2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The Mercedes-Benz G-class—sometimes called the Geländewagen or G-Wagen—isn't the only 4x4 beast that's transcended its humble utilitarian roots and become a celebrated token of wealth. But it's certainly one of the most visible. Despite its high-profile public appearances across the social media stratosphere, its 9.5-inch ground clearance, three locking differentials and 416-hp twin-turbo V-8 ensure its off-road-conquering reputation remains legit—no matter how far it claws its way up the social ladder. Unsurprisingly, four-wheel drive is standard as is a nine-speed automatic transmission. Part of the G-class's charm is its iconic boxy exterior which, in addition to making a striking visual statement, provides for a reasonably accommodating interior. Once inside, you'll find all the Mercedes-Benz luxury hallmarks, including acres of leather, massaging seats, and contemporary tech and infotainment. It's clear that these indulgent features are still adapted to fit the G's core mission: to be one of the world's most capable and rugged off-road vehicles. The G-Class blends a six-figure price tag with a ravenous thirst for fuel but somehow retains its integrity in a world of off-road pretenders. If the G-Wagen sounds appealing but somehow a bit too timid, check out the insane 577-hp AMG-badged G63, which we review separately.

What's New for 2024?

Redesigned in 2019, the 2024 G-Class is a carryover model. A limited-production Stronger Than Diamonds Edition of the G550 launched for Valentines Day 2024. Only 300 will be sold globally, making it quite rare, and all of them come with rose gold paint, unique door-sill plates with the Stronger Than Diamonds slogan, and 0.25-carat diamonds in the door lock pins. A refreshed G-Class with more aerodynamic styling and new powertrain choices is scheduled for 2025 to dovetail the arrival of the new EQG G-Class EV. Mercedes-Benz hasn't yet revealed any specifics, but more efficient powertrains including a hybrid are possible.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

With a starting price over $140k, it's a good bet that most buyers won't be too concerned about ponying up for a few options. Still, the sheer number and cost of those extras is dizzying, and that doesn't even include limited-edition versions like the Edition 550 and G550 Professional. Barring one of those or the G63 AMG, our feeling is that buyers are best served by enhancing a G550 with thoughtful choices like the Exclusive Interior package, which adds the nicer nappa leather upholstery and snazzier trim pieces. The Seat Comfort package includes massaging front seats with ventilated cushions, and we'd add the heated steering wheel, too. The only other option we recommend is the available adaptive dampers that allow the driver to dial in the ride quality to their liking.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The G550 isn't the most powerful G-Wagon, but it's no slouch either. Motivated by a twin-turbo V-8 good for 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, it sends torque to the wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive is standard, as are the famed triple differential locks (front, center, and rear) and low-range. The 2019 G550 that we tested had much-improved road manners compared with the outgoing model, thanks to an independent front suspension and a lower center of gravity. Whereas the previous model leaned into corners with comical abandon, the newer model at least tries to pivot without scraping the door handles on the pavement. The G550's steering feels more precise than ever, and the ride quality is composed on all but the choppiest surfaces. The tall, boxy body still can't escape the laws of aerodynamics, however, and considerable wind noise is present at higher speeds despite a standard acoustically laminated windshield and door windows. The most recent G we've tested is the G550 Professional, which comes with 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires rather than the standard model's 19s and all-season rubber. The difference in acceleration at our test track was a nominal 0.2 seconds, with the G550 Professional hitting 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and the 2019 G550 doing it in a 5.1.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The G550 has a maximum towing capacity of 7000 pounds, impressive considering the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 and a similarly equipped Cadillac Escalade are rated for a maximum of 7700 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The G550 has many charms, but fuel efficiency is not one of them. EPA rated for 13 mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the highway, well, let's just say it's a good thing the Buc-ee's chain of fuel- and-food stops is expanding rapidly. The last G550 we tested on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route—part of our extensive testing regimen—returned 15 mpg in the real world. For more information about the G-class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Standing in contrast to the G-Wagen's paramilitary transport-vehicle exterior is a fully outfitted luxury interior. Standard features include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, heated front and rear seats with leather upholstery, a power-adjustable steering column, three-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, and three 12v power outlets. With the check of a few option boxes, buyers can enjoy massaging front seats with ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and nappa leather upholstery. The G manufaktur options offer the most opulent aesthetic and allow more than 54 unique interior upholsteries, but they cost a considerable amount of money. While there's no shortage of headroom in the front or rear seats, the G-class is still essentially a very luxurious and well-equipped box; the instrument panel and infotainment screen are positioned nearly vertically, the driving position is almost bus-like, and the large, flat glass areas occasionally shoot alarming reflections across the cabin. You'll never mistake the experience for the palatial vibe of other high-end SUVs such as the Bentley Bentayga or the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Still, the Benz has tons of cargo space. The version we tested held 16 carry-on suitcases behind its back row and another 17 bags with those seats folded (33 total).

Infotainment and Connectivity

A standard 12.3-inch infotainment display takes center stage on the G550's near vertical dashboard. Inputs are controlled through a rotary knob and touchpad mounted on the center console with the added versatility of steering-wheel controls and voice commands. Sounds a bit convoluted, but most drivers will settle in a familiar input command sequence in short order. Navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 15-speaker, 590-watt Burmester audio system are standard. Those looking for further upgrades can add a Wi-Fi hotspot and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The G-class has a slew of standard driver-assistance technology such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, speed limit assist, lane-keeping assist, and self-parking assist. For more information about the G550's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-Benz provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that aligns with other luxury automakers. However, the company doesn't offer any complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs