2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Used Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Based on analysis of 41 G-Class reviews and test drives.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class ranks 6 out of 11 Luxury Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 41 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
If you like your luxury SUV with a side of military chic, check out the Mercedes-Benz G Class. Just be warned that buying one will take a significant chunk out of your defense budget.
There are luxury SUVs, and then there are luxury SUVs with German military heritage. The Mercedes-Benz G Class is in the second camp. Edmunds says, "Buying a 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class makes little rational sense. But its massive power, luxurious cabin and tanklike presence may make it strangely desirable for those with a few bucks to burn."
"A few bucks to burn" is an understatement. The G Class has the most expensive base price in the luxury large SUV class by nearly $23,000. But the G Class stands out in other areas as well. Because of its German military heritage, the G Class is a hardcore off-roader, perfect for taking the entire oompah band far off the beaten path. The G Class also received several interior upgrades in 2009, which took it from a military-inspired SUV with a high price tag to a military-inspired SUV with a high price tag and interior features that will do everything but bake your strudel. For buyers who like the military styling of the Hummer H2, but can't stomach its image, the G Class is worth a look -- provide you can stomach the nearly $37,000 price difference between the G550 and the Hummer.
Despite its long features list, rugged abilities and army-chic styling, its high price makes the Mercedes Benz G Class tough to recommend. Even with lots of interior features, reviewers complain that the interior's seats are a bit Prussian when it comes to comfort. And while the G's boxy shape looks cool, it makes for some tippy handling.
Reviewers call the G Class a great SUV, but there are other great SUVs in the class that cost a lot less. The Land Rover Range Rover has a more tenuous military heritage than the G Class, but it can match the G's off-road abilities and brand cachet. The Range Rover also has a more comfortable interior that the G. However, the G has more power than the Rover, and some buyers may appreciate the exclusivity that driving a $100,000 vehicle affords.
The G Class is made up of the G550, which has a 382 horsepower V8 engine. An even more powerful, high-performance G55 AMG is available, but reviewed separately.
If you like the G Class, see what discounts may be available by checking out this month's Best Car Deals.
- "What a spectacu...OH MY DYING WORD!!!!! I just saw the price tag and almost fainted." -- Automobile Magazine
- "If you like luxury with a military look and serious off-road capability, the timelessly styled G-class has German army heritage and the right stuff for rough terrain and serious off-roading." -- Car and Driver
- "The Mercedes Benz G-Wagon is a safari car everyone can love, despite its recent usurpation by fashionistas and the affluent douchebag class." -- Jalopnik
- "Suppose you're the leader of a military junta, or the wife of a prominent rap mogul. Maybe you own a majestic ski chalet atop an alp. Under any of these circumstances, you'll want an unapologetically brash, monumentally powerful, impenetrably built, endlessly capable and opulently luxurious vehicle that is like nothing else on the road. In other words, you'll want a 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class." -- Edmunds
- "Mercedes-Benz focuses largely on road-going manners with its M-Class SUV, but the G-Class is a hard-core off-road machine that comfortably seats five people. Competitors include the Hummer H2 and Land Rover Range Rover." -- Cars.com
G-Class Performance - 7.7 (Good)
The Mercedes Benz G Class, according to most reviewers, is fast in a straight line, and nearly unstoppable off-road. When the road or trail bends, however, things get hairy. Car and Driver explains, "To approximate the constant rolling and pitching of the G550, put on a helmet with a telephone pole sprouting from the top, and go outside on a windy day." Read More
G-Class Exterior - 8.6 (Very Good)
With its boxy, military profile, the Mercedes Benz G Class stands out. Not only do its retro looks make the G 550 distinctive, but reviewers like its rock-solid construction. Automobile Magazine says "The G550 feels as if it was carved from a block of granite: heavy, solid, and so unique" Read More
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 G-Class, and thanks to upgrades in 2009, reviewers say the company has finally succeeded. CNET says, "The interior offers the amenities you would expect from a 100 grand vehicle." Read More
G-Class Safety - NA
The 2010 Mercedes G-Class boasts a complete range of safety equipment. It has not been rated in government or insurance industry crash tests. Read More
G-Class Reliability - NA
The 2010 Mercedes G comes with a four-year/ 50,000 mile standard warranty. Read More
