why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Please enter a valid mileage

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2011 Mercedes G-Class continues the legacy of one of the most iconoclastic vehicles in production today. Originally designed for military use, its simple, boxy styling and off-road reputation led Mercedes to adapt it for the civilian market and it went on sale as the G-Class beginning in 1979. Over the years, the G-Class has adopted modern technologies for its interior but the classic boxy body shape has remained remarkably similar. The G-Class is for a very specific driver; Compared to Land Rover's Range Rover, the ride isn't as smooth and the cabin isn't as quiet. That's exactly what G-Class customers are looking for, though: A combination of off-road capability and prestige that can't be found anywhere else, especially for those purchasing the souped-up AMG model.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like the old-school ruggedness of what SUV's used to be but also demand high levels of performance and finish, you should definitely look at the G550. If you like the G550 and worship at the altar of "more," consider the G55 AMG.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The G-Class doesn't boast the modern styling, softer ride or interior luxuries of modern SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade or even Mercedes' own GL-Class. If you're looking at the G-Class, make sure of your expectations and wants.

What's Significant About This Car?

Aside from new 18-inch twin-five-spoke wheels for the G550, there are no significant changes to the 2011 G550 or the G55 AMG.

Driving the G-Class

Driving Impressions The 2011 G550's power comes from Mercedes-Benz's 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V8 engine. Acceleration is surprisingly quick and power is easily accessible through the revs. At highway speed the G550 is very...

comfortable, but its boxiness and sheer bulk make it less than ideal for corner carving. The weight, however, imparts a certain sense of confidence, seeming to keep the G550 planted to the road. The steering, meanwhile, is optimized for off-road driving - where both G-Class models shine. The four-wheel drive system is permanently engaged; for off-road driving or bad weather conditions there's a two-speed transfer case and three buttons on the dash, allowing you to lock the front, center or rear differentials at once or in whatever order you choose. The G55 AMG adds a supercharger to the same V8, making for a monstrous 500 horsepower. The AMG also comes with a high-performance braking system.

Favorite Features

G55 AMG
If you're considering the G550, you owe it to yourself to give some serious thought to the G55 AMG. The forcefulness of its 500 horsepower alone justifies its place as the most expensive SUV on the market.

Sculpted Bucket Seats
The sculpted bucket seats are versatile in adjustment options and seat the driver in a firm, upright position, perfect both on the road and off.

2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Details

Interior

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class line makes some concessions to the modern era of SUVs with Mercedes' Comand system with LCD-screen. The boxy shape of the G-Class leaves an interior with plenty of headroom that, combined with its power seats, will seat any driver comfortably, with leather all around and Burl Walnut trim pieces adding to its hand-built feel. The rear seats are in a 60/40 configuration and can fold down to create an impressive amount of cargo room. The G55 adds upgraded wood trim, an anthracite Alcantara headliner and a special AMG steering wheel, shifter and instrument cluster in the dash.

Exterior

The body of the 2011 G-Class wears its simple, military roots from its front-end (with grill and headlamp guard) all the way to its bank-vault like hinged rear gate/door. The nearly 40-year-old basic design definitely appeals to some more than others, but its hand-built quality, thick sheet metal and high, aggressive stance create an undeniable presence.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Both G-Class models come standard with four-wheel drive, a seven-speed automatic transmission, three locking differentials, traction and stability control, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated power front seats, rear park assist, rear-view camera, heated wood and leather steering wheel, bi-xenon headlamps, 18-inch wheels and Comand system with navigation and harman/kardon audio. The G55 AMG gets 19-inch wheels, upgraded paint and chrome body-guard pieces.

Optional Equipment

Save for some accessories and vanity pieces, the Mercedes-Benz G550 has no optional equipment available. The G55 AMG comes standard with all available options.

Under the Hood

The Mercedes-Benz G550's 5.5-liter V8 is an impressive engine, producing a peak 382 horsepower. With the G550's 5,600-pound curb weight, however, the torque the V8 produces is more important (and impressive), giving the SUV acceleration and quickness reminiscent of smaller SUVs without fading at highway speeds. The AMG-tuned G55 is all of that and more; its supercharged V8 can take you from zero to 60 miles per hour in a laugh-inducing, did-that-SUV-just-do-that 5.4 seconds.

5.5-liter V8
382 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
391 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800-4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/15

5.5-liter V8 Supercharged
500 horsepower @ 6100 rpm
516 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2750-4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/13

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mercedes-Benz G-Class vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 41 Ratings for the 2002 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

8.6/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

8.3/10

Styling

9.3/10

Awesome...

By ashkana (CA) on Monday, September 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "safe, fast, fun to drive"

Cons: "cup holders, keyless go not standard"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"A cut above the rest. in a world where range rover is at every corner the G really stands out. It is a great car for the family and in the city. I feel comfortable knowing my 5 year old is riding in the back of this tank. i have S550 as well. The G is luxorious but not luxory especially if you have an S class Benz."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Love my G500

By HyMaint (PA) on Tuesday, February 21, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "This truck is a monster that everyone looks at!"

Cons: "It gets a very robust 9 mpg!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my G500 last June. I love it. Maintenance is expensive, and so is the fuel, but if you can afford a G, you shouldn't complain. I will be a loyal G owner only trading up to a silver G55 :)"

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

This truck rules

By jmak (MD) on Friday, September 02, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "amazing in every way"

Cons: "cant upgrade the stereo to have ipod interface without going 3rd party"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"What more can i say. I own a few other cars and i never want to drive any of them more than i do this truck. Not to mention how well it tore up the 5 ft of snow we had last winter. best vehicle ever."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Worst vehicle ever

By cemi (TUCSON) on Monday, May 16, 2011

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10

"I had 2 weeks with this G550 and 900 miles,leaking oil!!!!!!!!! took it to the dealership and guess what!!!!!!!!!! This $106,000.00 needs the engine to be replaced!!!!!!!!!!! on a $100k car is unacceptable!!!!!!!!!! I WAS DRIVING A LEXUS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT!!!! IF FEEL SO BAD FOR LETTING MY LEXUS GO TO GET THIS TRUCK!! BIG !!!!!!!!!!MISTAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

6 people out of 19 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Miss my Lexus!!!!!!!!!!!!

By cemi (Tucson,Az) on Thursday, May 12, 2011

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 6/10

"Only 2 weeks and 900 miles with this 2011 GWagon and already is in the dealership for repair!!!!(leaking oil thru some seals).It is not accetable for a $100k plus vehicle .Hopefully it gets better with time,I already miss my Lexus GX460 that never had any problems with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

1 person out of 6 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

My G500

By Armando (New Jersey) on Monday, May 02, 2011

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

"I have a 2004 G500 and i love everything about it. Yes it might seem a little expensive at first to maintain-but all of the part last a long time once you spend the money on it. The car is definitely built to last. I am still very happy with my g500 right now."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 41 reviews