Originally developed in the 1970s, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (or G-Wagen) is one of the longest running models in the brand’s history. The name G-Wagen comes from the German word “Gelandewagen” - which basically translates into Cross-Country Vehicle in English. The G-Class was initially conceptualized by Mercedes for the German military, but it soon gained fame among the public.
Unlike many other cars, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class hasn’t really changed much since its introduction in the 1970s, and has only entered its second generation recently. Despite its ridiculously high price tag, the G-Class is one of the best-selling cars in the region. Its rivals include the Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX 570, Porsche Cayenne, and Bentley Bentayga.
Exterior
Hailing from an era where boxy SUVs were the norm, the G-Class definitely stands out when compared to other SUVs. For the most part, the exterior styling of this vehicle hasn’t changed much in the last 40 years.
The most noticeable exterior design elements are: - At the front, there are externally-mounted turn indicators, a large grille with an even larger Mercedes-Benz logo, and a pair of conventional-looking circular headlamps and LED DRLs. The sides get massively flared wheel arches, huge alloy wheels, flat, vertical windows with rounded edges, and burly quad-exhaust pipes. At the back, the most highlighting items include the massive door-mounted spare wheel and the rather small LED taillights.
The new G-Class isn’t exactly a huge monster as far as external dimensions are concerned. That said, it isn’t compact as proven by the following numbers: - length is 4.662 meters, width is 1.867 meters, height is 1.951 meters, and the wheelbase is 2.850 meters. The total boot space behind the second row is 480 liters.
Interior
Compared to the old-school exterior, the biggest change is in the interior of the G-Class - plush leather upholstery, upscale metallic trim, convenience/features and amenities, everything you would expect from a Mercedes-Benz. The cabin offers enough space for 5 occupants, and the big windows make it feel open and airy as well.
The build quality and overall fit & finish is great, though not as splendid as in an S-Class. Space is more than adequate and the seats offer good comfort and support. Features include adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, electric sunroof, leather upholstery with a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, power-operated front seats with heating, cooling, and memory function, COMAND infotainment system with navigation, and a premium sound system.
The G-wagen gets plenty of airbags, along with ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill assist, attention assist, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, traction and electronic stability control, rollover stability control, and then some. Notable off-road gear includes three separate locking differentials, hill descent control, skid plates, and a low-range gearbox.
Engine and performance
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is available as the G500, G63 AMG, and G65 AMG in the Middle East. While the first two get a V8, the latter gets a twelve-cylinder. The 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 in the G500 and G63 AMG make 421 HP and 571 HP, respectively. The latter also produces 760 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the G65 AMG’s twin-turbo V12 heart makes a ridiculous 630 HP and 1,000 NM of torque!
Transmission is handled by a 7-speed gearbox, while power is sent to all fours. The 2.6 ton G65 AMG is capable of hurtling to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, though Mercedes has had to limit the top speed to 230 km/h for obvious reasons.
Verdict
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class starts at AED 550,000, and tops out at AED 1,250,000 for the G65 AMG. Insurance starts at AED 12,375 for the G500 and at AED 28,125 for the G65.
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