The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the most iconic vehicles on the market. The unique, military-derived shape has been seen around the world since 1979. In the US, It enters an abbreviated 2018 year more or less unchanged in anticipation of a thoroughly redone 2019 version.
The G-Class continues to come in four main flavors. The basest of these is the G550, which employs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 making 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This drives all four wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Being a true off-roader, the front, center, and rear-differentials of the G550 can individually be locked via buttons on the dashboard, and there is a two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges. the G550 has more than 8 inches of vertical suspension travel, and with the optional adjustable suspension, drivers can switch from Comfort to Sport mode, or vice versa, and change the damper rate of the springs. On top of this, there’s the G550 4x4, which uses the same basic powertrain but has aggressive exterior styling, portal axles, 22-inch wheels, and over 17 inches of ground clearance.
At that point, Mercedes-Benz’ AMG performance house takes over in the form of the AMG G63. It gets a hand-built twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 563 hp and 561 lb-ft, along with a different 7-speed automatic. Zero-to-sixty time shrinks from 7.3 seconds to 5.3 seconds. Although this version is meant for speed, it keeps the same three lockable differentials and two-speed transfer case, and the suspension and brakes have improved street performance. Lastly, the AMG G65 is much the same as the AMG G63, but it upgrades the powertrain with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 with 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. This nets merely a 0.1-second improvement to the zero-to-sixty time due to the added weight, but the pure enjoyability of driving the V12 justifies its existence.
With such a wide spread, the G-Class as a whole has all sorts of equipment. Standard across all trims are bi-xenon headlights, leather upholstery, navigation, an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, 10-way power front seats with memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, dual-zone climate control, an electrically-heated windshield, and a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon system with a subwoofer. From there, the G-Class offers a full assortment of additions options depending upon trim, which includes everything from two-tone quilted interiors, to stainless-steel brush guards, to genuine carbon fiber trim, to loud paint colors in hues of bright green, pink, and yellow.
As far as safety goes, every G-Class gets six airbags, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, trailer-stability assist, and rain-sensing wipers. There’s even a parking assistant to help drivers navigate despite the G-Class’ large proportions and boxy shape. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assist aren’t on the options list, though they are on other Mercedes-Benz models. The G-Class has not been crash-tested by any major agency.
Mercedes-Benz has kept the G-Class a handsome, luxurious SUV that needs no real introduction. With every version a well-built blend of comfort, power, and off-road capability, buyers truly can have it all. Look for the 2019 version to supplement that with improved styling and the latest technology and interfaces from the Mercedes-Benz portfolio.
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Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 450 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · 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 · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.38 · Locking differential: rear · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection
Exterior Features
Brush guard: grille · Door handle color: black · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Running boards: chrome · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: anti-trapping feature
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · 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: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
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: horn/light operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 450 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · 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 · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: driver 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: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.58 · Locking differential: rear · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection
Exterior Features
Brush guard: grille · Door handle color: black · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Running boards: chrome · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · 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: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
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: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 450 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: wood · 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 · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: 3 driver · 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: rear · 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: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.58 · Locking differential: rear · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Running boards: chrome · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Weather · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · 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: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
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: horn/light operation
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 450 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 15.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · 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
Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: 3 driver · 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: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.58 · Locking differential: front · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Running boards: chrome · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
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: vehicle location
Tires
Type: all terrain
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent