2024 Mercedes-Benz G Class

The G 63 doesn’t look much different than the standard G 550, aside from its wheels. But the G 63 4x4^2’s big wheel and tire setup, and its massive ground clearance, make it look more like a toy truck than a real one.

Inside, the G’s design themes are lifted right out of the S-Class lineup, except they have to contend with a narrow body. You won’t find many vintage cues here, but you will find lots of upholstery and trim choices. 

This big SUV has three differential locks, a solid rear axle, and plentiful ground clearance, which give it astounding off-road ability. There’s no longer a flexy solid front axle, but a high-zoot traction control system ensures that those wheels still in touch with the ground will do their best to maintain forward momentum.

Interestingly, Mercedes largely eschews other off-road tricks. Don’t look for crawl control or a full bevy of terrain-specific controls here. Mercedes figures drivers will know what they’re doing. 

If you actually plan to go off-road, the G 550’s softer suspension and available 18-inch wheels make it a better choice than the standard G 63, though there’s a Trail package for the G 63 that comes with slightly smaller 20-inch wheels and some minor suspension tweaks. 

The G 63 4x4^2 is its own beast, though. Its portal axles ensure that the otherwise low-hanging differentials are tucked up high, providing for massive ground clearance. That’s military-grade tech, all with a classy leather cabin and a $350,000-plus pricetag. Its mere existence is astounding. 

How fast is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

It’s quick. The G 550’s 416-hp twin-turbo V-8 spools up for rapid acceleration. Far faster—figure 4.5 seconds to 60 mph—is the AMG G 63 with its 577-hp version of that engine. On either, the 9-speed automatic transmission behaves brilliantly. Big brakes bring this hefty SUV to a quick stop, too.

All models have an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle with coil springs. This setup seems like nothing special when you review the spec sheet, but it’s well tuned for a comfortable on-road ride while retaining plenty of off-road capability. Still, the G leans prodigiously into corners when pushed hard. There’s only so much that Mercedes-Benz can do to keep it upright, after all. G 63 models have adjustable adaptive dampers that help quell body lean, and they ride on big 21-inch wheels in most configurations. 

The front seats have power adjustment, heating, and cooling, while rear-seat riders will find decent leg room and a comfortable bench. 

The hinged cargo door swings away from a curb to reveal 37.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which grows substantially to 79.5 cubes when the rear seatbacks are folded. Those boxy lines help endow the G with a massive cargo area for its relatively small size. It’s almost a foot shorter than a Lexus LX, for instance.  

The view out is generally very good, though the high fenders can hide cars that are in close proximity. 

The automaker’s 4-year/50,000-mile warranty is luxury-segment typical, but should include some service at this price. 

Which Mercedes-Benz G-Class should I buy?

We’re probably not going to talk you out of whatever G-Wagen configuration you’re after, but the best advice we can offer is to look closely at all the trim options Mercedes-Benz offers. The G-Wagen can go from tasteful to tasteless with a quickness.

Our money would be on the G 550, which is plenty quick, though we’d add massaging seats and active safety tech that can push its price to $160,000.

The G 63 starts at around $181,000 with its upsized wheels, various styling tweaks, and hefty increase to 577 hp. Toss in extra-cost paint, 22-inch forged wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, carbon fiber interior trim, way more leather, and various other features, and you’re looking at a $215,000-or-so pricetag. And that’s if you can get one at retail. 

How much is a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

The wild G 63 4x4^2 runs $350,000, a price that’s impossible to justify right until you draw your first crowd in a parking lot.