The G-Class is one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road. It is a boxy, upright luxury SUV that has barely changed its shape in over four decades. The 2027 model is a carryover year, meaning no major redesign or new platform. What you’re getting is the same lineup MotoPickers covered in the 2025 refresh: the G 580 with EQ Technology and the fire-breathing AMG G 63. Both come wrapped in that iconic square silhouette.
MotoPickers Rating
The G-Class is not trying to be practical. It is trying to be the most expensive, most capable, most attention-grabbing box on four wheels, and it largely succeeds. The electric G 580 with EQ Technology is a genuinely surprising machine, pairing serious off-road hardware with a 239-mile range and enough power to embarrass most sports cars at a stoplight. The AMG G 63 does the same thing with a twin-turbo V8 and a soundtrack to match.
What falls short is everything that doesn’t involve drama. The turning radius is wide enough to require a three-point turn in parking lots that most SUVs handle in one. Fuel economy on the AMG is rough even by truck standards. And starting around $165,100, you are paying for a status symbol as much as a vehicle.
This is a vehicle for buyers who have already decided they want a G-Class. If you are still comparing options, the scorecard below tells the story.
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Performance | 5.8 |
| Comfort | 7.2 |
| Technology | 6.3 |
| Value | 4.5 |
| Practicality | 6.3 |
What’s New / Updates Over Previous Version
The 2027 G-Class is a carryover. No new powertrain, no new platform, no significant feature additions over the 2026 model. The electric G 580 with its quad-motor EQ setup continues as a single-trim model with everything covered in detail under Power and Performance. The AMG G 63 carries over unchanged as well.
If you are cross-shopping a 2026 against a 2027, there is no functional reason to wait for the newer model year. The current generation, which launched for the 2019 model year, received a significant refresh for 2025. Mercedes has not signaled any mid-cycle changes for 2027. See the Trim Guide below for a full breakdown of what each model includes and where the money goes.
Competitors
The Tesla Model X offers three-row seating and a fully electric powertrain at a lower entry price, making it the practical alternative for luxury EV shoppers. The Rivian R1S brings genuine off-road capability and strong range in an electric package with a more adventure-ready personality. The Land Rover Range Rover matches the G-Class on prestige and trail credibility while offering a more refined on-road ride. The Lexus LX brings body-on-frame toughness and comparable towing in a more understated package. Those who need three rows and want to stay in the Mercedes family will find that the GLS covers that ground at a lower price point.
Exterior Spotlight
The G-Class looks almost exactly like it did in 1979, and that is the point. The flat hood, vertical windshield, exposed door hinges, and square wheel arches are not retro styling choices. They are the original design, kept alive because the market never stopped wanting it. There is nothing else on the road that looks like this.
Color Options
Mercedes offers 10 colors on the G-Class, ranging from the straightforward Obsidian Black Metallic and Polar White to the more expressive Emerald Green Metallic and Spectral Blue Metallic. The Manufaktur program adds four premium finishes: a matte Moonlight White Magno, Olive Metallic, Copper Orange Magno, and Night Black Magno. The matte Manufaktur finishes suit the boxy shape particularly well, though they require more careful washing and no automated car washes.
Wheel Options
The specs data confirms 20-inch alloy wheels on the electric G 580 equipped with EQ Technology. At that size, you get a tire with enough sidewall to absorb trail obstacles without destroying the wheel, which matters on a vehicle that people actually take off-road. Larger aftermarket options are common in this segment, but the factory 20s are the smart pick for anyone who uses the trail capability the G-Class is built around.
Interior Analysis
Step inside and the G-Class does not pretend to be a crossover. The dashboard is upright, the seats sit high, and the cabin has a purposeful, almost military quality underneath the leather and Burmester speakers. It is luxurious, but it is not soft.
Features
The 12.3-inch touchscreen sits at the center of the dashboard and runs Mercedes’ MBUX interface. It responds quickly enough for mid-drive navigation adjustments, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both connect without needing to dig for a cable. Bluetooth 5.0 handles phone calls cleanly, and the system supports satellite radio for long stretches without cell coverage.
Charging is handled by two USB-C ports up front and two more in the rear, so back-seat passengers can keep devices topped off on a long drive. There is also a wireless charging pad on the center console for front passengers. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster mirrors navigation and drive data clearly, and the Burmester 3D Surround Sound system fills the cabin well at highway speeds. It is one of the better audio systems available in this segment.
There is no head-up display available on the G-Class, which is a noticeable gap at this price. Buyers coming from other luxury SUVs in this range will likely miss it.
Comfort
Front seat legroom comes in at 38.7 inches, and headroom is 41.9 inches. The upright roofline means you never feel like the ceiling is pressing down on you, which is a genuine advantage on long drives. The seats are leather-trimmed with heating up front and in the rear, and ventilated fronts for summer driving. The heated steering wheel rounds out the climate package.
Rear passengers get 39.5 inches of legroom, which is more than the front row. Adults fit comfortably back there on a two-hour drive, and the 40.5 inches of rear headroom means even taller passengers are not ducking. The standard moonroof adds light without cutting into that headroom.
Ride quality is firm. The G-Class rides on a rigid rear axle, and on broken pavement or highway expansion joints, you feel it. It is not punishing, but it is not the floaty luxury ride you get from an air-suspended Range Rover. If a smooth, isolated ride is your top priority, that is worth knowing before you spend $165,000.
Cargo
Behind the second row, the G-Class offers around 35 cubic feet of cargo space. That is enough for two large rolling suitcases and a carry-on, or a medium-sized dog crate for a Labrador. A standard double stroller fits with the seats up, though it will be snug. A large jogging stroller will likely need to go in at an angle.
