Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2010 – 2018) Review
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2010 – 2018) At A Glance
Huge road presence. Very exclusive and hand built to exacting standards. Bomb-proof reliability. Unstoppable off road but with a luxurious interior.
Only available through the Specialist Products Division at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands in Surrey. High list prices. Not designed for corners.
The G-Class is actually the longest serving passenger model in the Mercedes-Benz range and after a ten year absence from the UK it's now back. Not that you could miss it. The functional boxy design has remained pretty unchanged since the G-Class first came along in 1979 although the current version is anything but basic - it's now a luxurious, highly-specificied and technological advanced 4x4.
And that's what sets the G-Class apart from most modern SUVs. This is a vehicle that first and foremost is designed for off-roading. The G stands for Geländewagen - or cross-country vehicle - and it's pretty much unstoppable on nearly every terrain. It feels bomb-proof with the kind of build quality that made Mercedes-Benz the brand it is today. And when it comes to road presence, nothing else can touch it - this is a car people certainly give way to.
It feels a very special vehicle from behind the wheel. Much of this is down to the hand-built nature of the G-Class’ construction. To ensure it can withstand even the harshest driving conditions its chassis is injected with 50 litres of corrosion-repelling wax while the bodywork is welded at over 6000 points to be incredibly robust. Each G-Class model takes just over 40 hours to produce, with daily production limited to just 15 models per day.
There are two models in the G-Class line-up. The most obvious is the G350 CDI diesel which has 210PS and averages a claimed 25.7mpg but if you really want to go all out there's the utterly bonkers AMG version with more than 540PS and a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds - and remember this is a vehicle that weighs in at 2.2 tonnes. There is also a commercial version - the G300 CDI Professional and like the standard versions it's a five-door long-wheelbase format.
On the road the G-Class feels as big as it looks. It's cumbersome and awful in bends while the steering requires plenty of turns in tight corners. But when the going gets tricky, the G-Class excels and still feels very much the luxury and refined 4x4, even when you're tackling huge rocks or deep ruts. It's happy on the motorway too with surprisingly little wind noise.
Reviews for Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2010 – 2018)'s top 3 rivals
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2010 – 2018) handling and engines
- Engines range from G350 BlueTec to G63 AMG
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 14–26 mpg
The sheer size and bulk of the G-Class means it feels as big as it looks. And this is a unique looking car. It feels invincible on the road and has such presence, especially if you specify it in black with privacy glass.
This is once car that gets noticed wherever you go and climbing up behind the wheel always puts a smile on your face. From the big heavy doors with the push button handles to the indicators plonked on top of the bonnet, the G-Class really is a very special vehicle.
As it's built for off-road driving, you won't be surprised to hear that it's pretty much unstoppable in tough conditions. It's tank-like in its ability to cover rough terrain at a good pace without ever feeling like it's going to get stuck.
It has permanent four-wheel drive, complete with off-road ratios and is one of very few vehicles to have 100 per cent locking differentials front, centre and rear, which are controlled by three switches on the dash.
The big Mercedes is also fitted with the 4ETS Electronic Traction System and ESP calibrated specifically for both on and off-road use. The system constantly monitors the speeds of the individual wheels and if one or more wheels lose grip, the wheels are independently braked and engine torque is temporarily reduced to correct the loss of traction.
No surprise then that the G-Class has legendary status among off-road enthusiasts that is probably only matched by the (not as luxurious) Land Rover Defender.
If you need more proof, the military version of the G-Class is used by 63 armies around the world, including the German Armed Forces, Canadian Army and US Marine Corps, plus Mercedes-Benz has guaranteed production of the G-Class for NATO up until 2025. It can tow up to 3500kg and with ground clearance of 290mm could probably cross The Channel pulling a small house.
The bodyshell is immensely stiff and it shows on the road. It's clear this is a vehicle primarily designed for off-road driving with a stiff and bouncy ride and slow steering - good for low speed manouevres but awful through corners.
That said the low centre of gravity and permanent four-wheel drive mean traction is immense but the large 265/60 tyres with their thick tread make tackling bends an 'experience'. The steering often requires more input than you'd expect and you certainly have to concentrate, slowing down considerably more than you would in an SUV like the ML-Class. As a result, driving the G-Class is rarely relaxing.
It is surprisingly good on the motorway though (probably because there are no corners) and cruises along pretty serenely with little wind noise. Visibility out the front is excellent thanks to the near vertical windscreen plus the square shape makes judging where the front of the bonnet is a doddle. Seeing out the back is more of an issue though and reverse parking isn't that easy. There is a reversing camera but the door mounted spare wheel makes judging things tricky.
