Mercedes-Benz G-Class Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy (2024)

If you’d told its original designers than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class would someday be a symbol of conspicuous consumption rolling through Beverly Hills or Bel Air, they wouldn’t have believed you. The G-Class, originally the Geländewagen, was developed as a military vehicle and the civilian versions, at first very spartan, were basically an afterthought designed to help eke out more profits from the design. But the boxy, all-conquering off-roader soon proved its worth and emerged as an alternative to the Range Rover and the Jeep Wagoneer.

The original G-Class went on sale in 1979, and just two years later it was serving in the Falklands war, but it was 23 years before Americans could officially get one. Mercedes-Benz did not believe that luxury-minded U.S. buyers would buy this hardest-core off-roader or believe that it was a luxury vehicle, but enough well-heeled Americans wanted them that a cottage industry of hyper-expensive gray market imports formed. Later on, once the trucks started turning 25 years old, even more of them arrived.

Today there are many pre-2002 G-wagens in the U.S., even though that was the first official year of U.S. sales. When Mercedes-Benz did decide to get in on the Stateside G-Class action, it only brought over two models, the G500 and the AMG G55, both using the standard-wheelbase four-door body and powerful V8s. Sales were modest at first, but after the G500 became the G550 in 2009, sales began to steadily climb. This is a hyper-expensive machine, and in 2017 it started at more than $120,000, but buyers were happy to have it, and spend even more on the lavish and potent AMG variations, which ranged well over $200,000.

Though Mercedes-Benz gave the G major refreshes in 1992 and 2001, the original design essentially kept going until 2018, complete with its flat-plane, military surplus windows. For 2019, a completely redesigned G-Class debuted, this time designed from the ground up to be a luxury off-road machine. Though it was all new, the silhouette and looks were hardly changed, and only smoothed out a little as a concession to aerodynamics and modernity. It’s still the king of Rodeo Drive and no valet will ever turn you away in it, and it can tackle almost any trail, despite most owners not being all that interested in getting it dirty.

Since you can now import classic G-Wagens from 1979 to 1999, and because enterprising well-moneyed folks have paid to import even newer ones, there are a myriad of models to choose from.

The official U.S. models are all V8s or V12s, and all four-door, standard-wheelbase trucks, though a few have been converted into mega-expensive 6X6 beasts. If you’re looking a two-door model or any G-Wagen built before 1999, it’s a gray market import. Those tend to be more interesting, as they offer two-door bodies, military specs, and even cabriolets, but they’ll cost much more than one of the standard models. G-Wagens are generally very reliable, but they are full of expensive gear, particularly newer ones, so maintenance and repair costs are just as high as the cost of entry.

Here, we’ve outlined each era of the G-Class, and we’ve included some information about what to watch out for and what to pay.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy

Frequently Asked Questions
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Pros and Cons
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Generations
Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2nd generation (2019-Present)
Mercedes-Benz G-Class First Generation U.S. Models (2002-2018)
Mercedes-Benz G-Class First Generation International Models (1979-1999)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mercedes-Benz G-Class years are the best?

Among the U.S. models, 2009 and newer versions tend to have fewer problems and lower upkeep costs, but no G-Class model is cheap to repair if things do go wrong, and careful maintenance is essential to avoiding big bills. The 2019 and newer models are a different design that’s more closely related to other Mercedes models, and they’re new enough to still qualify for extended warranties or certified pre-owned programs, which adds some peace of mind. Among 20th century models, the very last 1999-2000 G500s are considered very reliable, as are earlier diesel and six-cylinder gas versions like the 300GD and 280GE.

What are the worst Mercedes-Benz G-Class years?

Mercedes-Benz fans and shops that specialized in G-Wagens tend to cite the earliest U.S. models as being the most problematic. That would include the 2002 to 2008 G500 and the early AMG G55 models, built into 2011. Though later years tend to be better, these models can have many electrical issues, which fans ascribe to the changes needed for federalization. They generally need more repairs, and generate more complaints, than other years.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Pros and Cons

Pros:

Incredible off-road ability
Military-grade style, sublime luxury
Capable powertrain options

Cons:

Insanely expensive to buy and maintain
Hard to find
Forget about fuel economy

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Generations

Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2nd generation (2019-Present)

While Mercedes-Benz continually updated the original G-Class design, with major updates every decade for almost 40 years, it didn’t entirely redesign it until 2019. The current G-Class cosmetically and philosophically resembles its predecessor, as the military-grade exterior is an essential part of this SUV’s charm, but underneath it was completely new, with modern systems, lightweight structural materials, and more in common with the other Mercedes-Benz models.

