Name: Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2018 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car...
Item: Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Rating: 57.0

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. There are only 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. “All models come fully loaded,” says 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 the road.

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

As of December 2024, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 57%. Inevitably, the big G-Class scores poorly for running costs and CO₂ emissions, while media review scores have only been average. But this is not a car that anyone buys for logical reasons, so a poor score from us is unlikely to hurt sales…

More Mercedes-Benz Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

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

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“To criticise the G-Class for its list price and thirst would be to miss the point of this iconic off-roader. Not only does it look fabulous, but it’s also blessed with one of the best interiors of the modern age, blending old-school charm with new-age tech.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic G 400d
Score: 9 / 10
“Although it’s still a pricey machine, few can match the diesel Mercedes-Benz G-Class’s personality; it’s unique in the large SUV market, and that’s almost worth the entry price alone.” (Sean Carson)
Read review

Model reviewed: Used G-Class overview
“The W463 Mercedes-Benz G-Class that appeared in 2018 upped the levels of luxury and performance significantly, and despite its rather traditional, almost agricultural looks, it’s a very upmarket, expensive car, especially in top-spec AMG G63 form.” (Sam Naylor)
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 350d
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s quiet, comfortable and incredibly smooth, and for those looking for all the style and presence of the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class without the shouty soundtrack, it could be just the ticket.” (Richard Ingram)
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.2 / 10
“You might struggle to tell the difference between the latest Mercedes-Benz G-Class and its predecessor. But as the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – and as a result, the latest G-Class offers the same style, presence, and the sheer likeability that made the model an icon in the first place.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic G500
Score: 10 / 10
“Is the Mercedes-Benz G500 worth the ludicrous price tag that puts even its top-end rivals to shame? To be honest, if you’re willing to dive into the insane world of premium SUVs at all – yes, I reckon it is.”
Author: Seth Walton
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic G 350d
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s an imposing-looking SUV in a Tonka-esque way, but there’s not as much room as you might expect considering its growth compared with its predecessor. Up front it’s snug, but not unpleasantly so, but three adults abreast the back seat will have to be exceptionally good friends.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz G-Class isn’t a sensible choice, but it is a luxurious, fast and fun SUV that’ll turn heads like few other cars.”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes G-Class is one of the most recognisable cars on – or indeed off – the road, and this latest model is more luxurious than ever, but other large SUVs are better to drive.”
Read review

Daily Mail+

Model reviewed: AMG G 63
“The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a beast. Though I wager few will do any serious off-roading in this 4X4, the potential is there with three separate differential locks and settings for sand, trail and rock.”
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Eurekar+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic G 350d AMG Line
“The sheer strength and bullishness of this car is one of its great attractions. But, in the intervening years since it was only a gleam in the Mercedes eye, its innards have changed – quite radically. What was once the kind of hardcore interior is now extremely plush.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The G-Class is an icon that Mercedes-Benz could have ruined with its clean sheet re-engineering and re-design for 2018, but it didn’t. It is an incredible vehicle, looking to all intents and purposes like the car that preceded it for many decades, but being all new. It now drives properly, yet it retains all the appeal of its predecessor. We want one.”
Read review

Motors+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“When you’re spending nearly £100,000 on an SUV, you would expect high levels of comfort and luxury. It’s safe to say you won’t be disappointed with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“No other 4×4 can offer the Mercedes-Benz G-Class’s mix of grit and glam.”
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The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic G 350d
“I think if you are disposed towards a car such as this, you’re going to want the full soundtrack and a throttle pedal that lets you pull all the stops out. You’re going to want the Henry Willis-AMG version. And if you don’t, you’re going to want something else entirely.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic G 350d
Score: 8 / 10
“If you have a family, and nearly £100k to spend on a car to transport aforementioned family around town/on holiday/up a really big and scary mountain, then yes, this is a perfect family car.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The leaps forward in road manners, cabin design and quality take the Mercedes-Benz G-Class from being an ageing anachronism to a car that can be considered alongside top-end Range Rovers.”
Read review

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 December 2024, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has not been assessed 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

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of December 2024, 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

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	25 mpg	E	25 – 25 mpg	E – E
Diesel models	31 mpg	E	26 – 32 mpg	E – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	257 g/km	D	257 – 257 g/km	D – D
Diesel models	237 g/km	D	235 – 290 g/km	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	49	E	48 – 50	D – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£406	C
Year 2	£1,086	D
Year 3	£1,761	D
Year 4	£2,218	D
Year 5	£2,917	D
Overall	£8,388	D

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 25 mpg, the economy of petrol models is 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

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.