Owner reviews for the Mercedes G Class
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 3/5The Mercedes G-Class is distinctive because of its unmistakable boxy shape and legendary off-road capability.
London
London
Southall
Orpington
Orpington
AA finance available
West Drayton
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 3/5Well known as a durable, high-status SUV, it pairs luxury with a true go-anywhere spirit – equally at home in the city or off the beaten track. The G-Class, often referred to as the G-Wagon, originally launched in 1979 as a tough, military-grade 4x4. Today, it’s a luxury SUV with modern tech and lavish materials, but it hasn't forgotten its rugged roots. The most recent version, updated in 2018 and again in 2024, has improved comfort and the latest safety features while sticking with a body-on-frame design and three locking differentials – perfect for those venturing on demanding terrain. Over the years, the G-Class has competed with the Range Rover, Bentley Bentayga and others, holding its own with durability, iconic looks and excellent resale value. Modern versions come well-furnished as standard, but high running costs are something to keep in mind. The G-Class is tailor-made for drivers who want genuine ability and commanding presence with a touch of old-school charm.
Modern G-Class models come with a comprehensive set of safety features. These include standard-fit adaptive LED headlights, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking and a full suite of airbags. Euro NCAP awarded the G-Class five stars, though front chest protection was rated lower than some luxury rivals.
Recent versions offer strong diesel and petrol engines. The core line-up for 2018–present comprises a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel (G350d, later G400d and G450d), a petrol G500 and the range-topping AMG G63’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Older G-Class models include the G350 CDI diesel and various AMG petrol V8s, while the new electric SUV version is the G580.
All G-Class models from 2018 feature twin 12.3-inch digital displays for instrument and media functions, high-quality navigation, smartphone integration, DAB radio and voice control. Higher specs add Burmester audio, wireless charging, massaging seats and more. Newer models include improved software and internet connectivity.
The G-Class is a large, powerful SUV, so expect modest efficiency. Diesel versions officially return between 25–31mpg while petrol versions, including the AMG G63, are much lower, typically returning less than 20mpg. Real-world figures may vary depending on usage, especially if you regularly go off-road.
Key things to look out for include bodywork damage (especially if used off-road), corrosion around the rear tailgate and lights, suspension knocks, and that all electrical systems (including the infotainment) work as they should. Early models suffered from some recalls, so a full service history is a must. Use The AA Vehicle Inspection service for complete peace of mind.
The G-Class is engineered to a high standard, but as a low-volume luxury model, it doesn’t always top reliability charts. Most problems are related to electronics or expensive suspension components. Later G-Classes are generally more dependable, but always check maintenance records and past recall completions.