It’s slightly larger than the original, but lighter, model for model, and it has a much plusher interior. Mercedes also swapped the SUV’s steering system for a new electric power steering system and added many driver-assist and safety features developed for other modes like the S-Class. It also uses the latest Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system on a flat panel dash integrating two 12.3-inch displays. Almost no stone was left unturned, though all the bodies except the standard four-door model were dropped for this generation.

The second-generation G-Wagen is offered in two main forms: The G 550 and the AMG G 63.

The G550, though not technically the “performance” variant in the G-Class line, still gets a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that makes 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes says the big SUV can run from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, and it does that while retaining incredible four-wheel-drive capabilities. The insane AMG G 63 gets a handcrafted twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that produces 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, which is good enough for a 4.5-second zero-to-60 time. That’s in an SUV that weighs nearly three tons and has the aerodynamics of a barn door.

Fuel economy numbers are abysmal for the G-Class. The G550 returns 14 mpg city, 17 highway, and 16 combined, while the G63 hits just 13 city, 16 highway, and 14 mpg combined. Luxury SUV buyers aren’t necessarily concerned with these things, but it’s hard to imagine getting good fuel economy in such a vehicle, especially when running climate control, and going slow, either off-road or in urban traffic where everyone can see you and your fly ride.

Part of the allure—or the controversy, depending on where you stand—with the G-Wagen doesn’t start or end with its off-road capability for most people. It’s there, and everyone’s aware of it, but most people look at the G-Wagen as a road-going symbol of wealth, especially in Mercedes-AMG trims. That most model years look the same could be considered a benefit, because a buyer considering an older Mercedes G-Class SUV might only sacrifice a few specs and the newest infotainment features over buying a new car.

The newest G-Class models get extensive luxury SUV features, such as a large sunroof, digital instrument clusters, Nappa leather upholstery, lively V8 engines, Burmester sound systems, and the latest safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Buyers consider other world-topping SUVs when shopping for the Mercedes, including the Land Rover Range Rover, the BMW X7, and even the Toyota Land Cruiser and Ineos Grenadier.

Though it’s primarily only offered in the two basic models, Mercedes-Benz has made many customization options available, including G Manufaktur custom finishes and a variety of special trim packages. The most over-the-top iteration is the G 63 4×4², a new version of the original 4×4² model from the first generation. It has a huge lift kit and portal axles, making it capable of going almost anywhere, though these changes aren’t great for on-road handling. A fully electric EQG joined the lineup in 2024.

Because the G-Class sells in limited numbers, accurate reliability data is hard to find, but Mercedes-Benz owners and forums seem to feel that this newer G-Class is the most reliable of all the iterations, though part of that could be that the oldest ones are only five years old. Plan for significant maintenance costs once they pass out of the years where they qualify for CPO or extended warranty programs from the factory.

These SUVs start out expensive and they tend to stay that way. In 2019, the standard G550 listed for $125,000, and you won’t find one in good condition today for less than $90,000. The other models, and newer years, can range much higher, to well over $200,000.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class First Generation U.S. Models (2002-2018)

The G-Class first debuted in 1979, but the first official U.S. models did not appear until 2002, as Mercedes-Benz didn’t think it would be able to sell enough of them in America to justify the cost of engineering it to meet U.S. regulations. After watching private importers sell them in small numbers to very wealthy people, Mercedes-Benz USA finally decided to get in on the action. Certifying the whole lineup, with its many bodies and engines, would have been prohibitively expensive, so the automaker focused on two standard-wheelbase five-door models, the G500 an the AMG G55.

These models are part of the W463 Series, created in 1990 as a luxury version of the previously very spartan W461-Series G-Class. While they look much like their predecessors on the outside, the W463s offered a luxurious cabin with wood trim and leather seats, and lots of available amenities like high-end audio systems. They also featured more passive restraint safety systems and added occupant protection, anti-lock brakes, a two-speed transfer case, and electronically locking differentials.

After a New Mexico-based importer, Europa International, began selling the W463 models here in limited numbers in 1993, Mercedes-Benz took notice. After Europa began importing the G500 in 1998, the automaker began serious work on certifying the truck for sale on its own. Those 1999-2000 era G500s, as a side note, are considered the best-made and most reliable of the W463 models.

The original U.S. G500 used a 5.0-liter, 292-horsepower V8. The AMG G55 used a supercharged 5.4-liter, 349-horsepower V8, though it was soon upgraded to 469 horses, and used various upgraded suspension parts for better on-road handling. Both could tow 7,000 pounds, and both came with a five-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive with electronic locking front, center, and rear differentials. Traction control and stability control were also standard, as was a tiny navigation screen and a premium audio system.

