The G-Wagen has carried the Mercedes-Benz off-road torch for 45 years. And the boxy SUV hasn’t changed much in almost half a century. But for 2024, Mercedes is finally electrifying its iconic off-roader…gently– ahead of the next EQG EV later this year.
The base G550 ditches its V8 for a new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist via an exhaust turbocharger and an electric auxiliary supercharger. That gives the base G-Class 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, with the integrated starter-generator delivering 20 hp and 148 lb-ft on its own. That’s 27 more horsepower than the previous model, but slightly less torque.
| Engine | Power | Couple | |
| 2024 G550 | 3.0L I-6 Turbo Hybrid Engine | 443 hp | 413 LB-PI |
| 2025 G550 | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 | 416 hp | 450 LB-FT |
An updated nine-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter produces overall wider gear ratios, while all-wheel drive with a 40-to-60 torque split comes standard. And even with the smaller displacement engine, the G550 still has excellent off-road prowess. Three mechanical differential locks are combined with a transfer case offering low-range off-road gearing. The same 9.5 inches of ground clearance remains, as do the truck’s approach and departure angles of 30 and 31 degrees, respectively.
Mercedes has integrated an Off-Road Cockpit function into the MBUX infotainment system to make off-road driving easier. The off-road cockpit displays items such as vehicle position, altitude, steering angle and temperature on the 12.3-inch touchscreen and corresponding digital instrument cluster, allowing users to customize the display as they see fit. The ‘See-through Hood’ feature borrowed from the EQE and GLC is also retained, allowing the driver to see ‘through’ the front of the car using the 360-degree overhead camera.
A host of other technologies are available on the G-Class, including a suite of safety equipment as part of the standard Driver Assistance package. This includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and more. The Parking Pack also comes with a 360-degree aerial camera. Buyers can add things like adaptive steering assist, active emergency stopping, and route-based speed assist.
While the base G550 reduces its engine size, the performance-oriented G63 remains unchanged. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 carries over, with 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft, and the same 48-volt mild-hybrid assist as the base model. That’s enough power to launch the G63 to 60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds.
AMG Active Ride Control is a new option on the G63 and adds hydraulic roll stabilization and adjustable adaptive damping for better on- and off-road performance. You can get it as part of the AMG Offroad Package Pro.
The base G550 and G63 get subtle visual upgrades for 2025. The G63 specifically comes with a new Manufaktur Hyper Blue Magno paint option, standard adaptive LED headlights, and a refreshed bumper design. You can also choose from six different wheel options ranging from 20 to 22 inches.
One thing Mercedes isn’t disclosing is how much the new and improved G-Class costs. The 2024 model starts at $144,150 with destination and the G63 costs $180,950. Expect the 2025 model to be slightly more expensive in both respects.
