Overview

What's New for 2021

The G-Class is available in two trim levels: G 550 and AMG G 63.

Pricing for the G 550 begins around $132,000. It comes fully loaded with everything shoppers could want, from off-road equipment to comfort and convenience. The exterior has 19-inch alloy wheels, an air suspension, a full-size spare, adaptive LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer nozzles, LED tail lamps, heated power-folding mirrors, a sunroof, automatic parking assist, and running boards.

All new G-Classes feature safety tech like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Inside the G 550’s cabin are premium leather upholstery, 10-way power heated front seats, a split-folding heated back seat, keyless entry/ignition, remote start, multi-zone climate control, leather and wood trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a household-style power outlet, and adjustable ambient lighting. The 12.3-inch gauge cluster is digital, with configurable speedometers, fuel tank meters, and more. Other notable media features are a 15-speaker Burmester premium audio system, satellite radio, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless internet access, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice-activated navigation.

The AMG G 63, priced from about $157,000, makes the G-Class as thrilling to drive on-road as off. It receives a 577-horsepower engine, upgraded brakes, 20-inch wheels, summer tires, and a sport-tuned suspension. Inside the cabin, the upgraded upholstery and trim accents match its sportier personality.

As significant as these standard features lists are, Mercedes-Benz gives each shopper many options to customize the SUV to their liking. There are special paints and interior upholstery colors. Several wheels are also on offer. Since the G-Class already comes fully loaded, the G 550’s sole tech options are a heated steering wheel and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The AMG G 63 can be equipped with a few additional options like an increased top speed (149 MPH), silver brake calipers, a carbon-fiber engine cover, and an off-roading package.

The G-Class’ two trim levels have potent engines that reflect their unique personalities. The G 550 uses a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine that produces 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered to the road smoothly and quietly, with robust strength for wading through mud and snow. It’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and a state-of-the-art four-wheel-drive system. Off-road, the G 550 is unmatched in its class. The EPA rates it at 17/19/18 MPG city/highway/combined -- low for the segment. Acceleration from 0-60 MPH takes a brisk 5.6 seconds.

The G-Class has a front, center, and rear locking differential, which afford it matchless power in challenging off-road circumstances. For the most precarious conditions, an electronic transfer case allows drivers to put the big SUV into the low-range mode, maximizing torque for slow crawling. Other features include 9.5 inches of ground clearance, a height-adjustable suspension, and underbody skid plates.

Though the AMG G 63 is perfectly capable off-road, featuring all of the technology mentioned above, it’s more built for on-road driving performance. Its 4.0-liter V8 gets larger turbochargers and other performance parts, allowing it to generate 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The time it takes to accelerate to 60 MPH drops to 4.5 seconds, and the integrated adaptive sport suspension gives it better handling in turns. The G-Class isn’t built for tight turns, though, and its tall, bulky body is too cumbersome to be competitive with sportier rivals.

The G 550 and AMG G 63 have considerable 7,000- and 6,500-pound towing capacities, respectively.

One thing that makes the Mercedes-Benz G-Class special is the contrast between its utilitarian outside appearance and plush interior overflowing with luxury. There are hundreds of possible interior configurations. There are dozens of leather choices, many of them in premium Nappa hides, coming in colors like Bengal Red and Saddle Brown. Shoppers can choose from seven interior trims, like walnut wood, carbon fiber, metal weave, and black piano lacquer. The heated front seats are also available with ventilation and massage. Like the seats, the steering wheel and dashboard can come in two-tone leather. For $550, the ceiling-mounted grab handles can be wrapped in fine Nappa leather. The AMG G 63’s cabin distinguishes itself with sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and other sleek design accents.

A Burmester premium audio system comes included, with 15 speakers and a 590-watt amplifier. The COMAND infotainment software is easy to use, with fast and intuitive menu screens. A mouse-like controller operates the 12.3-inch display, and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation are standard. The climate settings, GPS directions, and other COMAND system functions are also controllable by voice.

It’s easy to see the SUV’s roots as an off-roading icon underneath the leather and technology. It has a commanding view of the road, thanks to its steeply-angled windshield, though it causes a lot of wind noise to intrude at highway speeds. The boxy body and tall windows provide the G-Class with best-in-class outward visibility, enabling drivers to maneuver around on the road with minimal blind spots. Below the advanced infotainment system are three differential switches -- an elegant reminder of the vehicle’s capabilities.

The passenger space is superb, with generous headroom and legroom in both rows. The G-Class has a 38.1-cubic-foot cargo area, which expands to 68.6 cubic feet with the back seats down.