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Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a luxury SUV built on a rugged truck-style frame, known for its upright hand-built design, genuine trail ability, and richly finished cabin. Recent versions pair that traditional formula with modern digital technology and gas or electric power.
The G-Class has long mixed old-school off-road toughness with Mercedes-Benz luxury. Its boxy shape and serious four-wheel-drive hardware have remained central even as the cabin, safety systems, and road manners became more modern. The 2019 redesign made it roomier and easier to live with, while the 2025 update added electrified gas power and the first fully electric version without changing its core character.
Strengths
- Its ladder-frame construction, low-range gearing, and locking differentials give it genuine off-road substance.
- The upright, hand-built body has kept a recognizable identity through decades of mechanical and cabin updates.
- The cabin combines rich materials with modern screens, safety systems, and driver-assistance technology.
- Models from the 2019 redesign onward offer much more rear-seat room and easier road manners than the earlier generation.
- Recent versions cover both gas and fully electric driving without giving up the G-Class's basic off-road mission.
Who it's for
It suits someone who wants a distinctive luxury SUV for everyday driving but also values real off-road hardware rather than rugged styling alone. It is especially appealing to buyers who care about craftsmanship, an upright design, and a strong sense of occasion.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup
The G 550 is the core G-Class and the clearest expression of its traditional luxury-and-off-road formula; in recent years, it moved from V8 power to a mild-hybrid six-cylinder. The AMG G 63 has historically been the performance-focused step up, while rare 4x4 Squared versions push the idea toward specialized, extreme trail use. Since 2025, the G 580 with EQ Technology has served as the fully electric alternative, preserving the familiar shape and off-road focus while delivering 239 miles of rated range in 2026. Pick the G 550 for the mainstream experience, seek out an AMG for stronger performance, or consider the G 580 when electric driving matters most.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class generations
From 2009 to 2026, the G-Class spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2019, following the 1st U.S. Generation — W463 (2002–2018).
2nd Generation (2019–Present)
The 2019 redesign brought a larger body, more rear-seat room, an independent front suspension, and a fully modernized cabin while keeping the ladder frame and three locking differentials. A major 2025 update introduced the electric G 580 and replaced the G 550’s V8 with a mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine.
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2026
The refreshed lineup carried over with only minor personalization updates.
2025Mid-cycle update
A major refresh brought subtle body changes, a touchscreen system, new off-road displays, and more driver-assistance tech. The G 550 switched to a mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine, and the electric G 580 joined the lineup.
2024
The G 550 carried over with its twin-turbo V8 and existing cabin and safety technology.
2023
The extreme AMG G 63 4x4 Squared joined the lineup; regular models were largely unchanged.
2022
The body, cabin, engines, and core off-road hardware carried over.
2021
A 12.3-inch digital instrument display became standard across the lineup.
2020
The redesigned G-Class carried over with additional paint, finish, and wheel choices.
2019New generation
A full redesign brought a larger body, more rear-seat room, a new independent front suspension, a nine-speed automatic, and a fully reworked cabin.
1st U.S. Generation — W463 (2002–2018)
This long-running G-Class paired its upright, hand-built body with a truck-style frame, permanent four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and locking differentials. Updates modernized its engines, cabin, and technology over time, but the basic structure remained in place through 2018.
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2018Trim changes
Paint and appearance choices changed, but the core vehicle carried over for its final year before the 2019 redesign.
2017Trim changes
The G 550 4x4 Squared joined the U.S. lineup with portal axles, extra ground clearance, a wider body, and specialized suspension.
2016Trim changes
The V12-powered AMG G 65 joined the U.S. lineup. The G 550 also received a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, an updated instrument cluster, and lightly revised front styling.
2015Trim changes
The lineup carried over with small cabin detail changes and a rear-seat entertainment option.
2014
The G 550 and G 63 AMG carried over with no significant lineup-wide changes.
2013Mid-cycle update
A major update reworked the cabin, infotainment, lighting, mirrors, and standard safety technology. The G 63 AMG also joined the U.S. lineup.
2012Trim changes
The engine, chassis, safety equipment, and cabin carried over.
2011Trim changes
The lineup carried over with only small details such as a new G 550 wheel design.
2010
The cabin gained a leather-trimmed dashboard, ambient lighting, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. Minor exterior details were also revised.
2009Trim changes
The G 550 replaced the G 500 with a newer 5.5-liter V8 and seven-speed automatic. The AMG model gained power, while the grille, wheels, and cabin electronics were updated.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2014 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a real SUV or mainly a luxury vehicle?
It is both a luxury SUV and a serious off-roader. Its upright, hand-built body and upscale cabin sit on a truck-style ladder frame with low-range gearing and locking differentials.
What is the G-Class known for?
The G-Class is known for its boxy shape, richly finished cabin, strong road presence, and genuine trail hardware. It combines old-school SUV construction with modern comfort and technology.
Is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a hybrid?
The refreshed gas G 550 uses mild-hybrid assistance with its turbocharged six-cylinder engine. It is not a plug-in hybrid, so it does not drive as a dedicated electric vehicle or require external charging.
Does the G-Class come in an electric version?
Yes. The full-electric G 580 w/EQ Technology joined the range for 2025. It uses four electric motors, retains selectable low range, and has a listed range of 239 miles in the latest lineup.
Is the G-Class practical for everyday driving?
Yes, especially in the generation introduced for 2019. That redesign added much more rear-seat room and made the G-Class easier to live with on pavement, though it remains a tall, truck-based SUV.
How different is the newer G-Class from older versions?
The 2019 redesign is the major dividing line. It brought a larger body, more rear-seat room, a modern cabin, independent front suspension, updated steering, and a nine-speed automatic while preserving the ladder frame and three locking differentials.
Is the G-Class actually capable off-road?
Yes. Gas G-Class models are built around permanent all-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and three locking differentials. Those systems are meant for difficult terrain, not merely an off-road appearance.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
4.5
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
(773 reviews)
“The windshield being flat is prone to breakage & more bug splatter. Minor rock broke windshield the first week - $3100 replacement. Road wheels provide more comfort but lousy off-road. Tire bubbled and needed replacement the first week - $600.”
“The G Wagon is the ultimate experience. Powerful. Luxurious. A tad difficult to get into due to the height.”
“The Land Rover, Range Rover SV is the top of the line but is too docile. It is so quiet that I cannot tell if it started.!!! Unlike the Sport SV which is tough. The ride is too soft even in Dynamic setting.”
“great car, has every option and then some, but also has wind noise and is loud. so it is not perfect.”
“I have been driving Mercedes since 1997 when I bought my first Benz which was a SL500. I have had 5 of those and loved them. I have wanted a G wagen for 10 years and finally took the plunge. I love it. Fun to drive and feels safe for road trips. I still miss my SL so may buy one of the new ones next years. You will be very happy if you buy a G wagen.”