2025 Mercedes-Benz G550

The 2025 G550 shares a silhouette and all-terrain competence with the spartan 1979 original, but its six-figure price tag, highly customizable nature, and a plethora of luxury gear push it close to the ultra-lux realm occupied by vehicles such as the Bentley Bentayga and the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600. The G’s impressive off-road capability comes with a compromise to its on-road handling, however. The G550 isn’t exactly crude when being used to commute or road-trip, but you can never quite forget its truckish nature. A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six makes 443 horsepower and is mated to a nine-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. More serious off-roaders can add all sorts of journey-enhancing equipment; the G Professional model, for example, features meaty tires, an adaptive suspension system, and fancy-but-rugged trim and upholstery. Even so, many buyers will choose a G-class for its unique style and the status-heightening effect that such ownership brings. For an even more audacious G, check out the performance-focused Mercedes-AMG G63, which we review separately.

The G-class is getting more aerodynamic for 2025. No, it isn’t morphing into a curvy crossover à la the EQS SUV, but subtle styling revisions are intended to help the G550 cut through the air a little easier. (They’ll be shared with the new electric version of the G.) The grille, front bumper, and A-pillars have all been reshaped, and a little spoiler on the roof’s leading edge helps direct air up and over the SUV. The biggest change is under the hood where the 2024 model’s V-8 engine has been swapped out in favor of a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six with a 48-volt hybrid system. Horsepower is up—to 443 ponies—but torque is down slightly; acceleration performance should be similar though. Inside, the MBUX infotainment interface takes up residency on the G550’s dashboard. The updated software provides more connectivity, including an optional rear-seat entertainment system with two 11.6-inch displays that can stream video or browse the web. Elsewhere, a new 360-degree camera system can show the driver what’s underneath the G-class, more personalization options have been added to the Manufaktur program, and an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature is now available.The price of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-class is expected to start around $149,400 and go up to $175,000 depending on the trim and options. With a starting price of around $150k, it’s a good bet that most buyers won’t be too concerned about ponying up for a few options. Still, the sheer number and cost of those extras is dizzying. Our feeling is that buyers are best served by enhancing a G550 with thoughtful choices like the Exclusive trim, which adds the nicer nappa leather upholstery and snazzier trim pieces. The Seat Comfort package includes massaging front seats with ventilated cushions, and we’d add the heated steering wheel, too. The only other option we recommend is the available adaptive dampers that allow the driver to dial in the ride quality.