Competes with: Land Rover Defender, Lexus LX600h, Rivian R1S, social and environmental consciousness
Looks like: The same it has since 1979
Powertrains: 443-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (G550) or 577-hp, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine (G63); nine-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Second half of 2024
Mercedes-Benz’s first electric G-Class is making its way to market, but when it arrives, it won’t be the only electrified G-Wagen coming to our roads. Another first for the U.S. market will join it in the form of a six-cylinder G. Refreshed for the 2025 model year, the G550 is now powered by a mild-hybrid version of Mercedes’ turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine. Buyers who aren’t ready to accept fewer than eight cylinders in their turbocharged middle finger to conservation, however, will still find a twin-huffed 4.0-liter V-8 under the flat hood of the AMG G63.
Related: 3 Things We Like — and 3 Not So Much — About the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Modest Styling Updates
Having let nearly 40 years pass before redesigning the original G-Class — and then taking great pains to keep it looking unchanged — Mercedes only made minor styling updates for 2025. There are new front and rear bumpers, as well as four horizontal bars in the grille instead of the 2024 model’s three. Other improvements include the equally subtle A-pillar trim and lip spoiler, plus new insulation materials.
Inside, the most noticeable change is Mercedes-Benz’s latest-generation MBUX infotainment system, which combines the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system boasts voice control and augmented reality navigation that overlays upcoming directions on the feed from a front-mounted camera. Other standard equipment includes keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, a Burmester premium audio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Modern Underneath
Despite its vintage looks, the G-Class comes packed with a raft of modern safety tech. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a 360-degree camera system and automated parking are all standard. Mercedes-Benz’s Driver Assistance Package is also standard and includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitors and road-sign recognition.
Standard adaptive dampers and electric power steering help the G-Wagen ride and handle better than it looks like it would, while 13.9-inch front and 13.6-inch rear brakes bring it to a stop. The Dynamic Select controller offers four on-road modes (Comfort, Sport, Eco, Individual) for the engine, transmission, steering and suspension, as well as three off-road modes (Trail, Rock and Sand).
Selecting an off-road mode automatically brings up the Offroad Cockpit on the central touchscreen. This displays the vehicle position — the G-Class can climb grades up to 45 degrees and traverse side slopes as steep as 35 degrees — altitude, steering angle, a compass and the status of the differential locks. Locking front, rear and center differentials are still standard, as is a two-speed transfer case with a low range. Off-road modes also enable Transparent Hood, which uses the front-facing camera to give the driver a view of the terrain immediately in front of the vehicle to aid in wheel placement during technical off-road driving.
Powertrain Specs and 0-60 MPH
As has been Mercedes’ practice for many years, it will offer the G-Wagen in two strengths. The base G550 sports a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. With a 48-volt mild-hybrid system supporting engine stop-start and providing assistance accelerating from a stop, the G550 packs 443 horsepower and 413 pounds-feet of torque. Mercedes says the G550 will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph. A nine-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive are standard on both the G550 and G63.
The G63 boasts AMG’s ubiquitous twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, good for 577 hp and 627 pounds-feet of torque here. With the same mild-hybrid system, Mercedes says it’ll hit 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and loosens the electronic governor to let the G63 run up to 137 mph. AMG also fits adjustable dampers, a unique front bumper, upgraded LED headlights and 20-inch wheels (the G550 rolls on 18s) hiding silver-painted brake calipers and cross-drilled rotors.
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Tweaked to Your Liking
Among the many individual customization options for the new G-Class, Mercedes offers a selection of major packages. G550 buyers can spec the Professional Package for all-terrain tires and tougher exterior-design accents, or the AMG Line, which includes 20-inch AMG wheels and flared wheel arches. The Night Package adds black exterior trim. For a more tangible upgrade, the Exclusive Interior Package includes quilted Nappa leather, massaging front seats and illumination for the air vents and speakers, while the High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System adds two 11.6-inch touchscreens on which passengers can access the internet and stream entertainment.
AMG G63 customers can choose from additional upgrades, starting with a unique Hyper Blue Magno matte paint and six different wheel designs ranging from 20 to 22 inches. The AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package renders the spare wheel cover, bumper inserts and splitter in bare carbon fiber; it also darkens the grille chrome, head- and taillight housings, side mirrors and exterior trim.
For improved handling on- and off-road, AMG Active Ride Control upgrades the suspension with hydraulic anti-roll bars that can counter body roll in high-speed cornering while also allowing for greater wheel articulation off-road. Active Ride Control is also included in the AMG Offroad Package Pro, which adds two additional off-road drive modes and allows the driver to adjust the levels of differential lockup.
Availability and Pricing
The updated 2025 Mercedes-Benz G550 and AMG G63 will arrive at dealerships in the second half of 2024. Pricing will be available closer to the start of sales.
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