2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review

Name: 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Price Range: $140,750 - $205,489

2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG G 63 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG G 63 4dr SUV Exterior

+380

The 2023 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.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review

byChristian Wardlaw^{Correspondent
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 Drive^{Cost 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 $3.72 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$324/mo

$170/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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

Our Verdict^{The 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

Rated for you by America's best test team.

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-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.

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-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.

Compare 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2023 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 4x4 Squared 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:

Turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine (577 hp, 627 lb-ft)
20-inch wheels
Upgraded headlights
AMG body styling
AMG performance brakes
AMG performance exhaust
AMG adjustable adaptive suspension
Upgraded leather upholstery
Synthetic suede headliner
Surround-view camera

AMG G 63 4x4 Squared
New for 2023, the AMG G 63 4x4 is impossible to ignore thanks to:

Raised suspension
Unique portal axles with wider track
22-inch wheels
All-terrain tires
Exclusive paint colors
Matte-finish carbon fiber interior trim
Artificial suede-wrapped AMG steering wheel

Option packages for the G-Class include the following:

Exclusive Interior package (premium leather and synthetic suede interior)
Seat Comfort package (ventilated and massaging front seats)
Night package (adds blacked-out exterior trim and details)
AMG Line package (G 550 only; adds AMG-inspired exterior and interior style enhancements)
AMG Trail package (AMG G 63 only; adds off-road-optimized suspension, all-terrain tires)
Numerous exterior and interior customization options

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

2.5/5Average

#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

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class from 2008-2022.}

$965/yr

vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.09x/yr

vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

23.6%

vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

13 reviews

5(77%)

4(8%)

3(15%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

all new design

John Mack, 03/22/2019

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

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 …

the true king of suv's

Anthony, 06/20/2019

2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A)

one of a kind

Gawkers

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 …

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.

See all 13 reviews of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Write a vehicle review

2023 G-Class Highlights

Type:

SUV

Trim:

G 550

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$139,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	14 MPG
Cost to Drive	$324/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	38.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	four wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the G-Class models:

Pre-Safe Sound: 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.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review

Price & Payment

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2023 Mercedes-Benz G-ClassG 550 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz G-ClassAMG G 63 4dr SUV

Certified 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-ClassG 550 4dr SUV

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2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

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 $3.72 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which G-Class does Edmunds recommend?

2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

all new design

Rent don’t buy

the true king of suv's

Gawkers

2023 G-Class Highlights

Safety

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G 550 4dr SUV

Cost to Drive^{Cost 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 $3.72 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}