2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
Since its debut in 1979, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has led the pack in the luxury SUV market. The boxy 4-door’s distinctive silhouette has changed little since inception; its simple design manages to make elegance functional, and it has become the choice of Popes and Ambassadors the world over. For 2013, 2 trims are available: the G550 and the uber-classy G63 AMG.
For the G550, the 5.5-liter V8 from last year carries over, albeit with a slight bump in hp to 382 (up 9) and 391 lb-ft of torque. The G63 AMG, on the other hand, gets a twin-turbo direct-injection 5.5-liter V8 with 544 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. Both are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and AWD. Need speed? The G63 goes from 0-60 in 5.3 seconds.
While little flourishes like daytime running lights and new exterior mirrors have been added, G-Class staples such as a passenger-side grab handle, chrome-accented switches and center-console shifter are retained. The G63 AMG is fitted with a distinctive black-and-chrome grille, new bumpers with larger air intakes and 20-inch rims. The G63 has a standard Eco Start/Stop feature that quietly kills the engine, much like a hybrid, when the vehicle is idle. According to Mercedes, this helps increase fuel efficiency by 13%, but with a 6-figure price tag and low-2-digit mileage, is that really a selling point?
The biggest changes to the Geländewagen are in the cabin. The center stack has been redesigned with an infotainment touchscreen that reminds one of an iPad in both form and function, and the dash now sports a color display and round dials. New wood paneling options add even more luxury to the stylish-but-small interior. It’s still a little difficult to get inside, but once seated, you will be pampered.
Also on tap is an update to the COMAND interface, which includes mbrace2, a series of apps that connects the driver to the vehicle via smartphone; it allows drivers to send driving directions to the onboard navigation system as well as connect to info about weather and local restaurants. Other new tech-on-tap includes a standard blind-spot warning, parking and hill assistance, as well as improved stability control.
The G-Class has retained its position at the top by not messing too much with its looks while quietly retuning its features. It may not be the most nimble vehicle in the stable, but the prestige of owning one makes up for any design flaws.
User reviews for 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Write a reviewWhat users have asked
Top Comparisons
2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 450 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.38 · Locking differential: rear · Transfer Case: electronic
Exterior Features
Brush guard: for headlights · Door handle color: black · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Running boards: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlight cleaners: heated · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear suspension type: trailing arms · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · In-Dash CD: DVD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 450 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.38 · Locking differential: front · Transfer Case: electronic
Exterior Features
Brush guard: for headlights · Door handle color: black · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Running boards: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlight cleaners: heated · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear suspension type: trailing arms · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: horn/light operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: with washer