The 2021 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.
Mercedes-Benz began selling its boxy, utilitarian G-Class in the U.S. market in 2002. Still based on the original military vehicle from the 1970s, it became a cult icon despite (and possibly a little bit because of) its dated, old-school SUV design. Though it looks almost identical to the original, the second-generation G-Class that debuted a few years ago is, with few exceptions, new from the tires up. It seats five people, comes in G 550 and AMG G 63 specification, and has no direct competitors that offer the same blend of purpose-built design, unstoppable off-road capability, and high-end interior materials and technology.
For the 2021 G-Class, Mercedes has mainly added some optional cosmetic enhancements, including a range of G manufaktur exclusive paint colors and upholstery choices. The 12.3-inch digital instrumentation is now standard equipment, and the AMG G 63 gains standard wireless smartphone charging. For more details about the flagship SUV from Mercedes-Benz, be sure to see our Expert Rating below for the one-of-a-kind G-wagen.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Below Average
7.0
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7/10
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.
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 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.
Storage
6/10
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.
Fuel Economy
6/10
How’s the fuel economy? 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.
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.
Some G-Class customers think there is no substitute for the AMG G 63, but our pick is the G 550. It delivers the bold style and legendary capability for which the G-Class is known and gives you plenty of opportunity to customize its exterior appearance and interior materials.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 8 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, ranks it #26 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#26 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$965/yr
vs. $602/yr for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Frequency
1.09x/yr
vs. 1.09x/yr for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Severity
23.6%
vs. 9.4% for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
8 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
24V659000
Number of vehicles affected:
134
Defect Description:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2023 G 550 and 2019-2022 G63 AMG vehicles that received a replacement door latch during a service visit or prior recall repair. Components within the right-side rear door latch may prevent the rear doors from latching or opening properly.
Defect Consequence:
The rear door may appear closed even when the latch is not fully engaged, allowing the door to open while driving and increasing the risk of injury or a crash. Damaged latch components may prevent the rear door from being opened while inside the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the right-side rear door latches, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 11, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicles in this recall that were previously repaired under recall 21V-353 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall Number:
23V445000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
2023070012
Number of vehicles affected:
143551
Defect Description:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Defect Consequence:
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 18, 2023. Owner notification letters with a remedy were mailed September 29, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
Recall Number:
23V097000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
2023030005
Number of vehicles affected:
26116
Defect Description:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 G550 and AMG G63 vehicles. The front axle wiring harness may chafe against an oil cooler and become damaged, which can cause a loss of anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
Defect Consequence:
A loss of anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and either install a protective sleeve or replace the front axle wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023030005.
Recall Number:
22V365000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
2022060005
Number of vehicles affected:
234918
Defect Description:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Defect Consequence:
A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060005.
Recall Number:
21V527000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
2021070032
Number of vehicles affected:
542
Defect Description:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.
Defect Consequence:
Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.
Recall Number:
21V483000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
2021080021
Number of vehicles affected:
4917
Defect Description:
Mercedes-Benz, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 G550, AMG G63, E350, E450, AMG CLS53, AMG E53, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, AMG GT63, 2021-2022 CLS450, and AMG E63 vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owners notified of the voluntary recall campaign by an interim letter on August 13, 2021. A final letter was mailed on September 24, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall Number:
21V353000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
2021060007
Number of vehicles affected:
17800
Defect Description:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 G550 and G63 AMG vehicles. Components within the door latch may prevent the rear doors from latching or opening properly.
Defect Consequence:
The rear door may appear closed even when the latch is not fully engaged, allowing the door to open while driving and increasing the risk of injury or a crash. Damaged latch components may prevent the rear door from being opened while inside the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the rear door latches, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Note: Vehicles repaired prior to this recall must return to dealers to have the remedy performed. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2021060007 and 2021060014.
Recall Number:
21V230000
Number of vehicles affected:
8634
Defect Description:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.
Defect Consequence:
Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 31, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
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!
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.
2019 G Box
5 out of 5 stars
Daily driver G 550, 03/04/2023
2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A)
PRO: Incredible old-school build quality, like Bentley or Rolls. Hand assembled in Austria. Very solid, capable and strong. Feels safe and secure. Excellent engine and transmission. Great visibility. Smooth ride on 19 or 20" wheels and optional adaptive suspension.
CON: compromised interior space utilization, fuel efficiency, large turning radius, wind noise above 70 mph. Many … recalls/warranty repairs.
VERDICT: Unique.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the G-Class since its last redesign.
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