What it is: Mercedes-Benz focuses largely on road-going manners with its GLE-Class SUV, but the G-Class is a hard-core off-road machine that seats five people across two rows. The G-Class was Mercedes' first SUV, and it competes with the Land Rover Range Rover and Toyota Land Cruiser. The G550 uses a turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine rated at 416 horsepower. High-performance AMG variants are also available.
(Skip to details on the G63 and G65 AMG)
A new G550 4×4 Squared model joins the lineup and comes with the same V-8 and permanent four-wheel-drive system as the G550, and adds flared wheel arches, 22-inch wheels, portal axles that help provide 17.2 inches of ground clearance, and an adaptive suspension. All models get standard smartphone integration for controlling calls, music and navigation functionality.
Significant Standard Features
- 416-hp, turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine
- Seven-speed automatic transmission
- Four-wheel drive
- Two-speed transfer case
- Three locking differentials
- 8.1 inches of ground clearance
- LED daytime running lights and bi-xenon headlamps
- Heated windshield
- Comand multimedia system
- Navigation system
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo
- Backup camera
- Blind spot warning system
- Adaptive cruise control with full-stop capability
- Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
Significant Available Features
G63 and G65 AMG
Mercedes offers high-performance versions of the G-Class in the form of the G63 AMG and the G65 AMG. Both models feature twin-turbocharged engines — the G63 AMG a V-8 and the G65 AMG a V-12 — that are hand-built. Both include a sport exhaust system, high-performance brakes and unique styling cues.
What’s Special
- 563-hp, turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 engine (G63 AMG)
- 621-hp, turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 (G65 AMG)
- Seven-speed automatic transmission
- Unique grille design
- Red brake calipers
- Side exhaust pipes
