Few cars today have a firm grip on the world of entertainment, media, and the idea of success than a Mercedes G-Class, or its more common name: the G-Wagon. For most of its life, the “G-Wagon” was a severe off-roader used for the German military, tackling muddy tracks, fording rivers, and providing humanitarian help to those worldwide. But, when Mercedes had the bright idea to bring the G-Wagon upscale, the meaning of the car did a complete 180. Now, the G-Class is associated with LA influencers, B-list celebrities, and parents you don’t talk to at PTA meetings. All of this has started to give the SUV a bad rep. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on one, so I can confidently tell you to throw your preconceived notions out the window. Here’s why.
Visually, it is difficult to distinguish this current G550 from the models that came before it. The shape is the same as it’s been for roughly thirty years now. The G550 is still built in-house by the tuning masters at AMG, however, it isn’t the full G63 that most people associate the “G-Wagon” name with. Think of it like the C43 AMG. Still an AMG but not the full “beans.” Anyway, the G550 is the less flashy of the G’s. Yes, it still stands out like a sore thumb, but the lack of a body kit and huge rims tone it down slightly. Personally, I like the look of this more than the 63. It looks more utilitarian and less Santa Monica. This G550 comes equipped with the AMG Night Package. This gives you black trim, black AMG wheels, a black brush guard, and other darkened bits around the exterior. The MSRP of this G-Class is $165,000. However, they’re being marked up to at least $200,000 regardless of where you’re looking.
Inside, the G550 is a huge improvement from the previous generation. The interior of that car frankly sucked. This interior is more in line with most of Merc’s lineup, which is always a good thing. The quilted leather is endless and reminds you that you’re in a very, very expensive car. All the trim feels solid and premium, like every other Mercedes. In fact, the interior’s similarities to the rest of the lineup almost dilute how special this car is. The only main difference this cabin has against, say, an E-Class, is the large grab handle on the dashboard. The rear seat room is also better than I expected. The old G-Class was cramped beyond belief. This, even with the seat set for someone 6’1, was about the same legroom as an exit row seat on Delta. Not bad at all. Headroom isn’t an issue either, what with this being tall and mighty. You could grow an extra three inches before being uncomfortable. Speaking of the roof, it is covered in “Dinamica” which is just Mercedes’ speak for Alcantara. I don’t normally point out roof material but I appreciate Mercedes putting it in a place where you’re not touching it and getting it filthy. Finally, the swing-out rear door is quilted on the inside because of course it is.
The G550 features the same COMMAND system as most of the Mercedes lineup. It isn’t the current system seen on the C-Class or SL, but it still works flawlessly and continues to hold up to any other competitors. This particular G550, along with the Night Package, also has the Exclusive Interior Package. This gives you rapid heated and cooled front seats with massaging capabilities and heated rear seats. This is the first Mercedes that I’ve driven with massaging seats. If you have not driven one with massaging seats, please note that while going around a turn at an “elevated” speed, the side bolsterings of the seat will move to keep you from falling out of your seat. Long story short, it feels weird but I am sure you’ll get used to it after a couple weeks of letting out a few surprising expletives after thinking your G-Class is feeling you up. Aside from that optional equipment, you get the standard Bluetooth, CarPlay (and Andriod Auto, sorry for missing that), adaptive cruise control, three-zone climate control, a very nice clock, a Burmester sound system, seat memory, and a heated steering wheel.
You also get locking differentials which I played around with. Remember, this is a serious off-roader. You also get a low-range setting, along with “desert mode” which I could not for the life of me figure out how to activate. Spoiler, you hold the drive mode switch down for three seconds. Probably to make sure you don’t accidentally do something stupid.
When I climbed (yes, climbed) into the driver’s seat of this himbo, I felt an irresponsible amount of power. I felt better than everyone. This feeling only got worse when I fired up the 4-liter, twin-turbo V8. The noise it makes is absolutely biblical. This engine makes 416hp and 450lb of torque and is mated to a 9-speed shiftable automatic sending power to an AWD “4matic” system. Fuel economy? If you have to ask, you can’t afford it. (17 city, 20 why)
This car moves. This car moves well. 0-60 happens in roughly 5.5 seconds, which yes is nowhere near the G63, but for a car, this size is absolutely bonkers. Most of the “bonkers” come from, once again, the sound the V8 makes. I have always been a supporter of smaller, more powerful engines, but god this V8 is going to make me miss loud noises. For a car this size and of this shape, it handles shockingly well. Obviously, I wasn’t expecting it to flip over at 30mph, but my expectations were blown away by how well this car turns. For a box on stilts, this car is miles ahead of anything that says “wrangler” on it in terms of on-road, and possibly off-road driving. While I was not able to test the angles this car can achieve in Moab, the general consensus is that the G550 can do it.
The G550 is loud, luxurious, and obscenely obnoxious. I love every aspect of it. Yes, part of me felt like a “gym bro” the second I slammed the door and pressed the start button, but that’s the point. The G-Class is supposed to make you feel important while driving it even if nobody really cares who you are. It’s a false sense of security in the best possible way. And for that, I have to give the “G-Wagon” a standing ovation.
A massive thank you to Oliver from Mercedes Owings Mills for letting me drive a G550. He, and the dealership, are so much fun to work with and have a great selection of new and pre-owned Mercedes. Click here to view their inventory.
Zander Drives Cars 