Item: Used Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2010-2018
Rating: 2
Author: What Car? Team

Nothing is quite like the G-Class, not even the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/defender/4x4/used-review/n761">Defender</a>. However, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/used-review/n813">Audi SQ7</a> is another luxury SUV that, despite having very limited off-road abilities, pitches itself against the G-Class and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/used-review/n872">Range Rover</a> in terms of appeal. It has prodigious performance, excellent handling, lots of room and a high-quality interior. Against that, it’s expensive and doesn’t have the badge that buyers in this class, even when buying used, might demand.

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/used-review/n18823">Porsche Cayenne</a>&nbsp;might also appeal to those well-heeled enough to buy a G-Class. The Cayenne is lighter than most of its rivals, and allied to that relative lightness there’s a range of strong engines too. On the road, that weight reduction means excellent performance. Approach a corner and you’ll find that the Cayenne corners very nicely, thank you very much, despite its size. It’s even better on the optional air suspension.

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What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

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There was a 2017 recall to check the steering column coupling, which if it worked loose could mean a loss of control at the steering wheel. Check that this work has been carried out. In the same year, Mercedes issued a voluntary recall to apply software updates to diesel engines in order to cut down some of the nitrogen oxide emissions of its vehicles.

Not surprisingly the G-Class is too rare to appear in our reliability surveys, but Mercedes-Benz has had a rather mixed reputation over the past few years for build quality and as a brand finished in a disappointing 26th place out of 31 manufacturers in the most recent survey.

If you'd like to see the full reliability list, head to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2020-what-car-reliability-survey/n20042">What Car? Reliability Survey</a> pages for more information.

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Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

G CLASS

Viewed as a road car the G-Class is pretty bonkers, but it’s almost without rival and its iconic status assures it huge popularity

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

<h3 dir="ltr">MPG</h3>

The G350d&nbsp;is on paper the most fuel efficient, with an official combined figure&nbsp;of&nbsp; 28.5mpg, while the older G350 CDI gets 25.2mpg.&nbsp;Hairier versions will obviously drink more and emit more: think 17.8mpg for the supercharged G55 AMG model, but this was improved to 20.5mpg for the slightly more efficient turbocharged G63 AMG.

<h3 dir="ltr">CO2 emissions</h3>

Every G-Class registered before&nbsp;1 April 2017&nbsp;will have to pay the maximum amount of car tax because their CO2 emissions are sky-high.&nbsp;The lowest (in relative terms) is the G350d that puts out 261g/km, while the G350 CDI emits&nbsp;295g/km. This is followed by the G63 with 322g/km with the G55 being the worst at 372g/km.&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Car tax (VED)</h3>

It’s worth remembering that all G-Class cars registered before the tax changes of 1 April 2017 came into force will be charged annual road tax based on that very high CO2 output. Those registered after will pay a flat rate of tax and a supplementary luxury surcharge tax that applies for five consecutive years, between years two and six of the vehicle's age.&nbsp;You can find out more about <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/car-tax-changes-in-2019-%E2%80%93-what-do-i-need-to-know/n1153">road tax costs here</a>.

<h3 dir="ltr">Insurance and servicing</h3>

Insurance costs are naturally high, and servicing can be very expensive, especially if carried out at the main dealer, which is recommended. It is required every 9000 to 12,500 miles depending on trim.

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Used Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2010-2018

Viewed as a road car the G-Class is pretty bonkers, but it’s almost without rival and its iconic status assures it huge popularity 


You’ll need around £40,000 even for one of the earlier models in this generation because the G-Class holds its value very well.&nbsp;You’ll then need between £41,000 and £45,000 on a 2012 car, and £46,000 to £50,000 on 2013 ones. Anything newer and fresher is going to cost you north of £50,000.

Check the value of a used Mercedes G-Class with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/car-valuation/">What Car? Valuations</a>

It’d be tempting to go for the full-fat AMG version, if you can afford it, but if you can wear a sensible head when considering a G-Class we’d have to opt for the G350 d model.

Our favourite Mercedes-Benz G-Class: &nbsp;G350 d

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Logical and beautifully built interior, with great infotainment</li> <li>More than enough space for five passengers or, even better, seven</li> <li>Strong performance along with impressive efficiency</li> <li>Composed handling that limits any feeling of unwieldiness</li></ul>

We class a luxury SUV as being anything where our pick of the range costs more than £45,000 – and at this price point, buyers' expectations are high. So, as well as all of the qualities that make regular SUVs such well-rounded choices –&nbsp;such as decent space for passengers and luggage, a classy interior and robust materials – we also want a cosseting ride, the latest driver assistance technology and enough space to really stretch out.

