2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Used Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Based on analysis of 40 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 40 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. 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.
Its price is one area where the G is a standout. It has the most expensive base price in its 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.
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 horspower V8 engine. An even more powerful, high-performance AMG 55 is available, but reviewed separately.
An even more powerful, high-performance AMG 55 is available.
- "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
- "No truck is as desirable for its sheer presence, indestructible quality and go-anywhere capability. As an everyday car, however, the G550 doesn't make much sense. The awkward around-town handling, enormous step-up height, passenger space issues and naval fuel consumption make a GL-Class or even a GLK-Class more suburban-friendly choices." -- 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
