Mercedes-Benz G-Class Model Years and History

With the introduction of the all-electric G 580e with EQ Technology and styling revisions on the G 550, both occurring in 2025, the G-Class carries over with minimal changes for 2026.

For 2025, the G-Class lineup expands with the all-new G 580e with EQ Technology, representing the first all-electric G-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class carries over with minimal changes for 2022.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class carries over with minimal changes for 2021.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been an icon since the late 70's. With its utilitarian looks and boxy proportions, it was originally designed as military vehicle. With the SUV boom in the 90's, Mercedes-Benz gave it a refresh, adding a luxurious interior and a range of powerful engines to make them more suitable to modern roads. However, their suspension and looks barely changed from those original and humble military origins and as a result, its on-road manners were barely acceptable by modern standards. That's all changed now, as Mercedes have given the G-Class is first major overhaul since being sold to the public in the United States. The new G-Class gets modern suspension, (slightly) more aerodynamic styling and a improved interior with more room than ever before. In short, Mercedes-Benz has thoroughly modernized the vehicle, all the while being very careful not to ruin the essence that people loved about them in the first place.

With a new 2019 G-class generation looming changes to the 2018 model are limited to two new exterior colors and the AMG Performance Studio Package available on the G63 model.

A brand new trim level is available for 2017, priced at the top of the range. The so-called G550 "4x4-squared" starts at around $225,000 and promises to be one of the most capable off-road vehicles ever sold to the public. The G550 4x4-squared has a unique party trick: Portal Axles. Normally lifting a truck or an SUV results in an increased ride height, getting the body out of the way of obstacles. However, the suspension will still hang down underneath the body sometimes getting hung up on rocks or anything else the driver might be attempting to drive over. Portal Axles do away with this problem by essentially lowering the mounting point of the wheels, meaning that the body, the suspension and everything else gets lifted out of the way. The result is a G550 with virtually nothing hanging down below the body, vastly increasing off-roading ability.

The 2016 G-Class gets a new engine for the G550. It's smaller displacement but makes more power than last year's powertrain. An AMG G65 trim appears for 2016. It features a 6.0L V12 engine that makes an outrageous 621 horsepower and 738 lb-feet of torque.

There are no big changes for the venerable G-Class for 2014. The G550 and high-performance G63 return as the two available trims. They feature a pair of outstanding engines and bring exceptional off-road capability in a tough truck-style body.

After a one-year hiatus, the AMG version of the G-Class is back on the market. Buyers looking for a combination of serious off road ability, plenty of luxury and ludicrously quick acceleration will appreciate its return. The interior of the G-Class has also been given a refresh for 2013. There is a new steering wheel and a new dashboard, which houses a 7-inch display and Mercedes-Benz' COMAND system. Exterior modifications are minor, including new mirrors and LED daytime running lights.

For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class undergoes minor changes. The G500 is replaced by a more powerful G550. The G55 AMG is also more powerful, now producing an impressive 500 horsepower. Both models get a refreshed look with a new 3-fin grille and light-alloy wheel design. Also, new for 2009, the Mercedes-Benz COMAND system integrates more high-tech features like: hard drive based navigation with search and send technology, MP3 and wireless Bluetooth capability as well as an in-dash SD memory card reader and HD radio.

For 2008, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class undergoes minor changes. Both the G500 and the G55 AMG receive a redesigned instrument cluster and steering wheel. A rearview camera is now standard, as is hands-free communication potential. Base prices have only slightly increased over 2007.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is largely unchanged for 2007. Most notably, Mercedes-Benz upgraded the five-speed automatic to a seven-speed, and bi-xenon HID headlights and Sirius satellite radio are now standard equipment. The navigation system has been improved as well.