2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　Mercedes-Benz began selling its boxy, utilitarian G-Class in the U.S. market in 2002. Still based on the original military vehicle from the 1970s, it became a cult icon despite (and possibly a little bit because of) its dated, old-school SUV design. Though it looks almost identical to the original, the second-generation G-Class that debuted a few years ago is, with few exceptions, new from the tires up. It seats five people, comes in G 550 and AMG G 63 specification, and has no direct competitors that offer the same blend of purpose-built design, unstoppable off-road capability, and high-end interior materials and technology.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$264/mo  for G-Class G 550

　　G-Class G 550

　　G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $131,750 MSRPAMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $156,450 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For the 2021 G-Class, Mercedes has mainly added some optional cosmetic enhancements, including a range of G manufaktur exclusive paint colors and upholstery choices. The 12.3-inch digital instrumentation is now standard equipment, and the AMG G 63 gains standard wireless smartphone charging. For more details about the flagship SUV from Mercedes-Benz, be sure to see our Expert Rating below for the one-of-a-kind G-wagen.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　7.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the G-Class drive? We tested the G 550. Its V8 engine sounds burly and muscular when you mash the gas and, in our testing, gets this SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. That's an average time for a V8-powered luxury SUV.

　　Beyond that, the G isn't much of a performer. The high center of gravity and noticeable body roll don't instill confidence around corners. The traction and stability control systems also aggressively activate to keep your wheels on the ground should you try to get enthusiastic with your driving, which is probably just as well. The steering is precise and weighted appropriately but entirely numb. A wide turning radius makes navigating tight spaces a chore.

　　When it's on, the auto engine stop-start system is jarring and intrusive. On the plus side, the transmission is smooth and responds quickly to driver demands.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the G-Class? The G 550 is compromised in places by its design. The ride is a bit truckish, but it takes the edge off bumps and avoids feeling busy over rough pavement. The seats are nicely cushioned and supportive — perhaps overly so. The seats are rather narrow, especially for a vehicle in this class, and the adjustable side bolsters just don't open enough for even relatively svelte drivers.

　　Noise from the road and from other traffic is pleasantly muted, and the engine settles into a deep, unobtrusive rumble when cruising. But there's noticeable wind noise at freeway speeds, which is likely due to the G-Class' upright styling.

　　

Interior

6.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The G-Class' boxy shape results in some serious ergonomic limitations. The seats are rather high, and while there's some adjustability, the only seating position that really works is to sit tall and square. While the headroom is superb, the shorter door openings and high seat cushions mean passengers will have to duck while navigating the high step up. The step rail is too high to be very useful. While rear passenger space is reasonable, the rear doors' limited range of motion creates more difficulty in getting in and out than it should.  

　　You get a commanding view of the road ahead, but the front window roof pillars are thick and upright — enough to hide pedestrians waiting to cross at a stoplight. The rear view is partially obstructed by the rear-mounted spare tire, and the small side mirrors don't show you a whole lot either.

　　

Technology

6.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Sadly, the G-Class is stuck with the old Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment system rather than the newer MBUX. It's not a bad system, but it's comparatively limited in functionality. The navigation display and commands are less sophisticated, for example, and the voice commands are finicky and limited.

　　We also had some issues with the G-Class' advanced driver aids. Adaptive cruise works well enough, though it lacks the Traffic Jam Assist feature of other Mercedes products. Lane keeping, however, is abrupt in its intervention, engaging the brakes to drag the vehicle back into line. It's upsetting to experience, and it makes the G 550 unpredictable to other drivers. Worse, it only intervened occasionally without any real way to tell whether it was primed to go off or not.

　　

Storage

6.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The G 550 is far from the most practical large SUV. The side-opening cargo door requires space to operate, but at least it's hinged properly for curbside use. The load floor is high and not that deep, and it is limited on the sides by bulky body intrusions. The second-row seat doesn't fold flat. Its resulting ledge makes it so long, and bulky items can't simply be slid back. Cabin storage for personal items is also rather limited for such a large SUV.

　　If you're planning on using your G-Class as a family taxi, installing child seats is helped by easily accessible car-seat anchor points. But lifting kids and seats up into the cabin can be hard. Bulkier rear-facing seats and infant convertibles might force front passengers to scoot forward more than they'd like.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? We averaged about 13 mpg in our testing of the G 550, which is slightly below the EPA's estimate of 14 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This Mercedes is a very thirsty vehicle — thirstier than an Escalade — and on par with a Lamborghini Urus.

　　

Value

6.5/10

　　Is the G-Class a good value? You have to decide why you want to buy a G-Class. Mercedes offers interiors of this caliber, along with more and newer technology, on some of its less expensive vehicles. For what you get, the G-Class certainly is not up to the standards of other $100,000-plus Mercedes-Benz products.

　　

Wildcard

9.0/10

　　The G-Class is almost a caricature of an idealized SUV experience. There's power and authority to spare, and the view over the hood is like nothing else on the market right now. It's a vehicle that gives you reasons to ignore its many, many shortcomings. Mercedes has mastered the art of emotional appeal across its range. And while the G-Class makes a terrible flagship for its technology and dynamics, it's an amazing flagship for the brand's pathos.

　　

Which G-Class does zzdcar recommend?

Some G-Class customers think there is no substitute for the AMG G 63, but our pick is the G 550. It delivers the bold style and legendary capability for which the G-Class is known and gives you plenty of opportunity to customize its exterior appearance and interior materials.

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class models

Mercedes offers the 2021 G-Class in standard G 550 and performance-tuned AMG G 63 specification. Each is well equipped right out of the box. Feature highlights include:

　　G 550

　　Though it's not the most expensive version of the G-Class, the G 550 provides everything you need for storming the castle:

　　Turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine (416 horsepower, 450 lb-ft of torque) Nine-speed automatic transmission 19-inch wheels All-wheel drive Two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing Three locking differentials (help provide extra off-road traction) Three-zone climate control Heated front and rear leather seats LED ambient interior lighting SunroofTechnology and safety features include:

　　Digital instrument display 12.3-inch central touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity Burmester surround-sound system Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the G-Class and the car in front)AMG G 63

　　Walk into the Mercedes dealership and request the "best" version of the G-Class, and the AMG G 63 is what you'll buy. But it's only the best if you want the following features:

　　Turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine (577 hp, 627 lb-ft) 20-inch wheels AMG body styling and unique grille AMG performance brakes Adjustable adaptive suspension Upgraded leather upholstery Simulated suede headlinerOptions for the G-Class include the following:

　　Seat Comfort package (ventilated and massaging front seats) AMG Line (G 550 only, adds AMG-inspired exterior and interior style enhancements) AMG Trail package (AMG G 63 only, adds off-road optimized suspension, all-terrain tires) Various exterior and interior customization options

　　

2021 G-Class Highlights

Type: SUVAMG G 63SUV

　　Trim: G 550AMG G 63G 550

　　

Base MSRP	$131,750
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$264/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	38.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	four wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles