2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Five Final Impressions

With Mercedes having unveiled an all-new G-Wagen during last month’s Detroit Auto Show, we figured it’s the perfect time to look back at the previous generation and even take it for a spin.

To some, this is simply the biggest, baddest Benz there is. And to think that, as far as design is concerned, it didn’t change that much from its early days as a military vehicle. The sheer utility of it is unmistakable, and so are its masculinity and cool-factor. Its boxy and straight forward exterior has remained for the most part unchanged ever since the first car was launched almost 40 years ago, while the cabin is also a far cry from what you get in regular Mercedes SUVs such as the GLE or GLS, at least in terms of styling.

Yet, the G-Class endures as one of the world’s most popular and expensive toys on wheels. Whether you’re a famous athlete, musician, actor or just somebody who can afford to spend north of $100,000 (or euros) on a luxury off-roader, you immediately know you’re getting more of a fashion accessory than a very capable off-roader. Let’s put it this way: how many G-Class owners do you figure ever used all three of its lockable differentials? Exactly…

Also, before we get into those final impressions, we should mention that the version we ended up sampling is a G350d powered by a 3.5-liter turbo-diesel V6 that’s good for 245 PS (241 HP) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. Despite weighing a monster 3.2 tons (7,054 lbs), the G350d is shockingly good during quick bursts of speed, as long as you’re either setting off from a standstill or you’re accelerating from 20 to 40 mph (32 to 64 km/h).

The G-Class is definitely worth well over $100,000

Don’t ever think of yourself as being irresponsible for purchasing a G-Class. If you can afford it and you understand what this car is all about, why shouldn’t you treat yourself to one of the most iconic 4x4s money can buy? However, after spending a few days with this G350d, I do feel as though most buyers should aim as high as possible, preferably for a version that has the letters AMG in its name.

The diesel-powered G-Wagen is fine, if not borderline great, but it’s not the greatest, and since you’re spending this much cash on a car you’ll never take to the desert or on top of a mountain, you might as well get the one that will make your journey on tarmac more entertaining. Sure, the high center of gravity takes a lot from it when it comes to driving dynamics, but a V8 engine should make up for that in a straight line.

The song remains the same

The G-Wagen didn’t just keep the name and change every seven/eight years,or so, like most other vehicles. Think of something like the VW Golf, the Porsche 911, the Mustang or any other automotive icon. They are instantly recognizable and they define their segments, but they change with each generation. The G-Wagen looks almost the same now as it did all those decades ago. In fact, take an early 1990s model, strap on some slightly wider fenders and an AMG badge and you’ll be hard pressed trying to tell it apart from the newer versions.

The one you see here had a pretty cool spec, too. From the Paladium Silver exterior to the black 19-inch AMG wheels, the Obsidian Black roof and the rest of the other black inserts, I found it quite stunning. Inside, the Comfort Pack (with massively adjustable seats), Harman/Kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound system and real wood inserts stood out the most, other from the view I had over that massive hood. It almost feels as though you’re driving a mini Mack truck.

It’s not the easiest thing to drive, but that’s OK

Admit it, if the G-Class was as easy to drive and maneuver as a GLC, the whole experience would stop being so authentic. This car drives just like it looks, in a rugged and demanding manner. The steering feels vague and a little unassisted by 2018 standards, and the body roll… well, forget about it! This car is the opposite of sporty, and I wouldn’t blame you for feeling a little reluctant to take it past 130 km/h (80 mph) on the motorway. It’s almost as tall as it is wide – not a good recipe for high speed stability.

And yet, you can just as easily dismiss all of that and never miss a beat thanks to all those other things the G-Class will do for you, the most important being the fact that it oozes exclusivity, even though everybody who’s anybody has one. Go figure.

It’s definitely not meant for long distance journeys

If you’re going to travel several hundred miles in one jump, you’d be better off doing so in a regular full-size SUV. With the G-Class, sitting in the front is perfectly fine, but in the rear not so much. While there’s plenty of head and shoulder room, knee room is a bit tricky if you’re a tall or even moderately tall individual. The rear backrests are also a little more vertical than what you’re probably used to (unless you’re used to traveling by bus), but that’s by no means a deal breaker.

On a more positive note, the trunk is absolutely huge, so getting all your luggage to fit shouldn’t be a problem thanks to the 38.6 cu.ft (1,093 liters) of cargo space, which you can turn into 79.5 cu.ft (2,251 liters) with everything folded down. You wouldn’t even need to strap a pair of mountain bikes to the roof or the rear; just throw them both inside.

Don’t expect S-Class quality – this is “old luxury”

Measure your expectations when it comes to overall interior quality, as the G-Wagen is an off-roader first and a premium product second, not the other way around as is the case with most premium SUVs. Never mind an S-Class, the leather and plastics inside aren’t even as plush as the ones in a C-Class despite the ginormous price tag.

Still, the 2017 G-Class’ interior packs plenty of high-quality materials and, for what it’s worth, the all-new model should be even more special, judging by what we have seen.

In the end, we have no doubt it will be better on all respects, too, while staying true to the nameplate’s iconic character.