Used 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a highly capable luxury SUV. It’s also one of those vehicles that transcended its initial reason for being and became a cultural reference.

The prime intention was to be the German equivalent of a Jeep or Land Rover, something virtually unstoppable off-road while still able to deliver a civilized on-road experience. That was accomplished by the first G, which debuted in 1979 as a military vehicle and has remained virtually the same for four decades.

The current generation landed for the 2019 model year. By that time, the G-Class had become an indisputable icon, the luxury SUV of choice for many celebrities and well-off non-celebs alike. So Mercedes-Benz had to preserve the magic. It succeeded.

Some things are not different at all. The G-Class retains the traditional body-on-frame construction, and it’s still hand-assembled over the course of 100 hours.

The range consists of the G 550 and the higher-performance AMG G 63. Even the G 550 starts at more than $130,000. From the point of view of the general public who buy Honda and Toyota SUVs, that’s a lot of money. But another way to look at it is that the G-Class is cheaper than a Bentley or Lamborghini SUV, yet still has the cool factor.

There’s no way the 2022 G-Class luxury SUV wouldn’t create some wind noise on the freeway. It’s just not shaped to be slippery. But the noise is bearable, and the acoustic laminated glass helps.

The ride quality at these speeds is composed, while the steering remains precise — something we can’t say of other off-road specialists in the same circumstances. The 577-horsepower AMG version is the fastest and most engaging new G-Class, while its standard adaptive suspension offers a broader range of comfort and sportiness than the G 550.

Not that the G 550 is dull. It can still harness its 416 horsepower to sprint from standstill to 60 mph (if that’s anyone’s idea of fun in an SUV) in just 5.6 seconds. The G 63 does it in 4.5, which is simultaneously crazy and wonderful.

The top speed in the G 550 is electronically limited to 130 mph. Does anyone need to go faster? Those who answer that question in the affirmative can choose the optional AMG Driver’s Package with the G 63 and reach 174 mph.

In typical Mercedes-Benz fashion, the 9-speed automatic transmissions in both models operate subtly and sweetly, always finding the ideal gear for the moment.

When such moments include being nowhere near any tarmac, the G-Class has three locking differentials in its standard 4-wheel-drive system to completely control how much power goes to each wheel.

Three buttons on the dashboard control a prescribed order of how these differentials are deployed: center, rear, and front. In combination with a high/low-range transfer case, this setup helps to make the G-Class one of the top off-roading machines.

Leather, wood, heated front seats, an analog clock, and a gorgeous Burmester surround-sound audio system greet those who enter the 2022 G-Class. Climbing into this tall SUV is made easier by the running boards, plus a grab handle for the front passenger.

In common with most contemporary Mercedes-Benz models, the prominent dashboard feature is the twin-screen unit, one for driver information and the other for the infotainment system. They each measure 12.3 inches on the diagonal.

Headroom and legroom should be more than sufficient for most people. Rear legroom is 39.5 inches. Behind the 60/40 split/folding rear seats is 38.1 cubic feet of luggage space. With those seats folded, this area opens out to 68.6 cubic feet. Call the G-Class boxy, but many things can fit into boxes.

If a Mercedes-Benz G-Class has ever been in a wind tunnel, it’s probably because the test driver took a wrong turn. The many talents of the G-Class SUV do not include aerodynamic efficiency.

Then again, the slab-sided design — combined with an almost-upright windshield and a squared-off tail end — is supremely practical. The G-Class can accommodate tall folks in both rows, and the large glass areas create excellent outward vision.

It’s also easy for a driver to tell where the corners of the body are, which is essential when off-roading. Just ask anyone with a Jeep Wrangler or an old Land Rover Defender.

By concentrating on functionality above all else, Mercedes-Benz has created a particular kind of beauty. The company did this with the original G and hasn’t messed with the formula much for the current generation.

Getting down to the details, both versions have stainless steel running boards. The G 550 runs on 19-inch alloy wheels, while the G 63 has 20-inch alloy wheels, side exhaust pipes, plus a model-specific grille. The spare wheel is mounted on the rear door, maximizing ground clearance and departure angles when off-roading. And the door itself is side-hinged; no heavy tailgate to deal with.

DYNAMIC SELECT DRIVE MODES
These selectable driving modes take on a lot of the decision-making when piloting a G-Class across rough terrain or even smooth tarmac. Drivers can choose Slippery, Comfort, Sport, or Sport+, plus an Individual setting where you can set your personal preferences for aspects like steering and throttle response.

GUARD 360
This is a standard feature in every new G-Class. It notifies the owner through a smartphone app if someone attempts to steal the vehicle or if it’s damaged while parked.

Even the most affordable new G-Class, the G 550, starts with a 6-figure price. So the amount of standard equipment is correspondingly plentiful.

This includes a heated windshield and washer system, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights/daytime running lights/taillights, heated side mirrors (self-dimming on the driver’s side), heat/noise-insulating glass, powered sunroof, keyless entry/ignition, 12.3-inch digital driver information display, 3-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated/12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, self-dimming review mirror, garage door opener, heated rear seats, 115-volt outlet, and 64-color ambient cabin lighting.

The infotainment system has a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, navigation, Wi-Fi, and a 15-speaker/590-watt Burmester surround-sound system.

Safety features are always a Mercedes-Benz strong point. The 2022 G-Class comes with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and a self-parking function.

Apart from its AMG-specific drivetrain, brakes, and adaptive suspension, the 2022 AMG G 63 has virtually the same equipment as the G 550. Plus a few additions such as upgraded LED headlights, wide-screen digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera system, wireless charging, and a special AMG sport steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather.

You can also order the G 550 with an adaptive suspension, larger alloy wheels, heated/ventilated/massaging multi-contour front seats, heated steering wheel, wide-screen digital instrument cluster, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Spending more on a new G 63 is achieved with a carbon-fiber engine cover, 22-inch alloy wheels, and an AMG Driver’s Package that raises the top speed from 137 to 149 mph.

The G Manufaktur program offers multifarious interior and exterior cosmetic choices for both 2022 G-Class models.

Both versions of the 2022 G-Class luxury SUV employ a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Mercedes-Benz designs these with the turbochargers set into the V instead of outside. The advantages are optimum efficiency and minimum turbo lag. The differences are significant, however.

The G 550 has a perfectly excessive 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque at its disposal. The V8 in the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is (in the tradition of AMG engines) hand-assembled by one technician who affixes a signed plaque when the job is complete. This unit develops a majestic 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.

A 9-speed automatic transmission is found in each variant, but the AMG version is tuned especially for quicker shifts and to cope with the greater forces. They send drive to all four wheels, and both have a high/low-range transfer case.

Premium gasoline is required. Quite a bit of it. The G 550 averages around 18 mpg, and the AMG G 63 does around 14 mpg.

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (G 550)
416 horsepower @ 2,250-4,750 rpm
450 lb-ft of torque @ 5,250-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/19 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (G 63)
577 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
627 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/16 mpg