MERCEDES-BENZ G CLASS STATION WAGON G500 AMG Line Premium Plus 5dr 9G-Tronic

The indestructible second generation Mercedes G-Class soldiers on in this electrified form. Jonathan Crouch gazes in awe.

Ten Second Review

It's said that cockroaches will be the only thing to survive a nuclear conflagration. Whoever said that clearly never drove a Mercedes G-Class. It's a vehicle that neither time, progress, fashion nor legislation can kill and the improved, now electrified version of this second generation model is better than ever. It'll be irrelevant to virtually everyone, but for that merest fraction of a percentage point of UK buyers, it's the greatest car on earth.

Background

You might well know it as the G-Wagen, that slab-sided truck more readily associated with squaddies trailing in convoy along autobahns, but the G-Class has come a long way from its utilitarian origins. It was first sold to the general public way back in 1979 and as it ploughs unstoppably into another decade on sale, the second generation model first launched in 2018 has, six years on, been treated to an extensive bout of electrified re-engineering that's left almost everything changed, but nothing much different. Don't think that means the G-Class has gone soft in its dotage. Although it's no longer a stripped-back, rough and ready mud plugger, it's still built from the same solid materials. It's just that the market for these cars has changed and the G-Class has changed to reflect a newer, more moneyed customer base. You can now spend some serious coin on a G-Class and there's a privileged queue of people looking to do just that.

Engines and Tech Spec

When a G-Class becomes electrified, you know the electric revolution really is getting into full-swing. To be fair, mainstream versions aren't that electrified, for this improved model gaining the brand's 48V mild hybrid integrated starter system. That adds 20hp to the output of the base diesel version, which now has 362bhp, with torque of 750Nm. This is why this 2.9-litre six cylinder variant's badging has been changed from 'G 400d' to 'G 450d'. The alternative petrol variants also get mild hybrid drive but still require possession of a small oil well if you're to run them confortably. The G 500 has six cylinders and 449hp, though the 5.4s 0-62mph sprint time (en route to 130mph) is only 0.4s faster than the G 450d can manage. So if you want a petrol-powered G-Class, why not go the whole hog and get yourself the eight cylinder 585hp Mercedes-AMG G 63 4MATIC. This dispatches 62mph in 4.4s en route to 137mph. All combustion G-Class models continue to use a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic gearbox; the G 63 uses a faster-acting AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS version of it. You'd need to be pretty deaf-eared to the call of the melting polar ice cap though, to run a G 63. Is there a way to run a G-Class without all of that environmental embarrassment? Well yes, now there is. Provided you can stretch to the not-inconsiderable sum Mercedes wants for the very-first all-electric version of this model, the 'G 580 with EQ Technology' version. This is quite a beast. Two electric motors are centrally housed at the front, with another two at the rear (hence the substantial 3.0-tonne weight). They're energised by a huge 116kWh battery. Total power output is rated at 587hp (so only fractionally less than the G 63) and the 62mph sprint is dispatched in 4.7s. There's a so-called 'G Roar' artificial sound system to make up for the lack of a combustion engine note. Whichever G-Class model you choose, the available mountain of torque should be adequate to drag you out of most sticky situations, while the car's three electrically controlled 100-percent differential locks, ladder frame and rigid axle characteristics also underline its mettle in rough off-road terrain. There's a 3.5-tonne towing capacity with all the engines - no figure's quoted for the EV. But that electric version's just as good as its combustion counterparts off road (some Mercedes engineers think it's better) and can wade up to 850mm of water (150mm more than the fossil-fuelled versions).

Design and Build

Visually, there's nothing quite like a G-Class - and loyal customers wouldn't have it any other way. Its sheer anti-fashion nature has, rather perversely, made it quite a chic item. Mercedes didn't want to make too many changes to this updated model, but the detail differences become evident as you get up close. There's a revised bumper and radiator grille, while the front-facing camera has now been mounted lower in the front bumper so that it offers better visibility of obstacles using a new 'transparent bonnet' view. To improve the barn door aerodynamics (the drag coefficient's now enhanced from 0.53 or 0.48Cd), the A-pillars have been carefully rounded off and a lip has been added to the leading edge of the windscreen. Measuring 4,715mm long and 1,881mm wide, this G still remains more compact than most of its similarly-priced SUVIP Range Rover-segment rivals. Previous owners will recognise classic G-Class details such as the distinctive door handles, the exterior protective strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door and prominent indicator lights. A few cabin changes are significant: keyless entry for the very first time on a G-Class; and the central MBUX infotainment display is now a touchscreen. The off-road 'control centre' in the middle of the dashboard has been revised to give the driver easier access to the most important functions. And there are now temperature-controlled cup holders and a wireless 'phone charger. As before, there's a multifunction steering wheel, plus an electric handbrake and a gear selector stalk mounted on the steering column. An analogue instrument panel comes as standard, but a 'virtual' display is optional. Hallmarks of the original G-Class include a grab handle in front of the front passenger and chrome switches for the three differential locks. In the rear, you're going to be surprised by just how little space there is from a car of this size; you'd really struggle to comfortably take more than a couple of adults. Boot capacity is 667-litres - or 1,941-litres with the seats folded.

Market and Model

G-Class pricing has, with this electrified model, taken another lurch skywards. The days of paying just over the £100,000 mark for one of these are well behind us, partly because Mercedes now offers only one fully-stocked 'AMG Line Premium Plus' level of trim for our market. At the time of this updated model's launch, things kicked off from around £137,000 for the base G 450d, with the other six cylinder model, the petrol G 500, priced at just over £146,000. The Mercedes-AMG G 63, was priced from this updated version's launch from around £184,000 in standard form, but you can spend more than that if you go for the more visually-arresting 'Carbon Edition', 'MANUFAKTUR Edition' or 'Magno Edition' models. As for the full-electric 'G 580 with EQ Technology' variant, well at the time of launch, that was only being offered in a single top-spec 'AMG Line Premium Plus' form priced at just under £155,000. Standard equipment with 'AMG line Premium Plus' trim includes 20-inch alloy wheels, MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, privacy glass, running boards, a heated windscreen and an electric sunroof. Inside, all models come with a Burmester 3D surround sound system, a dash cam, Keyless Go keyless entry, MBUX augmented reality navigation, a parking package with a 360-degree camera system and a Widescreen Cockpit with dual-bonded 12.3-inch widescreen displays. There's also a 64-colour ambient lighting system, a DINAMICA microfibre roof liner, a leather-stitched dashboard, an air ionisation system, power-adjustable seats with memory settings, heat for the front seats and rear ones and THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control. The G 63 version is set apart by 22-inch AMG forged wheels with a cross spoke design and red calipers. Plus there's an AMG body styling kit, along with an AMG-specific radiator grille and bumper inserts in stainless steel. This variant also gets AMG Active Ride Control. And an AMG Performance steering wheel.

Cost of Ownership

Given that the G-Class tends to be purchased by individuals of rather hefty net worth, the day-to-day running costs aren't hugely relevant to the buying decision. That said, Mercedes is a company that likes to measure itself by some tough criteria and inefficiency is seen in company circles as an example of engineering laziness. It's not something that looks good on the corporate account. To that end, Mercedes has worked at improving the efficiency of the G-Class range across the board but even so, the monster G 63 AMG model only manages 14.8mpg on the combined cycle (worse than the previous version despite the mild hybrid tech). Emissions are no better, with this MK2 model G 63's 338g/km showing; yes, that's 35g/km better than before but Al Gore still won't be tooling about in one of these. The G 450d fares a little better but maybe not by as much as you'd imagine with the 48V system fitted - 31.7mpg and 235g/km (a useful 46g/km better than the old G 400d). The petrol G 500 returns 25.0mpg and 257g/km. Most rivals still do better. But can any of them get you where a G-Class will go? We rather doubt it. As for the 'G 580 with EQ Technology' full-EV version, well that has a range of up to 285 miles. Charging time is 32 minutes (10-80%) at a DC charging station. At home using an 11kW wallbox, you'd need 11 hours 46 minutes.

Summary

Judging the Mercedes-Benz G-Class by the usual criteria just doesn't work. The normal rules resolutely don't apply. It's an oddity but a rather wonderful one and long may it continue. This second generation electrified update offers proof that the G-Class has moved with the times, whilst maintaining its essential character. It's unashamedly expensive and when you examine the actual prices these cars leave dealers for, it's hard to justify. Best not to even try. With huge sales mopped up by the Middle East, Russia, China and the US, the UK is very much a minority interest market, but that doesn't mean the G-Class doesn't attract interest. The G 450d diesel model would appear to be the most relevant to our requirements but if you're going to be silly, go the whole hog and stretch to the G 63 AMG or the G 580 EV. As ever, any G-Wagen is something strange and wonderful, but the motoring world is better for its existence.

Body Glass

Heated windscreen

Dark tinted heat insulated glass

Rear wiper

Privacy glass - Dark glass from B-pillar backwards

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Front and rear electric windows

Brakes

Hill start assist

Electronic Stability Program with Anti Skid Control

Brake calipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering

Electronic four wheel traction control

Anti lock brake system with Brake Assist

Carpets/Rugs

AMG floor mats with AMG lettering

Chassis/Suspension

Suspension with selective passive damping system

Communication

Communications module (LTE)

Wireless charging

Bluetooth interface for hands free telephone

Driver Aids

Remote Services Premium

Active parking assist with PARKTRONIC

DYNAMIC SELECT - 7 drive programmes (Comfort,eco,sport,individual,trail,rock,sand)

360 degree parking camera

Attention assist

Power assisted steering

Driver Information

MBUX augmented reality for navigation

Mercedes connect me

Mercedes-Benz emergency call

Trip computer

Widescreen cockpit with dual bonded 12.3" widescreen displays

Service indicator (Active Service System)

Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android auto

Driving Mirrors

Automatically dimming rear view mirror

Memory function for exterior mirrors

Door mirrors - Electrically adjustable/heated/integrated indicators, front area lighting and automatically dimming driver's mirror

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter

Entertainment

Burmester 3D surround sound system

Aux-in socket

DAB digital radio tuner

2 USB ports in the rear

MBUX multimedia system

Sound personalisation

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Electric sunroof sliding, with one-touch opening

Transparent Bonnet

Bumper insert in stainless steel

Underguard in silver

Exterior Lights

LED daytime running lights

3rd brake light

Multibeam LED headlights with anti-dazzle feature

Adaptive highbeam assist plus - automatic low high beam switching

Tail lights featuring LED technology

Automatic headlamp activation

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control

Ionisation of interior air including fine particle activated charcoal filter system

Interior Features

12V socket in centre console, rear and load compartment

Centre armrest between front seats with integrated stowage compartment

Heated steering wheel

2 cup holders in front and rear

Luggage compartment cover

Electrically adjustable steering column, with automatic adjustment for entry/exit

Multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather

Memory function for head restraints and steering wheel

Partition net

Designo dinamica microfibre roof lining in Black

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting with 64 colours and projection of brand logo

Packs

Stowage space pack - G class

Safety

Rear side airbags

i-Size child seat attachment system for the outer rear seats

Seatbelt pretensioners

Rear door child safety locks

Front side airbags

PRE-SAFE system for preventive occupant protection

Seat belts, 3-point design in black

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Airbags - windowbags

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Seats

PRE-SAFE positioning function for front passenger seat

Cushion length adjustment with gapless cushion

Memory function for front seats

Heated rear seats

Single front passenger seat

Rear head restraints

1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear seats

Front head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

AMG sports seats

Security

Guard 360 degree vehicle protection plus

Immobiliser

Keyless Go starting function

Anti-theft alarm system/interior protection with tow-away protection and interior monitoring systems

Dashcam

Towing

Towbar

Trailer coupling with ESP trailer stabilisation

Transmission

Differential lock

4MATIC permanent four wheel drive

9G-TRONIC transmission

Low range gear reduction (Electronically selectable while driving)

Wheels - Spare

Full size spare wheel

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 71

CO: 0.27

HC: 0.014

NOx: 0.015

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 257

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 258

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 257

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.4

CC: 2999

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 9 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 18.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 28

WLTP - MPG - High: 29.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 23.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 25

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 18.7

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 18.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 28

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 27.7

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 29.7

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 29.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 23.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 23.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 25

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 25

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 15.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 10.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 9.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 12.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 11.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 15.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 15.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 10.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 10.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 9.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 9.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 12.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 12.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 11.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 11.3

General

Coin Series: AMG Line Premium +

Coin Description: G500

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 30

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Service Interval Mileage: 15500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 90

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 83

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 78

NCAP Safety Assist %: 72

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 449

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.4

Top Speed: 130

Engine Power - BHP: 449

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 330

Engine Power - RPM: 5800

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 413

Engine Torque - NM: 560

Engine Torque - RPM: 2200

Engine Torque - MKG: 57.1

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 275/50 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 275/50 R20

Tyre Size Spare: FULL SIZE

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: AMG 5 TWIN SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4825

Width: 1913

Wheelbase: 2890

Width (including mirrors): 2187

Height: 1973

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2664

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3200

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 100

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 3500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 536

