Rivals: Lexus LX600h, Rivian R1S, Land Rover Defender, and environmental and social consciousness
Resembles: The same as it has been since 1979.
Drivetrains: Four-wheel drive, nine-speed automated transmission, 443 horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (G550) or 577 horsepower, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine (G63);
Attacks auto dealerships: 2024’s second half
The first electric G-Class from Mercedes-Benz is on its way to stores, but it won’t be the only electrified G-Wagen to hit the road. A six-cylinder G will join it as another first for the American market. The G550, which was redesigned for the 2025 model year, is now propelled by a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged Mercedes mild hybrid engine. Under the flat hood of the AMG G63, however, is still a twin-huffed 4.0-liter V-8 engine for those who aren’t ready to give up on a turbocharged middle finger to conservation.
Gentle Style Updates
Mercedes only made modest style changes for the 2025 G-Class after waiting nearly 40 years to redesign the original model and then going to considerable lengths to maintain its original appearance. The grille now has four horizontal bars rather than the three seen on the 2024 model, and the front and back bumpers have been updated. New insulation materials and the similarly understated lip spoiler and A-pillar trim are among the other enhancements.
The most obvious update inside is Mercedes-Benz’s most recent MBUX infotainment system, which combines a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a digital instrument cluster measuring 12.3 inches. Voice control and augmented reality navigation, which superimposes forthcoming directions on the feed from a front-mounted camera, are two features of the infotainment system. Keyless entry and start, leather interior, Burmester premium audio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay are further features that come standard.
Contemporary Beneath
In spite of its retro appearance, the G-Class is equipped with a wealth of contemporary safety features. Automated parking, a 360-degree video system, and front collision warning with automated emergency braking are all standard. The Driver Assistance Package from Mercedes-Benz is equipped with blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition as standard features.
The G-Wagen rides and handles better than it appears thanks to standard adaptive dampers and electronic power steering, and it stops with 13.9-inch front and 13.6-inch rear brakes. For the engine, gearbox, steering, and suspension, the Dynamic Select controller provides three off-road settings (Trail, Rock, and Sand) in addition to four on-road modes (Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Individual).
The Off road Cockpit appears on the central touchscreen when you select an off-road mode. This shows the position of the vehicle, altitude, steering angle, compass, and the differential lock status. The G-Class can climb grades up to 45 degrees and navigate side slopes as steep as 35 degrees. A low-range, two-speed transfer case and locking front, rear, and centre differentials are still included as standard. Transparent Hood, which uses the front-facing camera to provide the driver with a view of the terrain directly in front of the car to help with wheel placement during challenging off-road driving, is also enabled in off-road modes.