THE MORE THE G550 CHANGES, THE MORE IT STAYS THE SAME

Gelande — y'know, the “G” in “Mercedes-benz G-class” — simply means “terrain,” an indication this boxiest of off-roaders is capable of forward progress over anything and everything. Yet although these latest versions of the G-class are faster than ever, the progress of the G as a breed is deliberately slow. Mercedes is rapidly deploying electrification and hybridization through its fleet, and details on an electrified G are due to drop soon, but overall the G-class is Mercedes' most traditional vehicle.

So, yes, that this refreshed model looks almost exactly identical to the prior one is not an accident. Most of the changes for the G's 2025 model year are tweaks rather than changes in course, even though the new powertrain lineup is more diverse than in previous years.

Let's start with the G 550 and a game of spot-the-difference. Compared to the previous G-class, this model gets a new radiator grille and front bumper, as well as an almost imperceptible strip at the front of the roof that reduces buffeting at speed. Combined with extra insulation and some other aero massaging, Mercedes claims this is a slipperier G with a quieter cabin. Which is very funny, because it still looks like two bricks stacked on top of each other.

Showing off is a bit more in the G 63's mission envelope, which we'll get to in a bit. The big story with the G 550 is its new six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, which replaces the previous 416-horsepower twin-turbo V8. This creates a bit more of a demarcation from the still-a-v8 G 63, but isn't actually a downgrade.

Thanks to a 48V mild-hybrid powertrain that's similar to that found in the GLS 450 three-row SUV, the G 550's engine now makes a total of 443 hp. Peak torque is down a bit, from 450 pound-feet to 413 lb-ft, but having that low-speed

electric torque from the integrated starter-generator should make the G 550 excellent off-road. On the road, the hybrid should also see the G 550 being a little less thirsty to operate, though Mercedes hasn't released fuel economy figures yet.

Not that many Gs actually see off-road use, but the capability is certainly there. Mercedes says this new G 550 retains all the same off-road ability of the previous V8-powered machine: there's three locking differentials, the ability to climb 100-per-cent grades, a fording depth of over 700 millimetres, and lateral stability of up to 35 degrees on a side slope.

While it's unlikely most owners will risk scratching the expensive optional paint on the trails, the effect here is a bit like wearing that Rolex dive watch that's waterproof to 300 metres. It's not that you will, it's that you can.

And of course, the biggest obstacle most G-classes will actually face is the snooty valet at the fanciest restaurant in downtown. Here's where the G 63 comes in.

The G 63 gets the same aerodynamic tweaks as the G 550, and is a little wider overall to accommodate bigger wheels (20-inchers are standard, up to 22 inches optional). Mercedes has added even more AMG branding elements, and there is of course the option to bling out your G with everything from interior wood trim to laser-cut exterior weather stripping.

Should you be one of the rare few who does take their G 63 offroad, the stabilization system also allows for a softer setting for more suspension articulation over rugged ground. And there's a new brake torque system that allows for independently controlled wheel speeds, so the G 63 can dig itself out even if buried up to the axles in sand.

Overall though, some of the most welcome upgrades to both the G 550 and G 63 are the sort of day-today improvements that make them more livable while not messing with tradition. For instance, the G's signature door handles and heavy latches have always been part of its identity, but they were a surprising challenge for integrating keyless entry.

For 2025, Mercedes has finally cracked it.

A little more efficiency and power, a little more ride comfort, a little quieter cabin; the G-class finds itself comprehensively upgraded for the 2025 model year. But not that you'd notice unless you looked extra-hard. Like the terrain itself, the G-class is constantly changing. Yet always remaining mostly the same.