2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

There are some things that don’t really need to change because the basic design was so right. For example, the Chesterfield sofa, the grand piano, or the shark. We could argue the same case for the G-Class, that toughest of luxury SUVs or that most luxurious of tough SUVs — either way, Mercedes-Benz has created a remarkable machine. It does feel like the G-Class has been around forever, but we’re only in its second generation, which debuted for 2019. It was developed originally for the military (several decades ago), and each unit is virtually hand-built (over the course of 100 man-hours) at the same Austrian facility where the G-Class was first produced.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of luxury SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Changes this year center around the Manufaktur personalization program, with new paint colors becoming available. We’re expecting more far-reaching changes next year, when an all-electric variant is set to launch.

Such prices seem like big numbers. To all of us who can’t afford one, they are. But for those fortunate customers with the budget, the G-Class is one of several choices. The Land Rover Range Rover starts at $107,400, though ends up more expensive than the straight-ahead G 63. The Lexus LX 600 is around $93K. Or the Porsche Cayenne starts at roughly $80K. Someone checking out a G-Class might also be interested in the Lamborghini Urus, kicking off at about $237K, or the Bentley Bentayga beginning in the $265K region.

Before buying a new G-Class luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. At this level of affluence, resale values may not be much of a consideration, but the G-Class holds up well here.

The G 550 corrals its 416 horsepower to sprint from standstill to 60 mph 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.

The other big-money SUV in this bracket is the Range Rover, whose new 606-horsepower V8 zips its occupants to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. But that comes in a version costing more than $200K.

There’s no way the 2024 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 bearable, and the acoustic laminated glass helps.

The ride quality at freeway speeds is composed, while the steering remains precise — something we can’t say of other off-road specialists we’ve driven. However, the turning circle is awkwardly large (44.6 feet), so the G-Class can be cumbersome to maneuver into tight parking spots.

Naturally, the 577-horsepower AMG G 63 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. If absolute smoothness and serenity are high on the list of priorities, though, we recommend checking out the plusher and more tranquil Range Rover.

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, front. In combination with a high/low-range transfer case, this setup helps to make the G-Class virtually unstoppable off-road.

Fuel Economy

What follows might spark either hilarity or horror, depending on your viewpoint. Both the G 550 and the regular G 63 achieve 14 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The 4×4 Squared version of the G 63 manages just 11 mpg combined. The Range Rover’s engines deliver fuel economy figures in the high teens or low 20s.

Leather, wood, heated front seats, an analog clock, and a gorgeous Burmester surround-sound system greet those who enter the 2024 G-Class. Climbing into this tall SUV is made easier by the running boards, plus a grab handle for the front passenger.

We reckon cabin space should be more than sufficient for most people. Rear legroom is a decent 39.5 inches. One thing to be aware of, though, is that the G-Class is narrower than the Range Rover, so three people sitting in the back is going to be a squeeze.

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. Again, that narrowness might be an issue. Stowing a couple of mountain bikes will probably mean taking off their front wheels. To compare, the Range Rover has 40.7/83.5 cubic feet.

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. Size-wise, the G-Class is approximately 16 feet long, similar to the regular Range Rover, or about four inches shorter than a BMW X5.

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.

This year, the G 550 becomes eligible for the Manufaktur Schoeckl design package, and Manufaktur black running boards are part of the Night package. Both G 63 variants are offered with Manufaktur Sun Yellow paint, while the regular G 63 gains two Manufaktur colors previously exclusive to the 4×4 Squared model: Moonlight White Magno (not mango) and Kalahari Gold Magno.

Burmester 15-speaker/590-watt surround-sound system
Often an option in other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, this is standard in both new 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 phone app if someone attempts to steal the vehicle or if it’s damaged while parked.

Heated/ventilated/massaging multi-contour front seats
Even when 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 G 63 for about $3,000. 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 twist on 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 2024 G-Class luxury SUV employ a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. 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 especially 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.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty on a 2024 G-Class lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain has the same arrangement. This coverage is typical among European automakers.

Safety Ratings

The G-Class hasn’t been crash-tested by any agencies in the United States, but it did take a maximum overall score of five stars from the European safety test program, Euro NCAP.