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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

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Expert Rating

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

(2018 – present)

    Summary


    The Mercedes-Benz G-Class may be a luxury SUV but it is also a proper, tough 4×4, its makers dubbing it “stronger than time.” It was developed as a military vehicle in the 1970s, the first passenger version revealed in 1979 and in those days very spartan. Mercedes turned it into a luxury vehicle in 1990, and the current second generation launched in 2019 – still with its body on a box-section frame for going far off-road in comfort.   

    “This is no mere posing machine” says Parkers, pointing to the three lockable differentials and low-range transfer gearbox, while adding that such ability comes at a cost. Currently there are just two engine options, a 3.0-litre 326hp diesel or the outrageous AMG petrol of 577hp and a purchase price above £150,000. A 420hp petrol variant is rumoured, but not around yet.

    Testers praise the levels of luxury inside the G-Class, and the extensive equipment. “Despite its utilitarian persona, it exudes typical Mercedes luxury with swathes of leather inside, a modern infotainment system and all the clever driving tech Mercedes can throw at it,” says What Car? 

    “All models come fully loaded,” adds Motors.co.uk, highlighting 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry, mood lighting and climate control, plus two 12-inch display screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. 

    But where the latest G-Class has really scored is on its driveability. Compared to its predecessor Top Gear calls it “a revelation”, adding that the ride, steering and drive are on another level, even before you take it off road.

    Finally while everything about the G-Class screams expense, Motors.co.uk point outs that it’s so desirable that when you come to sell it, you will get more money than usual back.

    As of August 2023, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class holds an Expert Rating of 69% from 20 reviews.

    G-Class highlights

    • Genuinely tough off-roader
    • Surprisingly competent on the road
    • Quality fit and finish
    • Lots of equipment

    G-Class lowlights

    • Pricey – to buy and to run
    • Needs a sensible petrol engine
    • Anything but subtle
    • Not that much rear seat room

    Key specifications


    Body style: Large SUV
    Engines: petrol, diesel
    Price: From £131,095 on-road

    Launched: Summer 2018
    Last updated: Summer 2019
    Replacement due: TBA


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Autocar

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    Car

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Daily Mail

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    Eurekar

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    Heycar

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    Motors.co.uk

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    Parkers

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    The Intercooler

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    The Sunday Times

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

    +

    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 5 stars
    Date tested: February 2019
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 90%
    Child protection: 83%
    Vulnerable road users: 78%
    Safety assist: 72%

    The current Mercedes-Benz G-Class was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2019 and gained a five-star rating. Testers highlighted the performance in the side barrier and side pole impact tests, in which the car scored maximum points, and also praised the standard-fit autonomous emergency braking, which can detect pedestrians and cyclists.

    There were some concerns however with chest protection of rear-seat passenger in a frontal offside impact.

    Eco rating


    Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

    No eco rating

    As of August 2023, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. But it’s a 2.5-tonne SUV with either a big diesel or massive petrol engine, so it’s only slightly more eco-friendly than a coal-fired power station on wheels.

    If the G-Class is selected for assessment, we’ll publish the results here.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    No reliability rating

    As of August 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class to generate a reliability rating.

    The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the G-Class, we’ll publish the score here.

    Running cost rating

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

    Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

    Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
    Petrol models17 mpgE14 – 18 mpgE – E
    Diesel models26 mpgE26 – 26 mpgE – E
    CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
    Petrol models386 g/kmD343 – 456 g/kmD – E
    Diesel models289 g/kmD281 – 290 g/kmD – D
    Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
    All models50F50 – 50F – F
    Service and maintenanceCostScore
    Year 1£608D
    Year 2£1,512D
    Year 3£2,260D
    Year 4£2,667D
    Year 5£3,627D
    Overall£10,674D

    As you might expect, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is certainly not cheap to run, according to data exclusively provided by our commercial partner Clear Vehicle Data.

    With an average fuel consumption of 17 mpg, the economy of petrol models is frankly terrible, and diesel models are not much better. Emissions are high, service and maintenance costs over the course of five years of ownership are quite expensive, and the SUV’s insurance premiums are some of the highest on the market.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has received

    2021

    • Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Luxury Car

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    Audi Q7 | Bentley Bentayga | BMW X5 | Lamborghini Urus | Land Rover Defender | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover | Toyota Land Cruiser

    There are lots of luxury SUVs around but step off road and the G-Class will eat most of them for breakfast. Few rivals can combine its off-road ability and its plushness. The likes of the Land Rover Defender or the Toyota Land Cruiser might do the off-road bit, while the Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne or Range Rover tick the luxury box.

    But for the best mix of both, the G-Class has few rivals – so long as you can bear its huge costs.

    Buy a Mercedes-Benz G-Class


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    You need deep pockets for a Mercedes-Benz G-Class but you will get an unprecedented combination of luxury and true go-anywhere ability.Mercedes-Benz G-Class