:
New AMG G 63 4x4 Squared takes the G-Class to the extreme
Minor changes to Night and G Manufaktur packages
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 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 G-Class and gave it a 7.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 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 2023 G-Class is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
The least-expensive 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is the 2023 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 $139,900.
Other versions include:
G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $139,900
AMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $179,000
AMG G 63 4x4 Squared 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $349,000
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
