The Mercedes-Benz G-Class: What Makes It an Icon?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the most iconic luxury SUVs on the market. It artfully combines stunning performance with luxury amenities, delivering a vehicle unparalleled by its competitors. Initially developed for military applications, the G-Class has earned widespread renown, attracting a loyal fan base and celebrity endorsements. Our team at Mercedes-Benz of Southampton in Long Island, New York, compiled this guide to highlight what makes the G-Class so special and explore its timeless appeal and modern allure.
A Brief History of the G-Class Luxury SUV
​Mercedes-Benz G-Class on road during daytime by aranprime is licensed with Unsplash License
The first prototypes for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, were carved from a block of wood in 1973. This medium was considered more suitable for the vehicle's angular shape than clay. The first drivable model, the boxy Geländewagen — German for cross-country vehicle — was officially launched in 1979. Initially conceived for military applications, it was designed for rugged functionality in harsh, off-road conditions.
In 1980, an early version of the four-door G-Class 230G was retrofitted with a tall, transparent chamber in the back for Pope John Paul II to stand. This modified iteration of the G-Wagen was promptly dubbed the Popemobile.
Between 1979 and 1987, a few grey market G-Class imports made it to the U.S., but availability was extremely limited, giving the vehicle an undeniable air of prestige. People desperately wanted what they couldn't have. In 1990, the G-Class was overhauled, adding leather seats, burl wood trim, functional running boards, and cruise control. However, it still wasn't available in the U.S.
It wasn't until 1993 that a third-party company called Europa got permission to modify the G-Class for U.S. standards and sell it on the local market. The complications inherent in this endeavor gave the G-Class a steep six-figure price tag, further cementing its reputation as an exclusive luxury purchase. In 2001, Mercedes-Benz finally decided to cash in on the U.S. market itself, importing the G-Class en masse.
The Timeless Design of the G-Class
The G-Class Benz has remained largely unchanged over the years. Even the most modern iterations of the vehicle feature a distinctly boxy shape with sizable wheel wells and a rear-mounted spare tire. All models of this rugged vehicle come standard with four-wheel drive and locking differentials.
In 2007, Mercedes-Benz tried to replace the classic G-Wagen with an updated three-row variant. However, drivers were steadfast in their loyalty to the original look, and the timeless G-Class design remained on the market.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is unique in combining its off-road-ready ruggedness seamlessly with luxury appeal. It has become an undisputed status symbol for the upper echelon, helping celebrities and socialites cement their prestige.
Performance and Capability: The G-Class Off-Roading Legacy
Historically, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class typically featured a twin-turbo V-8 engine. It has always been designed for powerful performance with a permanent all-wheel-drive system and three mechanical differential locks for enhanced traction and superior stability even in the most challenging conditions.
2024 marked a monumental turning point for G-Wagen with the release of the electric G-Class. This innovative design uses four individually controlled electric motors to power the wheels. The all-electric G 580 delivers a stunning 579 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque, taking G-Class capabilities to a new level.
A gas-powered version of the G-Class is still available. The 2025 G550 made a bold move, switching the traditional V-8 engine out for a turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 paired with a 48-volt hybrid system. This engine delivers 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Though performance is still solid, and the acceleration has gone up a notch, this G-Class doesn't have the satisfying sound of the V-8
Luxury Interior Features and Technology
The G-Class is renowned for its luxurious interior features that are in stark contrast to its rugged exterior. In the 2025 G-Class, you'll find a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience provides digital voice assistance, enabling you to interact with the vehicle's features using voice commands.
Leather upholstery, heated front and rear seating, and three-zone climate control come standard. The interior includes 12-volt power outlets and USB-C charging ports to keep your devices powered up. A high-end Burmester stereo system is included to elevate your road trip listening experience.
The modern G-Class features a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies, including the following:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Active brake assist
- Active distance assist
- Active steering assist
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane departure warning
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rearview camera
- Surround-view camera system
The G-Class is committed to keeping you and your passengers safe, comfortable, and perfectly pampered. Various upgrades are available in addition to the standard features. These include a rear-seat entertainment system, ventilated massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and nappa leather upholstery.
Cultural Impact and Iconic Status
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has enjoyed longstanding celebrity appeal. Iconic, timeless, and powerful, it symbolizes prestige. The luxury SUV has made its way into the garages of Diane Keaton, Kylie Jenner, Travis Barker, Brad Pitt, and Sylvester Stallone, among others. When the electric G-Class launched in 2024, its debut party featured Ciara, Bradley Cooper, Selma Blair, Saweetie, and Kendall Jenner on the guest list.
The G-Class has become a celebrity in its own right. It features in "A Good Day to Die Hard" starring Bruce Willis and "Homeland" with Claire Danes. Sharing the spotlight, the G550 appeared in "Law & Order: Los Angeles," "Switched at Birth," "Graceland," "Major Crimes," and "Nash Bridges." The G-Class is a showstopper that shows no signs of waning popularity.
Test-Drive the G-Class at Mercedes-Benz of Southampton
To experience the iconic G-Class firsthand, visit our Mercedes-Benz of Southampton showroom. We'll guide you through its features and showcase the capabilities and comforts of this unparalleled luxury SUV. Schedule a test-drive today.
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