2008 Mercedes-Benz G Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 25 G reviews and test drives.
Mercedes-Benz G Exterior Review
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."
Like the Hummer or the World War II-era Jeep, the Mercedes G-Class has the boxy look of a military transport vehicle. The G-Class is neither stylish nor sleek, but the look may appeal to those who want a tough-looking off-roader. "Sure it may look like a bank vault on wheels," says Edmunds, "but for some, that's the beauty of it." USA Today calls it "big, old, square -- honest and unlike anything else out there." However, while the G-Class's looks may be attention getting, The Sacramento Bee feels its decades-old design isn't so much original as retro: "It might not turn quite as many heads were it transported back to, say, the 1960s." The reviewer for Cars.com finds one styling grace note in the G-Class's appearance: "This distinctive SUV's strictly utilitarian appearance is somewhat softened by body-colored bumpers and rocker panels and a stainless-steel spare-tire cover." More than one reviewer notes a flaw in the exterior design: As Consumer Guide puts it, there are "big gaps around the doors that partly expose the latches, creating a tempting target for thieves with slim-jims."