Overview
Mercedes-Benz deserves praise for reinventing the 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 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.
The G-Class, also known as the G-Wagon, started as a military vehicle in 1979. It was simple and tough. In 1990, it got a big upgrade to make it more luxurious. Then in 2018, it became a brand new model. Now, we have a facelifted version of this second generation.

What’s New on the Outside?
Many changes are hard to notice on the outside. There is a new front bumper and a new grille. The windscreen pillars are now curved to help the car move through the air better. Mercedes claims the drag coefficient improved from 0.53 to 0.48. But let’s be real, it still moves through the air like a big truck.
What’s Under the Hood?
The biggest changes are under the hood. All engines now have mild hybrid technology. This means they are a bit more powerful and use a little less fuel. For example, the G500 has a 3-liter 6-cylinder petrol engine that can average 25 MPG. But in real-world driving, you won’t see that number.

The top G63 model, with a V8 engine, can’t even reach 20 MPG on paper! The diesel G400 D is the most efficient but still pumps out more CO2 than a Nissan Qashqai e-Power.
There is a new electric version, the G580. It has four electric motors, one on each wheel, producing nearly 580 brake horsepower. Despite weighing over three tons, it can go fast and has an official range of 283 miles!
What About the Price?
The G-Class is expensive. The cheapest model, the G400 D, starts at over £136,000. The G500 adds £10,000 more. The G580 electric starts at nearly £155,000, and the G63 is the most expensive, starting at more than £185,000. That is a lot of money!

How Does It Feel Inside?
Once you unlock the doors, it feels like you are opening a prison cell. There are no fancy pop-out door handles. You have to pull the handle hard to open the door, and you have to slam it shut. Inside, the vibe is not flashy. You can choose different colored leather for the seats, but it feels basic for a car that costs over £100,000.
The materials are high quality and feel solid. The new infotainment system is easy to use, even though I would prefer a rotary controller like in a BMW. The touchpad works well and has haptic feedback, which is nice.

Space and Comfort
The driving position is good, but there is a slight issue. The pedals are offset to the right, which can feel awkward. The rear seats have lots of headroom, but the legroom is not great. If the front seat is set for a tall driver, the back seat can feel cramped.
The G-Class is a strict 5-seater. There is no 7-seat option. The boot space is not very practical either. It has a side-hinged tailgate, which can be hard to open in tight parking spots. The boot itself is a nice square shape but lacks underfloor storage.

Driving the G-Class
When driving in the city, the G-Class feels big, but you get a good view because you sit high. The engine is smooth, and the brakes are not grabby. However, when you go faster, it feels heavy and slow to steer. The G500 can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds, which is quick. But if you want to turn heads, the G63 is the way to go.

Off-Road Capabilities
The G-Class is built for off-road adventures. It has a body-on-frame construction and three locking differentials. This means it can tackle rough terrain. Many owners, however, will spend most of their time driving in the city.
Is It Worth It?
The G-Class is not a sensible buy. There are many luxury SUVs that are better to drive, practical, and cheaper. But if you love the looks and can afford it, the G-Class holds its value well. It also has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

FAQs
1. Is the G-Class a good off-road vehicle?
A. Yes, it has great off-road capabilities with three locking differentials.
2. What is the fuel economy of the G-Class?
A. The G500 averages 25 MPG, while the G63 is less than 20 MPG.
3. How many people can the G-Class seat?
A. The G-Class is a strict 5-seater.
4. Does the G-Class come in an electric version?
A. Yes, the G580 is the electric version.
5. How much does the G-Class cost?
A. Prices start at over £136,000 for the G400 D.
In conclusion, the new Mercedes G-Class is a unique SUV. It stands out on the road and has a rich history. But it is not the most practical or economical choice. If you love the design and can afford it, it might be worth the investment.