The standard G-Class is the G350 CDI BlueTec - a 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 210PS and a hefty 540Nm of torque which peaks at just 1600rpm. It's a wonderfully muscular engine and thanks to all that torque pulls superbly well in the mid-range.
It's no slouch away from the lights either, just stick it in D on the seven-speed automatic (the G300 CDI Professional has a five-speed automatic 'box), plant your right foot and it pulls like a locomotive with an impressive turn of pace for a vehicle weighing 2.2 tonnes.
Of course that weight does affect economy with a claimed average of just 25.2mpg but with a 96 litre fuel tank (and a 20 litre reserve) the G-Class won't need filling up as often as you'd think. The other engine was originally the G55 AMG Kompressor, powered by a 5.5-litre V8 with a mammoth 507PS and 700Nm of torque.
It can sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds and goes onto a top speed of 130mph which is - very sensibly - electronically controlled. Fuel economy is just 17.8mpg but then if you can afford the uber bling version of the G-Class, fuel costs probably aren't really an issue. It was later replaced by the G63 AMG.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| G 350 d | 29 mpg | 8.9 s | 261 g/km |
| G350 BlueTec | 25–29 mpg | 8.8–9.1 s | 261–295 g/km |
| G55 AMG | 18 mpg | 5.5 s | 372 g/km |
| G63 AMG | 21 mpg | 5.4 s | 322 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2010 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
79%
Real MPG
14–26 mpg
MPGs submitted
17
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2010 – 2018) interior
- Boot space is 480–2250 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4662–4764 mm |
| Width | 1760–2056 mm |
| Height | 1931–1954 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm |
When the G-Class came along in 1979, its interior had a no-nonsense design and this continues today. There's no superfluous design or style over substance, this is a car developed for a purpose. That's not to say there's no luxury - far from it - the G-Class is as upmarket as you'd expect of a top of the range Mercedes-Benz with leather upholstery, great seats and rock-solid build quality.
The flat dash design and passenger-side grab handle are bespoke G-Class features while the main features such as the steering wheel, instrument dials and air conditioning controls are taken from the previous generation E-Class.
The COMAND multimedia system features a seven-inch colour display along with a pan-European navigation system, stored on a large 40-gigabyte hard drive for quick route calculations.
It's not the best system around for ease of use and some functions aren't as intuitive as they are on systems from the likes of Audi and especially BMW. The stereo function is a little frustrating too and while it looks good with a retro style tuner display, it's not always that straightforward to use.
On the plus side it does come with a media interface system as standard which lets you connect audio devices – including iPods, USB memory sticks or MP3 players - through the stereo.
The G-Class has a top quality Harman/Kardon stereo with surround-sound as standard and it includes a 450 Watt multi-channel amplifier powering 11 high-end loudspeakers and a sub-woofer. What that means is it's loud - very loud!
Elsewhere, the G-Class has heated leather seats which are electronically adjustable. There's a good amount of room for the driver with lots of adjustment in the steering wheel. The only gripe is the high brake pedal. Taller drivers will find their ankle starts to ache as you continually have to lift from the throttle across to the brake, which becomes tiring especially in traffic or when driving in town.
Those in the back will be happy with masses of legroom and - thanks to the square shape - superb head space. The boot is big too with 490 litres of carrying capacity while the high square sides mean you can carry large items with no problems. The lack of a boot lip helps. The only thing you have to remember is that the tailgate is hinged at the side so you need to leave room when parking close to walls or other cars.
