The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen stands apart from the friendlier-looking SUVs in the brand’s lineup. This ferocious and expensive luxury off-road vehicle competes against SUVs such as the Land Rover Defender and the Ineos Grenadier.
2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
There are only minor changes to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, following a more comprehensive refresh for 2025. Buyers with a substantial budget have more options to customize their G-Class this year, including new exterior color options on certain trim levels. Some models are now available with Mercedes’ Manufaktur program, which offers custom paints and other custom elements such as red, silver, or yellow seat belts.
Design
The G-Class has seen only subtle changes since the current generation was introduced for the 2018 model year. For 2025, the G-Class got updated bumpers and a redesigned grille, though these changes are hard to spot since the eye is largely drawn to this SUV’s upright profile, boxy corners, and firm creases. Round front lights and small rectangular rear lights give the classic shape a modern touch, while numerous custom colors and a plethora of alloy wheel designs can help any G-Class owner stand out. The overall look and feel combines deliberate, military-derived coarseness with obvious luxury, but despite the craftsmanship and cost of the G-Class, some details, such as old school door handles and loud doors, are part of the experience.
Powertrain
Powertrains carry over from 2025’s refresh. The G 550 uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine rated for 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, mated to a mild-hybrid system. The AMG G 63 features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, rated for 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, also with a mild-hybrid system. Both versions get a permanent four-wheel drive (4WD) system with locking front, center, and rear differentials, and a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the AMG model has an updated Active Ride Control suspension system. There’s also an electric version of the G-Class, which was introduced for the 2025 model year. The EV features four motors and a battery pack for a combined 579 hp and 859 lb-ft of torque, and has an estimated range of 239 miles.
Interior
The G-Class seats five in its spartan but well-built cabin, with good outward visibility and an upright driving position. Leather upholstery comes standard, and quilted Nappa leather is available. Other upscale touches include wood trim, a classy analog clock, and 64-color ambient lighting. Tall passengers may find legroom a bit lacking, and cargo space comes up short compared to more practical competitors. There’s just 22.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, while most other luxury SUVs have double that, or more.
Technology
The G-Class features the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment interface housed in a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which pairs well with the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Together, the pair look like one continuous screen, which gives a modern look to the utilitarian cabin. Other features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a forward-facing camera that gives a low-angle view in front of the vehicle, augmented reality navigation, voice recognition, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system.
Safety
The G-Class comes standard with a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control with a navigation-based speed adaptation system, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane centering, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, park assist, traffic sign recognition, and automatic emergency stop. Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system, which prepares the vehicle for an imminent collision by closing windows and tightening seatbelts, is also standard. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup hasn’t been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is typical for very expensive luxury SUVs that sell in low numbers.
Pricing and Release Date
As of this writing, Mercedes-Benz has not yet published pricing and expected availability for the 2026 G-Class lineup. The 2025 G 550 starts at $148,250, the AMG G 63 starts at $186,100, and the G-Class EV starts at $161,500. We expect 2026 pricing to remain reasonably consistent with these base prices.
