2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV

　　

2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　The 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is easily one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road today, owing to its boxy utilitarian shape that dates back to the 1970s. Styling and much of its mechanical underpinnings have roots in the original military vehicle, but its interior is definitely more Beverly Hills than Fort Bragg. The G-Class' off-road abilities are just as notable as its appearance, with few SUVs that could match this mix of luxury and adventure.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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

　　$308/mo  for G-Class G 550

　　G-Class G 550

　　G 550 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $139,900 MSRPAMG G 63 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $179,000 MSRPAMG G 63 4x4 Squared 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A) - $349,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For 2022 the G-Class returns largely unchanged, with only minor variations in color choices and a few features. Indeed, the biggest news for the legendary G-wagen is the announcement of an all-electric EQG model, but that's not likely to debut for another year or two.

　　In the meantime, the G-Class faces serious competition from a handful of other luxury off-roaders. These include the Land Rover Range Rover, which was just redesigned this year, along with the Defender, which gains a stout V8 engine. The Lexus LX 600 is also all-new, but it misses the mark in a number of ways. Pitting the G-Class against the pair of Land Rovers results in a close battle, which is why we suggest checking out our Expert Rating to see which premium off-roader might be the right choice for you.

　　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

7.0/10

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below