2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

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: The Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets two new engines for 2016. The 5.5-liter V8 in the base G550 is replaced by turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 416 horsepower. The AMG G65 is new to the American market and is powered by a 621-horsepower turbocharged 6.0-liter V12. There are some revisions to the exterior and a new instrument panel inside. Also new is an adjustable suspension available on the G550. 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.

Links

2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review

2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review