Standard equipment from launch (October 2010):
G350 CDI models get automatic climate control, automatic transmission with high and low gear ratios, xenon headlamps, heated seats with memory function, leather upholstery that extends to the dashboard, COMAND multimedia system with media interface, a reverse parking aid, a Harman/Kardonaudio system, permanent four-wheel drive complete with off-road ratios and 100 per cent locking differentials, ESPElectronic Stability Program, Brake Assist and 4ETS Electronic Traction System, all calibrated specifically for both on and off-road use.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2010 – 2018) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4662–4764 mm |
| Width | 1760–2056 mm |
| Height | 1931–1954 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 2550–2612 kg |
| Boot Space | 480–2250 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 9000–12500 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Full-size spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £81,745–£154,245 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | M |
| Official MPG | 17.8–28.5 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until November 2018
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| G350 Estate 3.0 CDI 7G-Tronic Plus 5dr | £92,070 | 28.5 mpg | 8.8 s |
| G350d Estate 3.0 CDI Night Edition 7G-Tronic Plus 5dr | £92,140 | 28.5 mpg | 8.9 s |
| G63 Estate 5.5 AMG 7G-Tronic 5dr | £136,020 | 20.5 mpg | 5.4 s |
| G63 Estate 5.5 AMG Colour Edition 7G-Tronic 5dr | £152,670 | 20.5 mpg | 5.4 s |
| G63 Estate 5.5 AMG Edition 463 7G-Tronic 5dr | £154,245 | 20.5 mpg | 5.4 s |
On sale until September 2012
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 350 BlueTEC 5dr Auto | £81,745 | 25.2 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 55 AMG 5dr Auto | £117,610 | 17.8 mpg | 5.5 s |
Model History
- February 2010: G-Class returned to UK
- April 2012: G-Class upgraded
- August 2012: 2012 Mercedes G Class prices and specification announced
February 2010
G-Class returned to UK
After ten years absence from the UK market the Mercedes-Benz G-Class returned to UK roads from Autumn 2010, with a choice of diesel or supercharged petrol engines. The G-Class celebrated its 30th birthday last year and still retains it robust classic design twinned with the very latest Mercedes-Benz technology – and peerless off-road credentials.
4,662mm long x 1,760mm wide (2,055mm with mirrors) x 1,931mm high.
Standard wheel and tyre size is 16" with 225/55 R16 tyres.
Customers can choose between the G350 CDI which produces 221bhp and returns 25.7 mpg, and the range topping G55 AMG KOMPRESSOR, which produces 500bhp and reaches 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds.
Both the G350 CDI and the G55 AMG will feature a wealth of standard equipment including: Automatic climate control, automatic transmission, with high and low gear ratios, Bi-Xenon headlamps, heated seats with memory, leather upholstery (including the dashboard) as well as COMAND, a reverse parking aid and a Harman Kardon Logic 7 Sound system.
As well as the standard equipment that features on many Mercedes-Benz road cars, constant innovation in the G-Class range offers high-performance driving dynamics, but, also supreme off road ability. ESP and 4ETS both ensure maximum traction, handling and stability on any terrain and the 100 per cent locking differentials, permanent all-wheel drive and off-road ratios prove their worth off the beaten track, making the G-Class world class in any off road condition.
There will also be a commercial G 300 CDI Professional, ideal for tough working conditions in hard-to-reach locations. It will feature equipment levels ideal for it to carry out its labours in a reliable, safe, go-anywhere package. This entry model to the G-Class range will be available from £57,975 OTR. The G350 CDI will be available from £79,975 and the G55 AMG KOMPRESSOR will cost £114,975 OTR.
The G-Class is one of a small and elite band of high quality products that has resisted the influences of fleeting stylistic trends, and as such has become a trendsetter itself. The low volume G-Class is hand built in Graz and in 1983 won the gruelling Paris-Dakar rally reinforcing that it is not only a design icon, but also boasts true go anywhere capabilities which are still winning new admirers today.
Whether traversing tough terrain or cruising down the King’s Road, the new G-Class is set to become one of the UK’s most desirable luxury vehicles. The G350 CDI and G55 AMG KOMPRESSOR will be exclusively available from the Specialist Products Division at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands as will the G300 CDI Professional.
April 2012
G-Class upgraded
Mercedes-Benz has once again significantly upgraded the G-Class, re-emphasising its position as the leader among off-road vehicles. The interior is characterised by high-quality appointments finished with exquisite materials. The instrument cluster and centre console have been completely redesigned. The driver's field of vision now encompasses a colour screen, between two new round dials. The car features the sophisticated COMAND Online infotainment system, including a navigation system and internet access as standard.
New LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors bring a few discreet changes to the exterior appearance of the luxury off-roader. The range of safety features can be optionally enhanced with the addition of Blind Spot Assist, the parking aid PARKTRONIC and the adaptive cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS. New to the range are the G 63 AMG with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine and the ECO start/stop system as standard.
A comprehensive range of measures ensures that this classic cross-country vehicle remains in a class of its own in the off-road sector. These measures include new engines, a significantly extended range of appointments, a new, even more luxurious interior and a few discreet external modifications that nevertheless manage to preserve the timeless, classic design – virtually unchanged since 1979 - that has made the G-Class a true automotive style icon.
The external modifications include LED daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors for all engine variants. TheAMGversions also feature a new, characteristic AMG radiator grille with double louvres, plus distinctive new bumpers with large air intakes. Red brake callipers and 20-inch wheels, available here for the first time, complement the emotive appeal of its exterior.
