Overview

The Mercedes Benz G-Class off-road SUV has become an icon in its old age. The G driver may have evolved from mercenary to socialite – its battlegrounds from war-torn desert to the squash clubs of Beverly hills – but still, in 2024, beneath a veneer of chintz Barbieism, the G-Wagen has that same go anywhere attitude with which it was conceived.

Unlike so many rivals that prioritise on-road handling finesse over go-anywhere ability, the G-Class still has a sturdy separate chassis, a live rear axle, low range gearbox and three differential locks. Off-road enthusiasts will no doubt be salivating at this point, but those scratching their heads just need to know they all help the G-Class go places few other luxury SUVs ever could.

We’d argue that the Jeep Wrangler has a similar off-road focus and industrial-grade underpinnings, even if it is half the cost. There’s also the Land Rover Defender but really, you’re looking at the full-size Range Rover as a true competitor, even if (whisper it) it’s not quite as capable off-road. A BMW X7 will cost you a similar amount, too, but that’s not going to get you up the grassy side of a mountain now, is it?

The big news in the curious world of the G-Class is the arrival of the clumsily-named all-electric version, the G580 with EQ Technology, which is reviewed elsewhere. But the rest of the line-up has also been revised, gaining new infotainment software, extra sound insulation, standard-fit LED headlights, adaptive adjustable damping as standard, a greener engine line-up and modest aerodynamic tweaks to the exterior.

There’s a tiny lip at the front of the roof and a small vent in the rear wheel arch, both aimed at the smoother flow of air, and helps identify the facelifted model. You can also specify on any G-Class the aerodynamically optimised wheels designed principally for the G580 EQ.

Inside you’ll find a leather, wood and painted metal cockpit with a couple of massive digital displays that seem totally at odds with the old-school exterior. Still, you’ll find plenty of up-to-date tech that allows you to sync your phone, connect to the internet and even help out with driving duties. Unlike some rivals, there’s no seven-seat option or choice of body lengths and door counts.

Under the bonnet is a choice of three engines. Sensible sorts will appreciate the smooth six-cylinder G450d diesel, the petrol six-cylinder G500 sits in the middle, while those who have a penchant for power can pick the AMG-fettled G63 with its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The diesel packs 367hp, the petrol makes 449hp, while the latter’s 585hp is enough for sports car worrying straight-line performance despite weighing more than 2,500kg.

All models get at least 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights that allow you to keep the main beam on for longer, a 360-degree camera and a towbar. AMG Line Premium adds 20-inch wheels, an electric sunroof, heated windscreen, adaptive dampers, and an upgraded stereo. AMG Line Premium Plus adds flashier 20in wheels, more customisable ambient lighting inside, ventilated front seats, plusher leather on the dash and filtration for the climate control.

Opt for an AMG G63 and you basically get all the toys of Premium Plus, 22-inch wheels and sportier styling inside and out befitting of the powerful V8 engine under the bonnet. Magno Edition adds black styling on the outside and fancier leather inside for a not inconsiderable extra fee.

Over the next few pages we’ll be scoring the facelifted G-Class in 10 key areas to give it a score out of five. They’ll take into account the driving experience, how pleasant the interior is, the practicality on offer, whether the updates are effective and what it’ll cost you. If you’d like to find out how we reached our verdict, head over to our how we test cars page.