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 640

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 150

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 2010

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 13.6

Embellishment Trims

Open-pore natural walnut wood trim

Exterior Body Features

Solid paint

G manufaktur bright paint

G manufaktur non-metallic paint

G manufaktur metallic paint

G manufaktur solid paint

G manufaktur magno paint

G manufaktur magno exclusive paint

Interior Features

Nappa leather upholstery

G Manufaktur Two-tone Nappa leather upholstery

G Manufaktur Nappa leather upholstery with contrasting topstitching

Packs

Rear seat entertainment pack - G Class

G manufaktur pack with exclusive nappa leather upholstery- G Class

Night pack - G Class

Extended night package - G Class

Extended night package magno - G Class

MANUFAKTUR Schockl Design pack - G Class

G manufaktur pack with exclusive two tone manufaktur nappa leather upholstery - G Class

G manufaktur pack with exclusive manufaktur nappa leather with contrast topstitching upholstery - G Class

G manufaktur pack with exclusive manufaktur nappa leather upholstery - G Class

Assistance package with PRE-SAFE Impulse side - G Class

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Emerald green

Metallic - Brilliant blue

Metallic - Obsidian black

Metallic - Iridium silver

Metallic - Selenite Grey

Metallic - Mojave silver

Metallic - Sodalite blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Polar white

Paint - Special

G manufaktur non-metallic - Desert sand

G manufaktur non-metallic - Dark blue

G manufaktur non-metallic - Deep green

G manufaktur metallic - South seas blue

G manufaktur metallic - Indium grey

G manufaktur metallic - Hyacinth red

G manufaktur metallic - Olive

G manufaktur magno - Platinum

G manufaktur magno - Night black

G manufaktur magno - Manganite grey

G manufaktur magno - Citrine brown

G manufaktur magno - Monza grey

G manufaktur bright - Opalite white

G manufaktur magno - Opalite white

G manufaktur magno - Kalaharl gold

G manufaktur metallic - Travertine beige

G manufaktur solid - Classic grey

G manufaktur non-metallic - Vintage blue

G manufaktur magno exclusive - Green hell

G manufaktur magno exclusive - Hyacinth red

G manufaktur metallic - Graphite grey

G manufaktur magno - Dark olive green

G manufaktur metallic - Rubellite red

G manufaktur non-metallic - Sun yellow

G manufaktur magno exclusive - Brilliant blue

G manufaktur magno - Copper orange

G manufaktur magno - Olive

G manufaktur magno - Hyper blue

G manufaktur metallic - Ocean blue

Trim - Leather

Nappa leather - Black

Nappa leather - Macchiato beige/black

Nappa leather - Truffle brown/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Black with red top stitching

G manufaktur nappa leather - Black with yacht blue top stitching

G manufaktur nappa leather - Black with white top stitching

G manufaktur nappa leather - Black with gold top stitching

G manufaktur nappa leather - Black with lime green top stitching

G manufaktur nappa leather - Platinum white/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Espresso brown/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Bengal red/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Saddle brown/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive Nappa leather - Black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Black with bronze top stitching

G manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone espresso brown/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone platinum white/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone bengal red/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone saddle brown/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Titanium grey pearl/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive Nappa leather - Truffle brown/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Catalana beige/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Red pepper/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Sage grey/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone Catalana beige/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone red pepper/black

G manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone sage grey/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive Nappa leather - Macchiato beige/magma grey

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Platinum white/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Espresso brown/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Catalana beige/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Bengal red/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Titanium grey pearl/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Saddle brown/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Red pepper/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Sage grey/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone platinum white/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone espresso brown/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone catalana beige/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone bengal red/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone titanium grey/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone saddle brown/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone red pepper/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone sage grey/black

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with accent band in platinum white

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with accent band in saddle brown

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with accent band in catalana beige

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with accent band in lime green

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with accent band in Bengal red

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with accent band in sage grey

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with accent band in espresso brown

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with accent band in red pepper

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with accent band in titanium grey

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with yacht blue topstitching

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with white topstitching

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with bronze topstitching

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with lime green topstitching

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with red topstitching

G Manufaktur pack - Exclusive manufaktur nappa leather - Black with gold topstitching

G manufaktur nappa leather - Two-tone titanium grey pearl/black

Wheels - Alloy

20" AMG 5 twin spoke light alloy wheels painted in himalayas grey with high sheen finish

20" AMG 5 twin spoke design alloy wheels painted in black and burnished