Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Mercedes G-Class review - Interior, design and technology

Mercedes has blended old and new to perfection, with a beautifully finished cabin and the latest tech

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. When it comes to the design of the latest G-Class, it’s a case of 'if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it'. Mercedes knew it had to tread carefully when updating an icon, so it has kept the styling makeover to a minimum.

Advertisement - Article continues below

That’s not to say the G-Class isn’t all new. All the body panels are completely redesigned, while the chassis has been overhauled, too. It’s 53mm longer and 121mm wider than before, but there are a number of subtle and welcome nods to the G’s heritage. 

From the distinctive door handles to the sound the door makes when it’s closed, and the exposed spare wheel on the tailgate to the indicators sat atop the front wings, the new G-Class looks almost identical to the original. 

Look closer and you’ll spot a pair of LED headlights, narrower panel gaps and wheel arches and bumpers that look integral to the car. It’s a more cohesive design – a successful evolution of a much-loved icon. Dare we suggest it’s what the next Land Rover Defender should be like?

The evolution continues on the inside, with a cabin that manages to look delightfully old fashioned but totally modern. The shape of the round headlights is reflected in the air vents, while the speakers mimic the indicators. Other ‘Easter eggs’ include the shape of the buttons for the differential locks, along with the passenger grab handle.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

These little touches blend with a pair of 12.3-inch digital displays and a level of quality that’s unmatched in this segment to deliver an interior that’s brimming with class and appeal. Mercedes could have got this so wrong, but thankfully, it didn’t.

There are just two versions available in the UK – although other versions are set to join the range – and most buyers will opt for the G 400 d. As you’d expect from a car costing north of £130,000, the level of specification is high, with 20-inch alloys, LED headlights, AMG fine leather, eight-colour ambient lighting, heated front and rear seats and three-zone climate control fitted as standard.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A Premium equipment line – which is standard on the G 63 – costs £6,000 and includes 64-colour LED ambient lighting, Burmester sound system, electric sunroof, air ioniser, multibeam LED headlights, a 360-degree camera and adaptive suspension.

The G 63 also gains a chrome exterior styling package, an AMG cosmetic makeover, AMG ride control, AMG sports exhausts, privacy glass, a heated AMG performance steering wheel, AMG sports seats and illuminated door sill panels.

Options include 21- and 22-inch alloy wheels, Night and AMG Night cosmetic packs, and a Winter pack comprising a heated windscreen and auxiliary heater. In tune with the G’s Hollywood vibe, there are a choice exterior and interior hues, some of which are more tasteful than others.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The two 12.3-inch infotainment displays are familiar from other Mercedes models of the same vintage and look perfectly at home in the G-Class. They combine to create an ultra-wide display that brings this 40-year-old icon right up-to-date.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fitted as standard, while a Burmester surround system is standard on the G 63 and available as part of a package on the G 400 d. The 590-watt system comprises 16 speakers, a 10-channel amplifier, and acoustics tailored to the G-Class interior. It’s one of the best systems on the market.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    G450d AMG Line Premium Plus 5dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £137,280

Most Economical

  • Name
    G450d AMG Line Premium Plus 5dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £137,280

Fastest

  • Name
    G 580 432kW EQ Tech Edition One 116kWh 4dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £181,450
News reporter

As our news reporter, Ellis is responsible for covering everything new and exciting in the motoring world, from quirky quadricycles to luxury MPVs. He was previously the content editor for DrivingElectric and won the Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award in 2022.

Our latest car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £31,535Avg. savings £3,985 off RRP*Compare Offers
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,155Avg. savings £2,485 off RRP*Compare Offers
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £1,836 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £21,210Avg. savings £1,862 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Cheap electric car finance could be on the cards as government aims to boost sales
Omoda E5 - front tracking

Cheap electric car finance could be on the cards as government aims to boost sales

A newspaper column and whispers suggest that government-backed cheap EV loans could be coming to stimulate market
News
2 Dec 2024
Nissan Qashqai alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Nissan’s big-selling SUV
Nissan Qashqai alternatives - header image

Nissan Qashqai alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Nissan’s big-selling SUV

Nissan’s Qashqai has been a hit since the first generation launched in 2006, but if it’s not quite your cup of tea, we’ve rounded up the best of the r…
Features
1 Dec 2024
I wonder if there are enough buyers for £100k+ luxury Jaguar EVs
Opinion - Jaguar logo

I wonder if there are enough buyers for £100k+ luxury Jaguar EVs

Mike Rutherford gives his view on Jaguar's controversial rebrand
Opinion
1 Dec 2024