UPDATED CLASSIC
The Mercedes-Benz G 550 may look like a throwback, but feels modern
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is an absolute legend. One of the most capable roadworthy off-roaders anywhere, it finally got a proper redesign to bring it into the modern era — even if it is still shaped like a cargo container.
We spent an absolutely filthy week with it, as snow and slush and salt were permanently caked on it, and there were no grand off-roading adventures. But this is what we learned about it in everyday driving situations.
1 It’s surprisingly normal to drive.
Mercedes did its homework when it finally redesigned the G-Wagen platform. The original had been in circulation with a variety of powertrain and engineering updates for almost 40 years, conceived as both a rugged off-roader for military and commercial applications and also as a niche recreational adventure vehicle that would be comfortable enough as a road vehicle as well. It really wasn’t, but Mercedes tried, and it still caught on as an anti-car, anti-sophisticated luxury status symbol.
While we did not test the G 550’s epic off-roading chops or military-grade reliability, we found its on-road manners to be incredibly friendly for something with that much capability.
The independent suspension features a double-wishbone front axle and a rigid rear axle. Despite high mounting points for the front suspension directly to the ladder frame and a towering 270 millimetres of ground clearance, the lighter, stiffer structure and up to 100 mm of suspension travel with adaptive damping means it can be both comfortable and well controlled. The rigid platform allows greater latitude for the adaptive suspension to accommodate bumps and rough pavement, while firming up and maintaining stability in cornering.
With two turbos feeding the 4.0-litre V8, the G 550 puts out 416 horsepower, 450 pound-feet of torque and a burbling, intoxicating Mercedes exhaust note. It still prompts the urge for heavy throttle whenever a light turns green, and the chassis holds on respectably — even if you let up far too late going into turns.
2 Mercedes knows how to do interiors.
As a flagship model for Mercedes, the G-Class cuts no corners and makes no concessions to affordability. The leather is sumptuous, the seats exceptional, the plastics refined and a bit of metal weave trim make for a comfortable and attractive cabin.
The infotainment system is not the latest MBUX you’ll find in Mercedes’ smallest new entry, but it’s still visually pleasing and easy enough to master. When asked what his standout favourite feature of the G-Wagen was, video editor Clayton Seams was unequivocal: “Best. Stereo. Ever.” Indeed, the 15-speaker, 590-watt Burmester Surround Sound was fitting for a music industry exec or audiophile of any calibre.
3 But Mercedes will make you pay for it.
While the Burmester audio is standard equipment, as is a long list of luxury equipment, the G 550 starts at a heady $134,000, and adding just a handful of packages and options drove the price of this tester up to $157,740. The $4,900 Exclusive Interior Package adds sumptuous Nappa leather and microsuede headliner. Upgraded seats with dynamic bolsters are another $3,900. The Sport package body kit, adjustable damping and 360-degree parking camera (which is an absolute necessity) add up to another $6,000-plus. Want fancy wheels? That’ll be an additional $6,150. The metal weave trim is a modest $650, but if you opt for carbon-fibre interior trim bits, it will cost you $5,500. On top of that, a whole world of personalization and conspicuous consumption is also available through Mercedes’ Designo customization division.
While there is certainly plenty of engine in the G 550, the 577-hp G 63 AMG is just another $10,000 from a fully loaded G 550, so if you’re already north of $150K, well, why the heck not?
4 It’s not really very practical.
When you’re sitting way up high in the driver’s seat looking out through the vertical windscreen, towering over many cars in traffic, you might be fooled into thinking that the G-Wagen is a big truck. It’s not.
The Wrangler Unlimited has almost double the trunk space (897.6 L to the G’s 454), and the rear seats are about as tight as some subcompact crossovers.
Visibility is still challenging with the thick pillars, despite big square windows, and the rear-mounted spare obstructs a big chunk of the view out back. The saving grace is that 360-degree camera system, but in the yucky, slushy, salty winter weather you need to make sure you wipe the lenses clear any time you drive more than a block.
5 Above all, you feel like a boss.
No matter all the technical stuff or practicality concerns, the G-Wagen is an image car. Whether you appreciate its military roots, tried and-tested toughness, or its celebrity from Hollywood starlets and pro athletes, there is something inexplicably badass about rolling around in the G.
If you don’t have the patience to drive a classic car that is truly from another era, the G-Wagen serves nicely as a modern car that seems like something from another era and is ready for anything, from red carpet appearances to the zombie apocalypse.