2019 Mercedes G-Class - Off-Road Test (Best Ever)

Mercedes-Benz G-Class review

Fair Market Price: $ 125,862

You’ll Like
Polarizing off-road look
Quick and capable
Impressive luxury

You Won’t Like
Poor fuel economy
Bad on-road driving characteristics
Lacks many advanced driver assist safety features

New for 2018

Minor updates include two new exterior colors – Designo Orange Metallic and Designo Ocean Blue Metallic – and the new Designo Manufaktur Red and Black Edition on the G550 and the AMG Performance Studio package on the AMG G63.

Vehicle Summary
The G-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s flagship SUV, positioned above the GLA-Class, GLC-Class, GLE-Class, and GLS-Class in price (although the GLS is bigger). This body-on-frame SUV has one of the highest starting prices in the automaker’s entire lineup.

Overview
Powering the G550 base model is a 416-hp, 450-lb-ft of torque twin-turbo V-8 that delivers an EPA-rated 13/14 mpg city/highway. The same engine powers the lifted G550 4×42 model, but that version delivers 11/11 mpg. The AMG G63 is powered by 5.5-liter V-8 that churns out 563 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque and is rated at 12/14 mpg. The range-topping AMG G65 packs a big 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 that produces a whopping 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque and delivers 11/13 mpg. All models come standard with permanent four-wheel drive (with a two-speed transfer case and three locking differentials) and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The G550 4×42 has an incredible 17.2 inches of ground clearance.

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Glass comes standard with a dual side-exit exhaust system, 19-inch AMG wheels, stainless-steel brush guard, LED daytime running lights, Nappa leather upholstery, 10-way power heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, interior ambient lighting, Comand multimedia system with central controller and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Available features for the G-Class lineup include an AMG Sport exhaust system, an AMG high-performance braking system, 21-inch AMG wheels, Nappa/Dinamica AMG Performance steering wheel, Designo wood trim, a Dinamica Interior Package, an AMG Night package, and a rear seat entertainment system. The G550 4×42 comes standard with 22-inch wheels, wide wheel arches, two-tone paint, portal axles with red suspension springs, stainless steel undercarriage skid plates, AMG carbon fiber trim, and seats and doors panels in Dinamica microfiber with diamond stitching.

Safety
The G-Class lineup comes standard with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, Parking Assist Parktronic (front and rear parking sensors), rearview camera, trailer stability assist, and an illuminated entry system. The G-Class does not have any additional driver assist safety features available.

What We Think
In a three-way comparison among highly capable and expensive off-road SUVs, the AMG G65 came in third: “Although the Mercedes G550 handled everything, we agreed that its poor observed fuel economy, propensity to scrape expensive mechanical bits off-road, and white-knuckle handling characteristics both on the road and in the snow should put this endearing European in third.”
In a First Drive review of the refreshed G550, we liked the power from the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and the decent ride quality, but the on-road driving dynamics are poor. We enjoyed the G-Glass’ luxury and said, “Part of the G-Wagen’s mountain-crushing weight is all the sound-deadening material they’ve crammed into it over the years. Thanks to that it’s actually pretty comfortable and quiet inside despite the big tires, truck frame, and barn-inspired aerodynamic profile. The leather is absurdly rich for the vehicle, the seats are comfortable and supportive.”

Cool Fact
The G550 4×42 weighs in at a whopping 6,825 pounds.
Full Review https://www.motortrend.com/cars/mercedes-benz/g-class/2018/

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