2025 Mercedes-Benz G 500

After the superb G 450 d, with its delightful six-cylinder diesel and endless torque, and the surprisingly competent G 580 EQ, which proved that even a G-Class can stand strong in electric form, it was time for the third musketeer: the all-new G 500.

More than 2,500 kilometres in less than seven days, exactly how we like it. No showroom test, no brief first impression, but truly living with the car. And once again, the G-Class did not disappoint. The G 500 feels like the sweet spot of the range. Less extreme than a G 63, less rational than the diesel, but perhaps the most balanced G-Class of the moment.

A design that defies time

When it comes to the exterior, there is little room for debate: this is and remains one of the most recognisable cars ever built. The current generation received its major update in 2018 (W463A), when Mercedes managed the remarkable feat of leaving the iconic design almost untouched while modernising everything underneath. And that remains quite an achievement.

The indicators perched on top of the front wings, the spare wheel mounted on the rear door, the perfectly straight body sides, the almost cartoonish silhouette… It feels like you’re driving around in a rolling Lego block.

And then there are the doors. Anyone stepping into a G-Class for the first time needs a moment to learn how to close them properly. Don’t push. Don’t slam. Just commit. And that sound… One solid clack and you immediately know: this is right. Very right.

Built in Graz since 1979

What many people forget is that the G-Class was never a lifestyle SUV made to look tough afterwards. It’s exactly the opposite.

The G-Class was born in the late 1970s as a military vehicle, developed through a collaboration between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz. The first series, the W460, entered production in 1979 and was hand-built.

At the request of figures such as the Shah of Iran, the focus was placed on extreme off-road capability. Only in the 1990s did Mercedes begin refining the model towards luxury, without ever abandoning the ladder-frame chassis, rigid axles and its fundamental toughness. Since then, the exterior has barely changed and that is precisely what makes the G-Class such a powerful icon.

“Schöckl proved”: not marketing talk

On our test car we once again noticed a small detail we secretly love: “Schöckl proved since 1979.”

Every G-Class, without exception (even the electric one) must pass the 5.6-kilometre test on the Schöckl, the mountain overlooking Graz. With gradients up to 60 percent, extreme chassis articulation and serious side inclines, this is far from a symbolic test. It is genuine punishment for the chassis and body.

The fact that Mercedes still does this today says everything. This isn’t badge engineering. This is heritage.

A record year that says it all

2024/2025 turned out to be a record year for the G-Class. Nearly 50,000 units sold worldwide, while overall Mercedes sales declined by around 9%. The G-Class, on the other hand, grew by more than 20%. Even the electric G 580 is finding its audience, despite all the sceptics. That tells you everything: this is not a trend product.

MANUFAKTUR perfection

Our test car was one worth framing: MANUFAKTUR Ocean Blue on the outside, combined with a MANUFAKTUR Catalana Beige & black full leather interior, finished with open-pore walnut wood. It simply doesn’t get much cleaner than this.

Mercedes has massively expanded its personalisation options in recent years, meaning that no two G-Classes need to be identical anymore.

The sense of solidity is everywhere. Every panel, every switch, every detail feels as if it was built to last for decades.

A real off-roader, even if you never use it

No matter how luxurious the G-Class has become, it remains at heart a true off-roader. The various drive modes, the ability to lock all three differentials individually, the low-range gearing… it’s all still there.

During our test we behaved ourselves, but simply knowing it’s there contributes to the feeling of indestructibility.

Inside: less space than you might expect

And here’s a nuance that is often overlooked. The G-Class looks enormous, but inside it isn’t quite as spacious as you might think. The wheel arches take up a lot of room, meaning both the rear seats and the boot are relatively tight.

Planning a week-long ski trip with the family? You’ll have to pack creatively. The seating position also remains fairly upright. Comfort is certainly present (heated and ventilated seats, even massage functions) but after 700 to 800 kilometres, you start to feel it.

This is not a Range Rover when it comes to long-distance comfort. At Autobahn speeds, you’ll also notice some wind noise, especially around the mirrors and the almost upright windscreen.

The G 500 engine: a straight-six with reason

Under the hood sits a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance, producing 449 hp and 560 Nm. No more V8 — and you can feel that. The brutal torque of the past is gone, and the G 500 needs a few more revs to really pick up the pace.

But honestly? It’s not an issue. Quite the opposite. The engine sounds good, runs silk-smooth, and during our test consumption averaged 10.6 l/100 km, which is remarkably reasonable for a vehicle of this size and weight.

The mild-hybrid technology helps with smoothness and low-speed response, making the overall experience more refined than ever. The diesel remains our personal favourite, purely because of its seemingly endless torque, but the G 500 certainly does nothing wrong.

Conclusion: an icon that keeps evolving

The Mercedes-Benz G 500 once again proves why the G-Class occupies such a unique position. This is not an SUV trying to compete within a segment. It’s a vehicle that stands above the category.

Not perfect.
Not the most spacious.
Not the quietest.
Not the most rational.

But undoubtedly one of the most characterful cars you can buy today. Iconic, solid, luxurious and still faithful to its roots. Now the countdown begins for the G 63… and we’re curious to see what emotions that one will unleash.