2008 Mercedes-Benz G [ 2007 ]

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs

Mercedes-Benz G - What the Auto Press Says

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz G ranks 9 out of 9 Luxury Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 25 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz G, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The G-Class is a powerful SUV with superior off-roading capabilities and a large number of standard luxury and safety features. However, it has mediocre on-road drivability, doesn't offer side air bags, and carries a very high price tag, putting it near the bottom of its class in our rankings.

Our analysis shows the hand-built G-Class has superior off-roading capabilities, but 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." Critics praise the SUV's 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. All of these factors contribute to the G-Class ranking at the bottom of this highly competitive class.

For 2008, the G-Class remains relatively unchanged with the exception of a few interior enhancements. The base model comes with so many standard features that there are no optional features available. Despite this, many reviewers feel that the G-Class is too expensive relative to other SUVs with the same features and better performance.

The G-Class comes in two trims -- the G500 and the more powerful G55 AMG -- which feature varying V8 engines.

• "Besides bragging rights, the G-wagen gets you a supremely capable off-road truck. When we drove one this past fall, we were duly impressed with both how quiet it was on blacktop and how seamlessly it could tackle mud, logs and sand." -- Forbes
• "This truck has a military look because it was designed for the German army years ago. It's tough, and it will negotiate the most taxing terrain thanks to solid axles, high ground clearance, and three lockable differentials. But the M- and GL-class utes are far better on-road SUVs." -- Car and Driver

G Performance - 6.7 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Mercedes G-Class is a tough off-road vehicle that can go just about anywhere an SUV can go, but is awkward to drive on the highway, with a bouncy ride and sluggish acceleration on the base model. As a result, it gets one of the worst performance scores in the class. "With a high seating position, the view is unencumbered," says Car and Driver. "But driving this big truck is like driving a house." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn about the G's disappointing fuel economy. continue

G Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)

The 2008 Mercedes Benz G Class has a distinctive look that ranks near the top of the class. "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 with our full Exterior Review to learn more about the G's decades-old design. continue

G Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)

Despite its history as a military vehicle, Mercedes has done its best to create a luxurious interior in the 2008 G-Class, but most reviewers feel that the results are mixed. Though the G-Class's interior gets a very good score, it also only ranks in the middle of the class. "Interior furnishings, while upscale and evocative of the fancy S-class sedan, look very tacked on," says USA Today. "It's clear they were forced into the truck to make it seem swell, instead of being part of an integrated design." Continue with our Interior Review to learn about reviewers' mixed opinions on seating comfort. continue

G Safety - NA

The 2008 Mercedes G-Class boasts a complete range of safety equipment, including front and rear head air bags, but it lacks side airbags, a common safety feature in most luxury SUVs. It has not yet been rated in government or insurance industry crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn about the G's advanced safety systems, including Rear Park Assist and an Electronic Stability Program. continue

G Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz G 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 Mercedes Benz G Class comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about quality glitches that have plagued the Mercedes brand. continue