Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class - What the Auto Press Says

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class ranks 7 out of 9 Luxury Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 47 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Whether your passion is rock crawling in the mountains, hunting for big game in the Serengeti, or getting noticed around town, few SUVs are better outfitted to help than the military-inspired 2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Keep in mind that much of the G-Class’s appeal stems from its out-of-this-world price tag.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class’s size and price classify it as a luxury large SUV, but when you check out the G550, you may decide it belongs in a class of its own. It was created for German military use more than three decades ago, and since then, the G-wagen has held onto its military roots. For 2011, the G-Class retains its original go-anywhere off-road capabilities, but with a luxurious interior to make Mercedes-Benz proud. In fact, the $105,750 G-Class doesn’t even offer any options or packages – it comes standard with the best that Mercedes has to offer.

Lucky for the G-Class, its exclusively-high starting price and Mercedes-Benz badge keep it attractive to drivers who rarely, if ever, venture off the pavement. But it’s clear to reviewers that boulder-crushing, not highway cruising, is its strong point. Its on-road performance disappoints reviewers, mainly because it’s tuned to maximize its mountain climbing abilities. Writers say the G550’s steering feels loose, its throttle can be slow to respond, and it exhibits scary levels of body lean when turning. However, its powerful V8 engine makes up for some of the negatives, since reviewers say it provides plenty of power for such a large, heavy vehicle. Remember, many of these handling qualities are common when off-road SUVs handle mundane tasks like commuting and grocery-getting.

Reviewers note the age-old cliché that Mercedes-Benz builds its vehicles like a bank vault. The G-Class may be the company’s best example. Its rock-solid construction results in an unexpectedly small interior and some awkwardly-placed controls, but reviewers love how indestructible the G-Class feels.

So, who exactly is this hand-built, six-figure bank vault SUV made for? Reviewers aren’t sure, but many of them love the G-Class for precisely that reason. "Suppose you're the generalissimo of a military junta, or a prominent rap mogul,” writes Edmunds. “Maybe you own a remote cabin tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. Under any of these circumstances, you'll likely want an unapologetically brash, monumentally powerful, impenetrably built, endlessly capable and opulently luxurious vehicle that is like nothing else on the road. In other words, you'll want a 2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.”

Other SUVs to Consider

It may be hard to match the G-Class’s off-road chops and luxurious interior, but a few SUVs manage to do it for a lot less cash. While the Land Rover Range Rover’s roots are not quite as deep-seated in military history as the G550’s, its off-road performance is even better, and its interior boasts a similar level of refinement and technology. The Range Rover starts at $79,685, which is $26,065 less than the G-Class, but it can be optioned to more than $134,000 – even more than the high-performance G55 AMG, which is reviewed separately. But many people buy the G-Class specifically because of its high sticker price; its luxury cachet makes even the Range Rover seem pedestrian by comparison.

Details: Mercedes-Benz G Class

Mercedes offers one trim level for the G-Class, the G550. Starting at $105,750, the G550 doesn’t offer options or packages; it includes them all as standard features There’s also a G55 AMG, a more powerful and upgraded version of the G-Class. The G55 is reviewed separately since it has a ridiculously powerful, high-performance-tuned engine. The only significant changes to the G550 for the 2011 model year are a few new wheel designs.