The instrument panel and centre console have been completely redesigned to include new controls and generously proportioned, exclusively designed trim elements. These give the interior of the car a fresh and classy look. Drivers will now find a TFTcolour display in the instrument cluster between the two round dials. A further large colour screen, conveniently positioned in the centre, is part of the COMAND Online system and incorporates a DVD changer and the COMAND Controller, which are standard on all G-Class models.
This new infotainment generation offers, amongst other features, a navigation system with special additional off-road functions, the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. In order to ensure that the G-Class nevertheless does not lose any of its character, certain specific design elements in the interior have been preserved. The G-Class thus retains the grab handle on the front-passenger side, the switches for the three differential locks – clearly aligned within the driver's field of vision and highlighted in silver-coloured trim – and the redesigned shift lever in the lower section of the centre console.
New optional extras include safety features such as DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC with reversing camera. The ESP system has been completely revised and now includes Trailer Stability Assist and a HOLD function.
The G 350 BlueTEC long-wheelbase station wagon will be available with the V6 diesel engine and a displacement of 2987 cc.
The four-valve per cylinder engine has an output of 211 hp at 3400 rpm and has available torque of 540 Newton metres across an engine speed range of 1600 to 2400 rpm. The BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz minimises its emissions, in particular of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The G 350 BlueTEC works to even better effect with the addition of AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution that is injected into the flow of exhaust gases. Refilling with AdBlue is conveniently done from the outside of the vehicle.
The G 350 BlueTEC will feature the 7G-TRONIC PLUSautomatic transmission as standard. This sixth generation of the stepped automatic transmission that has been developed and produced by Mercedes-Benz since 1960 has once again been thoroughly revised, and optimised with regard to both consumption and comfort.
New to the range is the G 63 AMGwith V8 biturbo engine (544 hp and 760 Nm of torque), which features the ECO start/stop system as standard.
The technical qualities of the G-Class continue to be highly prized. The tremendous torque of its engines makes the luxury off-roader an excellent vehicle for towing, while its three electrically controlled 100-percent differential locks, ladder frame and rigid axle characteristics make it an unrivalled proposition in rough, off-road terrain.
August 2012
2012 Mercedes G Class prices and specification announced
Priced from £82,945 OTR for the G 350 BlueTEC, the new G-Class has increased levels of standard equipment including new LED daytime running lights and a reworked interior that, for the first time, is fitted with COMAND Online. Also fitted as standard is Parktronic, an audio and visual parking aid and new leather upholstery in conjunction with heated front and rear seats. A new design of 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, electric folding and heated mirrors, instrument cluster with colour display and a mighty Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound audio system complete the changes.
The 3.0 litre V6 engine fitted to the G 350 BlueTEC model delivers 211 hp (a 1 hp gain) and retains the same fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the model it replaces – 25.2mpg and 295g/km respectively.
The new G 63 AMG is priced at £123,115 OTR. Its hand built, bi-turbo 5.5-litre V8 AMG engine delivers 544 hp and 760 Nm of torque – an improvement of 37 hp and 60 Nm over the outgoing G 55 AMG. Despite these gains, the new V8 sees combined CO2 emissions reduced by 13% to 322g/km and combined fuel consumption improved by 15% to 20.5mpg.
Distinguishing the G 63 AMG from the rest of the G-Class range is a unique AMG radiator grille with twin chrome fins running through the black mesh grille. The changes extend to a set of AMG wheel-arch extensions finished in the vehicle colour, a bespoke AMG sports exhaust system with chromed twin tailpipes and a new 20” five-twin-spoke alloy wheel design in Titanium Grey high-sheen finish.
Inside, the G 63 AMG now features single-tone designo leather trim, an AMG selector lever with leather insets and an embossed AMG emblem, AMG stainless steel illuminated door sill panels complete with AMG lettering and an AMG instrument cluster with colour display. Finally, a powerful Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system and COMAND Online with Media Interface and DAB radio ensure the G 63 AMG is fitted with the latest in-car enhancements.
In addition, the G 63 AMG comes with the Chrome Package and Exterior Styling Package as standard (optional on the G 350 BlueTEC - £765 and £1,515 respectively).
Despite its focus on performance the G 63 AMG, in common with every new G-Class, is fitted with permanent all-wheel drive, fully engageable differential locks, four wheel Electronic Traction System (4ETS) and a low-range gear reduction to ensure it remains a viable and adept off-road vehicle.
What to watch out for
Report of 2011 Mercedes Benz G-Wagon bought in Birmingham but used in Scotland requiring extensive corrective work due to corrosion underneath after 3 years.Now 18 months later the corrosion has returned and the owner's local MB dealer is only offering 50% of the cost of the remedial work.
