Used 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Fashions change, technology progresses. But some things still need a gutsy V8 engine and strong body-on-frame construction — like the G-Class. Yet even this vehicle has evolved.

The present generation launched as recently as 2019, with an updated design and infotainment systems, while remaining true to its “function is paramount” roots. And it’s still hand-built (taking about 100 hours per vehicle) in the same Austrian factory as the original G-Wagen.

The things that haven’t changed include the intention and the hardware to conquer virtually any terrain, the many and detailed luxury and safety touches expected of a Mercedes-Benz, and impressive performance on the tarmac. Satisfying all these criteria is a tall order, but the G-Class succeeds.

What Mercedes-Benz probably didn’t plan all those decades ago, when it first created what is now the G-Class, was how cool this vehicle has become. It’s more than just a luxury SUV with great off-road capabilities. Celebrities have embraced it, as well as anyone rich enough who wants to seem like a celebrity. Yet it’s less expensive than a Bentley Bentayga or a Lamborghini Urus.

There’s no way the 2023 G-Class luxury SUV wouldn’t create some wind noise on the freeway. It’s just not shaped to be slippery. But we’ve still found it to be bearable and the acoustic laminated glass helps.

The ride quality at these speeds is composed, while the steering remains precise — something we can’t say of other off-road specialists we’ve driven. Naturally, the 577-horsepower AMG version is the fastest and most engaging G-Class, while its standard adaptive suspension offers a broader range of comfort and sportiness than the G 550.

Not that the G 550 is dull. It can still corral its 416 horsepower to sprint from standstill to 60 mph (if that’s anyone’s idea of fun in an SUV) in just 5.6 seconds. The G 63 does it in 4.5, which is simultaneously crazy and wonderful.

Top speed in the G 550 is limited electronically to 130 mph and why would anyone need to go faster? Those with an answer to that question can choose the optional AMG Driver’s Package with the G 63 and reach 174 mph.

In typical Mercedes-Benz fashion, the 9-speed automatic transmissions in both models operate subtly and sweetly, always finding the ideal gear for the moment.

When such moments include being nowhere near any tarmac, the G-Class has three locking differentials in its standard 4-wheel drive system for complete control of how much power goes to each wheel.

There are three buttons on the dashboard and a prescribed order in how these differentials are deployed: center, rear, and front. In combination with a high/low-range transfer case, this setup helps to make the G-Class one of the top off-roading machines.

Leather, wood, heated front seats, an analog clock, and a gorgeous Burmester surround-sound system greet those who enter the 2023 G-Class. Climbing into this tall SUV is made easier by the running boards, plus a grab handle for the front passenger.

In common with most contemporary Mercedes-Benz models, the prominent dashboard feature is the twin-screen unit, with one for driver information, the other for the infotainment system. They each measure a generous 12.3 inches on the diagonal.

We think headroom and legroom should be more than sufficient for most people. Rear legroom is a decent 39.5 inches. Behind the 60/40 split/folding rear seats is 38.1 cubic feet of luggage space. When those seats are folded, this area opens out to 68.6 cubic feet. Call the G-Class boxy, but a lot of things can fit into boxes.

If a Mercedes-Benz G-Class has ever been in a wind tunnel, it’s probably because the test driver took a wrong turn. The many talents of the G-Class SUV do not include aerodynamic efficiency.

Then again, the slab-sided design — combined with an almost-upright windshield and a squared-off tail end — is supremely practical. The G-Class can accommodate tall folks in both rows and the large glass areas create excellent outward vision.

It’s also easy for a driver to tell where the corners of the body are, which is pretty much essential when off-roading. Just ask anyone with a Jeep Wrangler or an old Land Rover Defender.

By concentrating on functionality above all else, Mercedes-Benz has created a particular kind of beauty. The company did this with the original G and hasn’t messed much with the formula for the current generation.

Getting down to the details, both versions have stainless steel running boards. The G 550 runs on 19-inch alloy wheels, while the G 63 has 20-inch alloy wheels, side exhaust pipes, plus a model-specific grille. The spare wheel is mounted on the rear door (instead of stowed underneath), maximizing ground clearance and departure angles when off-roading. And the door itself is hinged at the side — no heavy tailgate to lift.

Burmester 15-speaker/590-watt surround-sound system
More often an option in other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, this is standard in both 2023 G-Class models. Burmester makes some truly fine audio setups.

Dynamic Select Drive modes
These selectable driving modes perform a lot of the decision-making when piloting a G-Class across rough terrain or even smooth tarmac. Drivers have the choice of Slippery, Comfort, Sport or Sport+, plus an Individual setting where personal preferences for aspects like steering and throttle response are set and stored.

Guard 360
This is a standard feature in every new G-Class. It notifies the owner through a smartphone app if someone attempts to steal the vehicle or if it’s damaged while parked.

Heated/ventilated/massaging multi-contour front seats
Even if the terrain under the wheels is rough and demanding, there’s no reason the driver and front passenger can’t still be in the lap of luxury with these optional front seats.

AMG Ride Control suspension
Some buyers may want to maximize the off-road potential of their new G-Class luxury SUV. One way is to select the AMG trail package offered with the G63 for a relatively reasonable $3,050. It includes an off-road-optimized adaptive suspension.

4×4 Squared
As if a super-powerful expensive SUV wasn’t enough of a niche model already, Mercedes-Benz offers this option with the AMG G 63 variant. It uses special wheel hubs (known as portal hubs) that raise ground clearance to an extremely off-road-friendly height.

Both versions of the 2023 G-Class luxury SUV employ a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Mercedes-Benz designs these with the turbochargers set into the V, instead of outside. The advantages are optimum efficiency and minimum turbo lag.

The G 550 has a perfectly excessive 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque at its disposal. The V8 in the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is (in the tradition of AMG engines) hand-assembled by one technician who affixes a signed plaque when the job is complete. This unit develops a majestic 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.

A 9-speed automatic transmission is found in each variant, but the AMG version is tuned for quicker shifts and to cope with the greater forces. Drive goes to all four wheels and the transmission includes a high-range/low-range transfer case.

Plenty of premium gasoline is required. Both vehicles average out at around 14 mpg.

G 550
4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8
416 horsepower @ 5,250-5,500 rpm
450 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,750 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy: 14 mpg (13 city, 16 highway)

G 63
4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8
577 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
627 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-3,500 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy: 14 mpg (13 city, 16 highway)

More G-Class fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty on a 2023 G-Class lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain has the same arrangement. This is typical for the luxury sector, especially German companies.