CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 130
Average Price: Around £161,000

Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2018-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Amazing to drive off road	Hugely expensive to buy and run
Eye-catching retro styling	Very high emissions
Luxurious cabin with space for five and their luggage	Not as sharp to drive as a Porsche Cayenne

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2018-present) is a luxury SUV that retains the iconic boxy styling of its 1979 predecessor whilst being completely redesigned underneath. This modern iteration combines classic retro appeal with contemporary technology, featuring a widescreen infotainment system, excellent voice recognition, and Apple CarPlay integration. The G-Class offers genuine off-road capability with a ladder frame chassis, three locking differentials, rigid rear axle, and impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles of 31, 30, and 26 degrees respectively. It seats five adults comfortably with a 667-litre boot and boasts a 700mm wading depth for serious terrain exploration.

On-road performance is competent rather than thrilling, with responsive steering and good body control, though it lacks the sharpness of a Porsche Cayenne. The ride is comfortable despite an unsophisticated suspension setup, and visibility is excellent thanks to the upright windscreen. However, ownership comes at a premium price, with fuel economy ranging from 25.9mpg to 26.4mpg for diesels and 17.2mpg for the G63 AMG. Annual road tax is £490 after the first year, insurance sits in the top 50 groups, and official Mercedes servicing is essential to maintain resale value. This is unashamedly a heart-over-head purchase for those who value its distinctive character and off-road prowess.

Best for: Affluent buyers seeking distinctive luxury, genuine off-road capability, and iconic retro styling; those who value character and presence over conventional practicality.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers, environmentally conscious drivers, those prioritising on-road handling dynamics, or anyone concerned about high running costs and emissions.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the G-Class if: You're seeking a distinctive luxury SUV with genuine off-road capability, iconic retro styling, and don't mind premium pricing for character and presence.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise on-road handling dynamics, are concerned about high running costs and emissions, or require better value for money.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2018-present) occupies a unique position in the luxury SUV market, blending timeless retro design with modern technology and genuine off-road prowess. Whilst the Porsche Cayenne offers superior on-road handling and the Land Rover Defender provides better value, the G-Class stands apart through its distinctive character and uncompromising luxury. It's a heart-over-head purchase that rewards those who appreciate its quirky charm and are willing to invest in premium ownership costs. For affluent buyers seeking a statement vehicle with authentic capability, the G-Class remains unmatched.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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