Mercedes-Benz G-Class review

As is so often the way, the G-Class has grown larger as it’s grown older. This second-generation model has been made longer and wider to offer more room for passengers and their luggage. Up front, there’s more than enough width to prevent bashing elbows with your passenger, and there’s tonnes of head room, even with the optional electric sunroof fitted.

Move to the rear and space is okay but far from outstanding for its class, which includes the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and full-fat Range Rover. Leg room is where you'll find the biggest compromise; there's enough for a six-footer to sit behind another, but unlike in the G-Class’s luxury rivals, there's little room to stretch out. Head room is still plentiful, though – occupants can wear top hats if they feel like it – and there’s plenty of width for three to sit abreast. There’s also no sign of any hump in the floor for the middle rear passenger to straddle.

Seating flexibility is fairly standard. The rear seatback has a 60/40 split and, thanks to a tilt-up seat base, lies fairly flat when it's folded down. Still, with a 667-litre boot (much bigger than the Bentayga’s boot, although some way short of the Porsche Cayenne’s), there should be enough room for all but the biggest Harrods shop. If you’re after a seven-seater, though, you’ll need to look elsewhere.