Today, these early models are the most affordable way into a U.S.-spec G-Wagen, and good examples cost roughly $40,000 to $50,000. They’re the least reliable U.S. models, however, and 2002 through 2005 versions seem to generate the most complaints, mostly concerning electrical issues, from sensors to power seat motors.

In 2009, the G500 gave way to the G550, now with a 392-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 and the AMG version of the truck was temporarily dropped. In 2013, the AMG model returned amid a major refresh for the entire lineup. The new AMG G63 packed a twin-turbo 536-horsepower version of the 5.5-liter V8 and both variations of the truck now used a seven-speed automatic transmission. Inside, the cabin got a major refresh and a new dashboard, now with an iPad-like infotainment screen perched atop the dashboard and internet connectivity. This update also brought new driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and even collision avoidance systems.

The G550 and G63 continued much like this into 2018, but two additional models were also released in 2015 and 2016. First came the AMG G65, which used a 621-horsepower twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12, and second came the G500 4×4², an ultra-capable off-road hot rod. The 4×4² came with 17.2 inches of ground clearance thanks to a massive lift kit, and it was so high off the ground that it had to use portal axles to deliver power to the wheels. Among official U.S. models, it’s the most hard-core off-road G-Wagen ever offered.

Though they are rare, special imports of later W463 models, including two-door cabriolets and stretched 6x6 versions, continued to trickle into the U.S. during these years, as these vehicles are so expensive that the cost of importation and certification wasn’t something their buyers would balk at.

Later G550 and AMG G63 models are more reliable than the earlier G500 and G55 models, but still require expensive upkeep. The rare Manufaktur customized models, V12, and 4×4² builds cost really big bucks, sometimes in excess of $300,000, but the other ones are “merely expensive.” G63 models range from about $75,000 to $125,000 used, while G550s can range from about $45,000 for an early one to about $70,000 for a late model with low miles.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class First Generation International Models (1979-1999)

Originally developed as a military vehicle at the request of the Shah of Iran, a major shareholder in Mercedes in the 1970s, the G-Class first appeared in 1979. Mercedes-Benz teamed up with Austrian builder Steyr-Puch to create and build the truck, and only three years later, it saw actual combat in the Falklands War. The Argentine military junta was one of the first customers, but there actually weren’t enough customers to make it profitable, so Mercedes also planned civilian models. This original series was the “W460,” and it was built from 1979 to 1992. An upgraded, but still utilitarian, model debuted that year as the W461 Series.

Though later W463 Series international models, the luxurious ones, are now eligible for easy U.S. importation, having turned 25 years old, these earlier models are the most affordable and most off-road friendly G-Wagens. They are spartan compared to the actual U.S. models, but tough as nails. Even in the 1980s, when Mercedes-Benz felt no American buyers would actually want such a vehicle, there was a steady trickle of gray market imports. The “25 year rule” for importation came about in part because of this gray market, but it never really dampened enthusiasm for the G-Class.

The early G-Wagens were offered in many body styles, which is also part of the attraction. It comes as a short-wheelbase two-door SUV or convertible, a two-door long wheelbase SUV, van, or convertible, and a four-door SUV or convertible. There’s even a pickup version. Later W463 non-U.S. models also included a four-door laundaulet with a convertible top over only the very rear of the SUV.

These trucks also come with many different engines, though the most common ones are the 230GE, 240GD, 280GE, 290GD, 300GD, G300, G320, and G500. That last one is similar to the early U.S. models, but these others have a wide array of powerplants. The 230 uses a gas-powered four-cylinder, the 240 a diesel four, the 290GD, 300GD, and G300 inline diesel five-cylinders, and the 280GE and G320 gas-powered inline sixes. They're slow compared to the later V8s, but get better gas mileage.

Many of these engines were also used in U.S. versions of the E-Class and S-Class at various times, so servicing them isn’t too hard for specialized Mercedes-Benz Shops. These G-Class models are also generally very reliable, and classic G-Wagen fans consider the late W463-Series G500 from 1999-2000 to be the most reliable version of the luxury model.

These are great classics, like the modern G-Wagens they’re expensive to buy and run. The 1980s versions have far fewer complex electrical components, which means less chance of trouble, but it’s not a casual investment. Expect to pay a minimum of $25,000 for an older imported G-Wagen, and well into six-figures for 1990s Cabriolet and Landaulet models.