Review of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the most iconic cars to grace our roads. Its legendary boxy design is complemented by off-road capabilities, a premium interior, and superb build quality to ensure you always ride in style.

Rivals to the G-Class include the Land Rover Range Rover, BMW X7, and Porsche Cayenne.

Our Mercedes-Benz G-Class review covers:

• Iconic boxy exterior and stylish front grille
• Luxurious interior with a dual-screen setup
• 667-litre boot
• A choice between a petrol and a diesel for the engines
• Four trim levels: AMG Line Premium Plus, G63, G63 Carbon Edition, and G63 Magno Edition

Pros:

• Luxurious interior
• It comes with plenty of road presence
• Very fast

Cons:

• Heavy handling
• Bumpy ride
• Very expensive

The G-Class is currently in its fifth generation and has stuck to its roots with its exterior. It still depicts the military boxy styling that's been so revered over the years, featuring a prominent grille and large wheel arches to make for a dominating road presence.

Moving inside, passengers have slightly more room in the current G-Class than its predecessor, meaning there's less chance of the passengers up front brushing shoulders with each other. Two adults in the rear should have no issues getting comfortable; however, a third passenger makes it a bit of a squeeze. If you're looking for total practicality, the Range Rover is better. 

Boot space comes in at 667 litres, which can be extended to 1,941 litres with the seats folded 60/40. Unfortunately, you'll have to adjust the rear seats manually as the G-Class doesn't have electric rear seats like the ones in the BMW X7 or Range Rover.

The G-Class has a luxurious and sophisticated cabin that features a range of high-quality materials, such as premium leather, fine wood trims, and brushed metal. You also get a traditional clock as standard located below the infotainment system, which is a nice touch and adds to the premium feel of the cabin. 

Once inside the G-Class, you're greeted with two 12.3-inch screens, one for the infotainment system and one for the digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system is sharp and comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and can be used through the rotary controller on the centre console. It's a good system but falls short of the iDrive in the BMW X7.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster replaces the traditional dials, displaying sharp graphics that are easy to read when on the move.

Four trims are available for the G-Class: AMG Line Premium Plus, G63, G63 Carbon Edition, and G63 Magno Edition.

AMG Line Premium Plus has 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, multibeam LED headlamps, a radiator grille with chrome trim elements, privacy glass, a sliding sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, seats upholstered in AMG Line Nappa Leather, a driving assistance package, and a parking package with a 360-degree camera.

G63 adds to this with 22-inch matt black alloy wheels, a black exterior style pack, an electric sunroof, AMG Sports seats in Nappa Leather, and a heated AMG Performance leather steering wheel.

G63 Carbon Edition has 22-inch matt black alloy wheels, an AMG Night package, AMG carbon-fibre trim elements, and a carbon-fibre design steering wheel.

G63 Magno Edition completes the trims with 22-inch matt black alloy wheels, AMG flared wheel arches and bumpers in night black Magno, AMG Night package II, superior line interior, and active Multicontour seat package plus.

Two engines are available for the G-Class, the entry-level G400d and the range-topping Mercedes-AMG G63 4MATIC. The G400d will be the choice for most; it comes with 330hp and achieves 0-62mph in just 6.4 seconds. It also has much better fuel consumption than the range-topper, returning 25.7mpg.

If you're looking for pure power, the G63 is probably worth the extra money. It has a power output of a whopping 585hp and flies from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds! The engine also makes a phenomenal sound when revving, so get that window down when in a tunnel!

The G-Class is a large car, so it's no surprise that its handling isn't amazing. However, it's worth noting that if you use too much power when turning, the stability control light will begin to flash, which could cause a bit of panic.

It noticeably leans through corners, and as you up the speed down a country road, you can really begin to feel the car. The steering is also pretty heavy, and it makes you work to keep the car going where you intend. But this is part of the fun of driving a G-Class, right? 

Although the G-Class comes with adaptive suspension, you don't really notice it. On scruffy road surfaces, you can feel the ground beneath you, and if you fancy a bit of off-roading, prepare for a bit of head-bobbing. 

Even with this, the G-Class is one of the best off-roaders around. You get three locking differentials to prevent wheelspin and special driving modes suited to certain environments. 

Prices for the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class start from £133,500.00 OTR* or to lease from Price On Request per month.

Looking to get behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.

Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to fixed monthly payments and various benefits included in your deal.

*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change, always check with your nearest retailer.