Mercedes-Benz has updated the storied G-Class SUV line to amp up interior comfort and bring the adventure vehicle up to date for everyday use. Wisely, the designers also left plenty of iconic detail and performance untouched to keep off-road purists happy.
Starting as a bespoke off-road commission for the Shah of Iran in the ’70s, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV wasn’t available to U.S. customers until 2002. But for hardcore fans, the vehicle still holds serious retro appeal. After a new upgrade, the stylishly unaerodynamic G-Class vehicles, in both the standard top-of-the-line G550 ($124,500) and AMG-enhanced G63 ($147,500), perform on par with modern SUVs on the road and carry the latest creature comforts but are still unbeatable off-road and sport the quirky, classic safari design DNA that makes them a legit “G Wagon.” 4255 W. Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood, loebermercedes.com
Detail Driven
• G-Class interiors have been updated to fall in line with Mercedes-Benz luxury standards, but note the nods to the true nature of the SUV via the studded pedals and passenger-side grab bar.
• It’s just not a G Wagon without this durable, rear-door-mounted spare and cover.
• The AMG version sports a handcrafted 4-liter V-8 biturbo that puts out 577 horsepower and 627 foot-pounds of torque—0 to 60 mph is achieved in a respectable 4.4 seconds.
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