Mercedes G-Class review

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY?

A head-turner
Attractive interior
New improvements

WHY SHOULD YOU RUN?

Expensive to buy
High running costs
Debatable image

The Mercedes G-Class now better than ever

In a world of me-too SUVs and crossovers, the Mercedes G-Class is wonderfully unique and dripping with charm. It doesn’t come cheap, but Mercedes has carefully managed the evolution of this cult off-roader, staying true to its original design while upgrading the running gear and improving the interior. In fact, the sumptuous cabin is one of the G-Wagen’s standout features, which is aided by a pair of huge infotainment screens. It retains its legendary off-road capabilities, but is now far better to drive on the road. Thanks to its V8 engine, the G 63 is the most fun, but the G 350 d is the choice for those who have one eye on the budget. Exclusivity is guaranteed if you opt for this German icon.

Few vehicles for sale can reach the dizzy heights of world legendary status – Mini, Beetle, Defender and Mustang are four names that spring to mind – but the Mercedes G-Class (formerly the G-Wagen) can pull up a chair at the top table of motoring icons, while the 2018 version set new standards for quality and driving ability, too.

Launched in 1979, the Gëlandewagen (Go-anywhere-car) has climbed every mountain and forded every stream, and provided transport to a wide range of audiences, including armies, forest rangers, firefighters and even the Pope, Not forgetting that it has recently has been President Uhuru Kenyatta’s favorite, whenever he feels like ‘sneaking’ from Statehouse behind the wheel. More recently, it has become a 4×4 of choice for the rich and famous, with Mercedes all too happy to cultivate some Hollywood glamour.

Much like the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler, the G-Class developed a loyal following, despite not being the most mechanically sorted and refined of vehicles. It was kept relatively fresh courtesy of a series of small changes, but the 2018 update is the most comprehensive overhaul ever.

In fact, it’s pretty much a complete redesign. Cleverly, Mercedes has retained the iconic shape, but all the body panels are entirely new. The spare wheel on the back, the exposed door hinges and round headlights are three of the most visible nods to the G’s heritage.

The G-Class weighs around 2.5 tonnes.

Engines, performance and drive

It’s still a formidable off-roader, but the G-Class is now more agile on the road, especially in G 63 guise

MPG and running costs

Expensive to buy and to run, especially in the case of the G 63

Interior, design and technology

Mercedes has blended old and new to perfection, with a beautifully finished cabin and the latest tech

Practicality, comfort and boot space

It’s not as practical as the dimensions would suggest, while parking the G-Class could be tricky

Reliability and Safety

The G’s quality shines through, but safety and reliability are harder to judge

But to criticise the G-Class for its list price and thirst would be to miss the point of this iconic off-roader. Not only does it look fabulous, but it’s also blessed with one of the best interiors of the modern age, with Mercedes successfully blending old-school charm with new-age tech.

With a G-Class exclusivity is guaranteed, and you’ll turn as many heads as a supercar.

Mercedes G-Class - dash Mercedes G-Class - sat-nav Mercedes G-Class - infotainment Mercedes G-Class - drive mode Mercedes G-Class - rear seats Mercedes G-Class - boot

Discover more from Magari Poa

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.