Used Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2010-2018 review

It’s big, butch and boxy, and looks like it was designed with a set square about a hundred years ago; the G-Class - or G-Wagon, as it was originally known - was actually first offered as an indestructible military-style vehicle designed primarily for cutting it on the rough stuff. Today, it's become a deeply desirable trinket in the trendier parts of both London and LA, and if your surname is Kardashian or Jenner, it seems you are almost bound by law to drive one of these.

There have been many iterations of G-Class since it arrived in 1979, but we're concentrating on the 2010-2018 generation when it officially returned to the UK with either a 208bhp 3.0-litre diesel in the G350 CDI, or a 500bhp supercharged 5.4-litre V8 petrol in the G55 AMG. An update in 2012 increased power for the diesel to 211bhp and it was rebadged G350d, while the G55 was replaced with a newer twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 was installed with 537bhp (nearer 563bhp by the end of its run) and renamed G63 AMG.

There are no individual trim levels as such, but there were numerous options you could add to the standard equipment roster of bi-xenon headlights, dual-zone climate control, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, rear parking sensors and a Harman Kardon sound system. AMG models add sportier touches, notably the 20in alloys, chrome quad side exhausts, red brake calipers and stainless steel side sills.

On the road, the G-Class is as you’d imagine pretty agricultural, in the manner of an early Land Rover Discovery. It’s cumbersome on the road, and really rather bad in bends. The steering is vague and heavy, and the wheel requires plenty of turning. The ride is very choppy, and while it’s fair to point out that the G-Class handles off-road excursions better than most (this car will forge 600mm of standing water - better than a Defender - and has approach and departure angles to humble the Toyota Land Cruiser. There are also three separate differential locks for peerless traction in slippery conditions, and a low-range transfer case for the seven-speed ’box) its on-road comfort is decidedly lacking. So, it must be said, is refinement, as the G-Class can be a noisy old beast.

Inside, it’s surprisingly luxurious. The switchgear is from other more conventional Mercs, and works well. High-quality leather covers most surfaces, including the cliff face of a dashboard, and it’s even ruched in the door panels. One thing to note here is that the dashboard of the G-Class was extensively revamped in 2012 to include a bigger, tablet-style infotainment screen mounted higher up, which is easier to glance at for sat-nav instructions when on the move.

The lofty driving position is quite upright, but it’s very comfortable and roomy up front (although rear leg room isn't exactly generous). The boot is another letdown, not because it is small, but because the door is hinged on one side and is a pain when stuck in a tight parking bay. Plus it has the heavy spare wheel on it, making it difficult open if you happen to be parked with the front of the car pointing downhill and you're working against gravity.

If you're interested in finding a used G-Class, or any of the other SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

You’ll need around £40,000 even for one of the earlier models in this generation because the G-Class holds its value very well. You’ll then need between £41,000 and £45,000 on a 2012 car, and £46,000 to £50,000 on 2013 ones. Anything newer and fresher is going to cost you north of £50,000.

Check the value of a used Mercedes G-Class with What Car? Valuations

MPG

The G350d is on paper the most fuel efficient, with an official combined figure of 28.5mpg, while the older G350 CDI gets 25.2mpg. Hairier versions will obviously drink more and emit more: think 17.8mpg for the supercharged G55 AMG model, but this was improved to 20.5mpg for the slightly more efficient turbocharged G63 AMG.

CO2 emissions

Every G-Class registered before 1 April 2017 will have to pay the maximum amount of car tax because their CO2 emissions are sky-high. The lowest (in relative terms) is the G350d that puts out 261g/km, while the G350 CDI emits 295g/km. This is followed by the G63 with 322g/km with the G55 being the worst at 372g/km.

Car tax (VED)

It’s worth remembering that all G-Class cars registered before the tax changes of 1 April 2017 came into force will be charged annual road tax based on that very high CO2 output. Those registered after will pay a flat rate of tax and a supplementary luxury surcharge tax that applies for five consecutive years, between years two and six of the vehicle's age. You can find out more about road tax costs here.

Insurance and servicing

Insurance costs are naturally high, and servicing can be very expensive, especially if carried out at the main dealer, which is recommended. It is required every 9000 to 12,500 miles depending on trim.

It’d be tempting to go for the full-fat AMG version, if you can afford it, but if you can wear a sensible head when considering a G-Class we’d have to opt for the G350 d model.

Our favourite Mercedes-Benz G-Class: G350 d

Nothing is quite like the G-Class, not even the Defender. However, the Audi SQ7 is another luxury SUV that, despite having very limited off-road abilities, pitches itself against the G-Class and the Range Rover in terms of appeal. It has prodigious performance, excellent handling, lots of room and a high-quality interior. Against that, it’s expensive and doesn’t have the badge that buyers in this class, even when buying used, might demand.

The Porsche Cayenne might also appeal to those well-heeled enough to buy a G-Class. The Cayenne is lighter than most of its rivals, and allied to that relative lightness there’s a range of strong engines too. On the road, that weight reduction means excellent performance. Approach a corner and you’ll find that the Cayenne corners very nicely, thank you very much, despite its size. It’s even better on the optional air suspension.

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