2007 Mercedes-Benz G Class [ 2008 ]
Mercedes-Benz G Class
Overall Score - 7.4 (Good)
The G-Class is a powerful SUV with superior off-roading capabilities and a large number of standard luxury and safety features, but it has mediocre on-road drivability, it does not offer side airbags, and it carries a very high price tag.
Automotive reviewers praise the hand-built G Class's superior off-roading capabilities while noting that it has only fair abilities on the open road. "Steering is slow and stiff and heavy feeling," says USA TODAY. "Parking the G-class, or guiding it through the shopping-cart assault at the mall, will be hard work." Two models are available, the G500 and the more powerful G55. Critics praise the torque-y V8 engines, though some note that acceleration becomes sluggish at highway speeds. The G Class's suspension is tuned for venturing into the wilderness, but several reviewers note that it's much too bouncy and stiff on the highway. And the G Class's boxy military profile demonstrates both wind resistance and body roll. Not all reviewers dislike the G Class's handling, though. Forbes says that "the surprising thing about the G500 is that it's so easy to drive."
The base model G Class vehicles have a wide array of standard features, from a premium stereo system to built-in GPS navigation. In fact, so many features are standard that there are no optional features available, with just about everything a driver could want already in the base model. Despite this, many reviewers feel that the G Class is too expensive relative to other SUVs with the same features and better performance. "Yes, the G-Class is very capable off-road," writes a reviewer for Consumer Guide, "but other big luxury SUVs -- including Mercedes' own M-Class -- offer far better everyday comfort, refinement, and performance, often for far less money." IntelliChoice rates the G-Class a "worse than average" value based on total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
G Class Performance - 6.8 (Mediocre)
Reviewers agree that the 2007 Mercedes G-Class is a tough off-road vehicle that can go just about anywhere an SUV can go, but they find it awkward to drive on the highway, with a bouncy ride and sluggish acceleration (for the base model). "The G-Class is a truck-based SUV designed for military activities," says Edmunds, "and it drives like it." continue
G Class Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)
Reviewers generally agree that the 2007 Mercedes G-Class is a distinctive looking SUV. "For boldness, we think it's hard to beat the standout looks of the G500," says Forbes, "since it will never be confused with anything else on the road." continue
G Class Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Despite its history as a military vehicle, Mercedes has done their best to create a luxurious interior in the 2007 G-Class, but most reviewers feel that the results are mixed. "The lengthy standard features list bestows a luxurious environment," says Edmunds, "but the truckish, upright driving position may be a put-off for those used to today's more carlike SUV cabins." continue
G Class Safety - NA
The 2007 Mercedes G-Class boasts a complete range of safety equipment, including front and rear head air bags, but it does lack side airbags, a common safety feature in most luxury SUVs. It has not yet been rated in government or insurance industry crash tests. continue
G Class Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz G Class reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2007 Mercedes G comes with a four-year/ 50,000 mile standard warranty. continue