The Land Rover Discovery proves that you don't need to spend a lot of money to get a luxurious SUV, but if you've got a bit more to spend, the Audi Q7 is perennially popular among buyers, and with good reason. Or, at the very top of this market, there are newer additions such as the BMW X7 to consider.

Luxury SUV

This is a large car that will have been used in urban areas so it’s worth checking the bodywork for dents and scuffs. There’s plenty of electrical equipment on board the later models, too, so it’s worth checking that all that works.

Other common problems include prop shaft failure, which will impart a heavy shuddering to the interior. Rust can be&nbsp;a problem&nbsp;around the rear tailgate and lights. As this vehicle is both an on-road and off-road vehicle, it’s worth checking to make sure the suspension springs aren’t broken. If you are hearing a loud thumping noise when driving over speed bumps or rough surfaces, it is probably caused by faulty suspension springs

It’s big, butch and boxy, and looks like it was designed with a set square&nbsp;about a hundred years ago;&nbsp;the G-Class - or G-Wagon, as it was originally known - was actually first offered as&nbsp;an indestructible military-style vehicle designed primarily for cutting it on the rough stuff. Today, it's&nbsp;become a deeply desirable trinket in the trendier parts of both London and LA, and&nbsp;if your surname is Kardashian or Jenner, it seems you are almost bound by law to drive one of these.

There have been many iterations of G-Class since it arrived in 1979, but we're concentrating on the 2010-2018 generation when it officially returned to the UK with either a&nbsp;208bhp 3.0-litre diesel&nbsp;in the&nbsp;G350 CDI, or a 500bhp supercharged 5.4-litre V8 petrol in the G55 AMG. An&nbsp;update in 2012 increased power for the diesel to 211bhp and it was rebadged G350d, while the G55 was replaced with a newer twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 was installed with&nbsp;537bhp (nearer 563bhp by the end of its run) and renamed G63 AMG.

There are no individual trim levels as such, but there were numerous options you could add to the standard equipment roster of bi-xenon headlights, dual-zone climate control, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, rear parking sensors and a Harman Kardon sound system.&nbsp;AMG models add sportier touches, notably the 20in alloys, chrome quad side exhausts, red brake calipers and stainless steel side sills.

On the road, the G-Class is as you’d imagine pretty agricultural, in the manner of an early <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery/4x4/used-review/n432">Land Rover Discovery</a>. It’s cumbersome on the road, and really rather bad in bends. The steering is vague and heavy, and the wheel requires plenty of turning. The ride is&nbsp;very choppy, and while it’s fair to point out that the G-Class handles off-road excursions better than most (this car will forge 600mm of standing water - better than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/defender/4x4/used-review/n761">Defender</a> - and has approach and departure angles to humble the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/land-cruiser/4x4/used-review/n19396">Toyota Land Cruiser</a>. There are also three separate differential locks for peerless traction in slippery conditions, and a low-range transfer case for the seven-speed ’box) its on-road comfort is decidedly lacking. So, it must be said, is refinement, as the G-Class can be a noisy old beast.

Inside, it’s surprisingly luxurious. The switchgear is from other more conventional Mercs, and works well. High-quality leather covers most surfaces, including the cliff face of a dashboard, and it’s even ruched in the door panels. One thing to note here is that the dashboard of the G-Class was extensively revamped in 2012 to include a bigger, tablet-style infotainment screen mounted higher up, which is easier to glance at for sat-nav instructions when on the move.&nbsp;

The lofty driving position is quite upright, but it’s very comfortable and roomy up front (although rear leg room isn't exactly generous). The boot is another letdown, not because it is small, but because the door is hinged on one side and is a pain when stuck in a tight parking bay.&nbsp;Plus it has the heavy spare wheel on it, making it difficult open if you happen to be parked with the front of the car pointing downhill and you're working against gravity.

If you're interested in finding a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/mercedes-benz/g-class">used G-Class</a>, or any of the other SUVs&nbsp;mentioned here, head over to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">Used Car Buying</a>&nbsp;pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

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Used Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2010-2018 review

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