Exploring the 2025 New Mercedes G-Class: Is It the Best SUV in the World?

Overview

Mercedes-Benz deserves praise for reinventing the 2025 New Mercedes G-class SUV. Once a military vehicle, it has become a luxury icon. The 2025 G550 retains the robust shape and off-road skills of the 1979 original. But with a six-figure price tag and custom options, it enters the ultra-luxury market, alongside the Bentley Bentayga and Mercedes-Maybach GLS600.

The G-class excels off-road, yet its on-road performance is less refined. It’s not rough, but you’ll notice its truck-like roots during daily drives or long trips. A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine powers this beast, delivering 443 horsepower. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive for an exhilarating ride.

For serious off-roaders, optional upgrades are available. Add rugged tires, an adaptive suspension, and tough trim to make the G550 a trail-ready machine. Still, many buyers are drawn to its unique style and status. If you want a bolder G, the performance-focused Mercedes-AMG G63 is a standout, which we also review.

2025 New Mercedes G-Class

The G-Class Journey

The Mercedes G-Class, also known as the G-Wagon, began its life in 1979 as a basic off-roader. It was even used as a military vehicle! Over the years, it has transformed into a luxurious SUV, especially after its major overhaul in 1990. The latest model is a facelift of the second generation that started in 2018, and while the outside looks similar, there are some changes worth noting.

What’s New on the Outside?

  • New Front Bumper: The updated design includes a new front bumper.
  • New Front Grill: A fresh grill adds to its stylish appearance.
  • Curved Windscreen Pillars: These help the car slip through the air better, although it still has a poor drag coefficient of 0.48.

Despite these changes, it still stands tall at 10 cm higher than a Range Rover, which means it’s not the most aerodynamic vehicle around.

2025 New Mercedes G-Class

Performance and Engines

The biggest changes are under the hood. All engines now feature mild hybrid technology, giving them a slight boost in power and fuel efficiency. However, don’t expect miracles. The G500 with its 3.0L six-cylinder petrol engine averages only 25 MPG on paper, and you’ll likely see much lower in real-world driving. The range-topping G63 V8 struggles to hit 20 MPG, while the diesel G450 D offers the best efficiency at 31.4 MPG.

For those looking for something more modern, there’s the fully electric G580. With four electric motors, it delivers almost 580 brake horsepower and has an official range of 283 miles. While it’s still not as efficient as other electric vehicles, it’s a step in the right direction.

2025 New Mercedes G-Class

Price Tag: Is It Worth It?

The G-Class is pricey. Even the base G450 D starts at over £136,000. The G500 and G580 are around £145,000 and £155,000, respectively. The most expensive model, the G63, is over £185,000. So, if you’re wondering whether you can afford it, you probably can’t.

Inside the G-Class

Stepping inside the G-Class is an experience. Unlocking the doors sounds like you’re opening a prison cell! The door handles require a solid tug to open, and closing the door needs a firm push. Inside, the vibe is different from other luxury cars. There are no flashy ornaments, just high-quality materials that feel solid.

2025 New Mercedes G-Class

The infotainment system has been updated, but it could be better. It features a touchpad interface that’s easy to use once you get the hang of it, although it lacks the simplicity of a rotary controller found in other luxury SUVs. The 12.3-inch screen is bright, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

Space and Comfort

In the back, there’s a good amount of headroom, but legroom isn’t impressive. The seats can recline, but they do dig into your shins if you’re tall. The G-Class is strictly a five-seater with no option for a seven-seat version. The boot space isn’t exceptional either, especially with a side-hinged tailgate that can be tricky to open in tight parking situations.

2025 New Mercedes G-Class

Driving Experience

Driving the G-Class is a mixed bag. It’s designed for off-roading, but on-road performance can feel heavy and unresponsive. The steering is slow, and the turning circle is large. However, the G500 can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds, so it has some speed!

Its off-road capabilities are where it shines. With body-on-frame construction and three locking differentials, it can tackle tough terrains with ease. However, most owners use it for city driving, which feels a bit out of place for a vehicle built for adventure.

2025 New Mercedes G-Class

Conclusion

The G-Class isn’t a sensible buy. There are other luxury SUVs that are cheaper and more practical. But, if you love its looks and can afford it, the G-Class holds its value well. Plus, it has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, which is a bonus if you need to convince someone else to let you buy it.

FAQs

1. What is the starting price of the Mercedes G-Class?

A. The starting price for the G-Class is over £136,000 for the base model, G450 D.

2. How fuel-efficient is the G-Class?

A. The fuel efficiency varies, with the G500 averaging around 25 MPG on paper, while the diesel G450 D offers about 31.4 MPG.

3. Is the G-Class good for off-roading?

A. Yes, the G-Class is designed for off-road capabilities with features like body-on-frame construction and three locking differentials.

4. How many people can the G-Class seat?

A. The G-Class is a five-seater with no option for a seven-seat version.

5. Does the G-Class have modern tech features?

A. Yes, it includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the interface could be improved.

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