Mercedes-BenzG-Class

　　

2023 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.

　　There's nothing else on the road that's quite like the 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The original G-wagen was an icon, a military vehicle with the interior of an S-Class, and it remained on sale for what seems like forever. The redesigned second-generation version of the SUV arrived in 2019, retaining all of the looks, panache and capability of the original but with a more refined interior and better in-car tech and driver aids. That said, it's far from the most comfortable or best-driving luxury SUV on the road. The G-Class wins on charm more than anything else.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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

　　$329/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

　　This year, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 4x4 debuts. We can hear you asking: "But don't all G-Class models have four-wheel drive?" Yes, they do. But the G 63 4x4 represents the G-wagen taken to extremes. Also known as the 4x4 Squared, this new model has exclusive drive axles that allow for a significant suspension lift and huge 22-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. As you might imagine, it's darn near unstoppable off-road, unless the trail is too narrow for the G 63 4x4 Squared to squeeze through.

　　Otherwise, as is customary, Mercedes makes few modifications to the 2023 G-Class. Depending on the model, there are minor changes to appearance packages this year. So, that means the G-Class remains a quick, capable and luxurious SUV with significant off-roading capability and an outdated infotainment system.

　　In many ways, the G-Class competes in a class of one. Conceptually, its most direct rival would be a fully loaded Land Rover Defender 110 with a V8 engine, though the Mercedes is priced to go head-to-head with the more refined but equally capable Land Rover Range Rover. The Rivian R1S is an electric alternative, and the upcoming GMC Hummer EV SUV may prove itself a formidable foe. Don't fret about the new EVs. Mercedes has the answer to the Hummer and Rivian, and it arrives in a year or two in the form of the EQG.

　　Ready to learn more? Be sure to read our test team's Expert Rating of the 2023 Mercedes G-Class.

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below