• Easy to use infotainment
• Quality feel
• Commanding view of the road

How is the quality and layout?

The physical attributes of the G-Class cabin continue to impress. This is a well-made interior and the choice of materials and build quality in general feel worthy of the lofty prices charged, with the facelift adding enough new kit to keep things fresh.

The cabin is swathed in good quality leather and we love the mechanical rifle-bolt latching sound when you thunk the doors shut. You feel like you’re ensconced in the Bank of England vaults when the door closes. Poke around, though, and you’ll discover a few plastic finishes that are below-par for a £100,000-plus car.

They’re all so well equipped in the UK as standard that there’s not much of substance left on the options list, although you’ll find various opportunites to carry bikes or roof boxes. But if you really want to splash out and make your G truly unique, there are many possible combinations of colour, fabric and lighting to be had.

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Infotainment and tech

The interior of the G-Class has acquired iconic status all of its own. It’s actually evolved quite a lot from the early days, which were all about big-diameter steering wheels with thin rims, ashtrays front and rear, and lots of painted metal. Now you get distinctive air vents, two 12.3-inch displays, plenty of cupholders and charging ports, as well as the familiar chunky grab handles.

Although they’re the same size as those in the 2018-on G-Class, the digital driver’s display and central touchscreen are running the newer, sharper MBUX software.

At least there are plenty of physical buttons, switches and dials for things you’ll use regularly like the climate control and stereo, making it far easier to control things than with touch sensitive icons.

Comfort

• Upright seats are supremely supportive
• Rear room is generous and comfortable
• Seat heaters front and rear

It’s not lavish like a Bentley Cullinan in here, but it’s a long way removed from the hose-down interior of the first models. A modern G-Class is comfortable like any of the more road-orientated Merc SUVs, if not lavish like an S-Class, and comes with all manner of creature comforts like heated seats front and rear, and a big suite of safety tech.

The driving position is very good indeed – it’s a running theme for the model over the years. So you get well-shaped and supportive seats, and a driving position that gives you a lofty view ahead over a square-shaped bonnet with marker indicators on the corners.

Rear room is good, and overall comfort is benefited by a huge amount of headroom and a wide armrest. Passengers are going to love this.