The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is Germany’s contribution to the rough and tumble off-roader scene. Originally meant for military use, the civilian variant was introduced in 1979 as the G-Wagen (that’s Wagon in German for you), it has since been produced in four generations, becoming the G-Class in the third generation which was introduced in 1990 and ran for twenty-eight years. The fourth generation (or second-generation G-Class) was introduced in 2018 and is the current series. 2020 saw a production milestone for the series, with the 400,000-mark reached. This 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 comes with a mere 5,700 miles under its wheels.

Exterior and Interior

The G-Class is one among a handful of SUVs that has retained the boxy and purposeful look over the years, whilst complying with the increasingly stringent laws on crash performance, occupant, and pedestrian protection. This 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 comes with ‘Desert Sand’ paint job which is a $6500 paint option. Up front, the characteristic round headlamps sit behind a black-painted bull bar. This car has had some AMG styling treatment as well, with AMG body styling and flared wheel arches. The 20” black wheels are from AMG’s line as well. Flat sides and straight edges are there to aid placement in tricky off-road situations, and the rear features the full-size spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, with minimal badging. The interior is a surprise, as it retains the typically utilitarian silhouette of the exterior, but with all the modern embellishments and creature comforts. Decked out in primarily black with light brown ‘Zen Wood’ trim, it’s got a digital instrument cluster, multi-zone climate control, powered, heated, and ventilated leather seats with the ‘Comfort Seat Package’ and the usual comforts and conveniences one would expect to find in a Mercedes-Benz. There are three purposeful switches between the central air vents for locking the front, center, and rear diffs, to remind you that this is a proper off roader.

Engine

This 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 comes with Mercedes-Benz’ M176 twin-turbocharged 4.0L (243ci) gasoline V8. Putting out 416 bhp at 5,250-5,500rpm and 450 lb ft between 2,250 and 4,750rpm, it’s enough to catapult this SUV from rest to 60mph in under six seconds! Top speed is 130mph, broadly due to the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Drive is to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. As mentioned, you can manually lock any of the three differentials to help in sticky situations.