How, exactly, did a former German Army vehicle whose looks haven’t radically changed in nearly five decades become the celebrity go-to of choice? Not even Mercedes-Benz was convinced of the longevity of its G-Class SUV, as the ultra-boxy machine was initially scheduled to be dropped from production after the 2006 debut of the more traditionally styled, three-row GLS-Class.
Instead, a cult-like customer demand remains for the slab-sided, imposing, and remarkably capable G-Wagon (a nickname for Geländewagen, “off-road vehicle”). That’s not only kept the full-time 4WD vehicle alive, but helped transform it into an updated, ultra-luxurious automobile, with high-performance variants that further defy the laws of physics.
The current standard model, the G 550, starts at a little under $150,000, though it still retains the trademark three-way locking differentials and chunky profile of its first 1979 civilian edition.
While that early ancestor crawled over rocks and made do with just 72 horsepower, the G 550 now offers a partial hybrid system and turbocharged inline-6 good for 443 total horsepower.
Look a little closer and you’ll also notice the G-Wagon’s design has been subtly revised in recent years, with softened corners, glowing circular LED headlamps, and luxurious wood and leather trim to complement the interior. Curiously, it’s still considerably smaller inside than it looks from the street, though the massive front and side glass still give you a big-rig-styled view of the trail ahead.
The G-Wagon lineup has been expanded with an all-electric version, the $162,000 G 580, which can do a magical 360-degree tank turn on the spot thanks to its four motors, and has also become the platform for the updated Popemobile. Or, there’s always the 577-hp roar of the $186,000 Mercedes-AMG G 63 and its twin-turbo V-8, turning the G-Wagon into a rocket-powered shipping container.
For more stats about the Mercedes-Benz G 550, pick up the print issue of Denver Life Magazine at local newsstands or subscribe to the digital version.
