Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550

2015 Mercedes-Benz G550

Pros: Gutsy acceleration; off-road prowess; ostentatious combination of retro utilitarian looks with truly luxurious trimmings and up-to-date comfort and infotainment features

Cons: Antiquated basic design; subpar on-road steering, handling, and braking; awkward, somewhat-cramped seating position; stratospheric sticker prices; awful fuel economy

CG Says: Mercedes-Benz’s unrepentantly “old-school” SUV sees no significant changes for 2015. With General Motors’s Hummer brand dead and buried, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is probably the most flamboyant SUV on the road. It’s little wonder it’s such a hit with athletes and the Hollywood set. Ironically, this vehicle has some of the most capable off-road hardware you can find, but the overwhelming majority of its well-heeled owners will likely never set a wheel off the pavement. From that standpoint, aside from the “bling” factor, there’s not a whole lot to recommend the G-Class. It drives and handles every bit the trucky box it is, while being overly loud and extraordinarily thirsty. If those things don’t matter and you crave its style more than anything else, by all means go for it. Otherwise, a Range Rover or Porsche Cayenne might serve you better.

The Facts
Class Premium Midsize SUV
Body Style(s) 4-door wagon
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
Nation of Manufacture Austria
Base Prices G550: $115,400
G63 AMG: $137,150

Base Engine
5.5-liter V8
Horsepower
382
Std. Transmission
7-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
12
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
15

Optional Engine
5.5-liter V8
Horsepower
536
Std. Transmission
7-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
12
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
14

2013 G63 AMG
2015 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG
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