The rear hatch opens outward on a side-swing hinge rather than lifting up like a traditional liftgate. There is no hands-free option, and the swing requires clearance to the side. That is something to think about in tight parking garages. With hands full of groceries, you will need to set something down to open it.
Max cargo volume with seats folded is not confirmed in available data, but the flat floor is not available in this configuration, which limits how cleanly gear lays out. There is no under-floor storage and no tonneau cover. For a vehicle at this price, the cargo experience is functional rather than thoughtful.
Power and Performance
Two very different powertrains share the same boxy body. The electric G 580 brings an all-electric setup with four motors. The AMG G 63 brings a twin-turbo V8 and a noise level that makes its intentions clear before you even touch the throttle.
Engine Specs
The electric G 580 uses four permanent-magnet synchronous motors, one at each wheel, producing 579 hp and 859 lb-ft of torque. Power routes through a 2-speed automatic transmission, which gives the electric drivetrain a low gear for crawling over obstacles and a high gear for highway efficiency. Full-time all-wheel drive is standard, and the system includes front and rear locking differentials for serious off-road use.
The AMG G 63 runs a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 making 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive. The G 63 also gets locking differentials front, center, and rear. Both powertrains are within 2 hp of each other on paper, but they deliver that power in completely different ways. The electric model hits its full torque instantly, while the V8 builds through the rev range.
Performance Data (0-60)
The electric G 580 reaches 60 mph in around 4.6 seconds — a surprisingly startling number for a vehicle that weighs nearly 5,900 lbs and looks like a refrigerator. That figure translates directly to the driving experience: on a highway on-ramp, the instant torque delivery means the G 580 surges forward the moment you press the pedal, with no waiting for a turbo to spool or a transmission to find the right gear. It just goes.
At around 4.2 seconds to 60 mph, the AMG G 63 is fractionally quicker, though the difference in feel is more significant than the gap in numbers suggests. Under hard acceleration, the V8’s 9-speed automatic hunts for gears as the engine note builds with the speed, giving the experience a more theatrical quality than the electric’s silent surge. That same transmission settles into a tall gear while cruising and keeps things quiet, but push it hard and it drops two or three gears almost immediately.
Neither vehicle feels quick in the way a sports sedan does — the weight is always present, but both will surprise drivers who expect a truck to drive like a truck.
Fuel Economy
The electric G 580 has an EPA-estimated range of up to 239 miles on a full charge, with efficiency ratings of 68 MPGe city and 56 MPGe highway. In cold weather or at sustained highway speeds, real-world range will likely land closer to 190–210 miles. Plan charging stops accordingly on longer trips.
The AMG G 63 returns around 14 MPG city and 16 MPG highway, or about 15 MPG combined. With a 26.4-gallon tank, that works out to roughly 395 miles between fill-ups on the highway. That is less than most family SUVs get from a tank half that size. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, budget for fuel costs that rival a car payment.
Suspension, Braking, and Handling
The G-Class uses double wishbone suspension up front and a rigid rear axle with trailing links in the back. On smooth pavement, the ride is controlled and composed. Hit a pothole or a rough patch of highway and the rear axle transmits more of that impact into the cabin than a fully independent setup would. It is not uncomfortable, but it is honest about what this vehicle is built around.
Four-wheel disc brakes handle stopping duty on both models. Pedal feel is firm and progressive. In a hard stop, the G-Class slows down with authority given its nearly 5,900-lb curb weight. The brakes do not feel grabby or nervous.
Handling is the G-Class’s weakest dynamic trait. The 44.3-foot turning radius means U-turns require planning, and the tall, boxy body rolls noticeably in corners. This is not a vehicle for canyon roads. The AMG G 63 gets stiffer tuning that reduces body roll, but the fundamental geometry does not change. What the suspension does exceptionally well is soak up uneven terrain off-road, where the 9.8 inches of ground clearance and the rigid rear axle become real advantages rather than compromises.
Tech Overview
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 12.3-inch MBUX touchscreen is both responsive and logically laid out, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto eliminate the need for cables and Bluetooth 5.0 keeps phone connections reliably stable. The standout feature of the audio setup is the premium Burmester system, which delivers an immersive sound experience at highway speeds with the windows up. Satellite radio rounds out the package, ensuring uninterrupted listening through areas with spotty streaming coverage.
The approximately 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is crisp and customizable, though one notable gap undermines an otherwise polished setup: there is no head-up display available, meaning your eyes must come off the road to check speed and navigation prompts. At this price, that omission stands out.
Features / Drive Modes
The G-Class offers four drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Individual, and Trail. Comfort softens throttle response and keeps the ride as settled as the suspension allows. Sport sharpens throttle inputs and, on the AMG G 63, opens the exhaust for more sound. Individual lets you mix and match settings. Trail mode adjusts throttle and traction control for low-speed off-road use, working alongside the locking differentials to keep the vehicle moving on loose or uneven surfaces.
Adaptive cruise control is standard and handles highway speed maintenance smoothly. The driver attention monitor watches for signs of fatigue and prompts a break when it detects irregular steering patterns. Traffic sign recognition reads posted speed limits and displays them in the cluster.
Safety Capabilities
The 2027 G-Class has not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA as of this writing. That is not unusual for a low-volume luxury vehicle, but it does mean buyers cannot lean on crash test scores the way they can with mainstream SUVs.
Safety Ratings
Neither IIHS nor NHTSA has published ratings for the 2027 G-Class. This model line debuted for the 2019 model year and picked up a significant refresh for 2025, and low-volume luxury vehicles often go unrated for extended periods. Mercedes’ structural engineering on the G-Class is built around a ladder-frame body with reinforced door pillars and a high seating position, but without published test results, there is no independent data to point to. Buyers who prioritize crash test scores should factor this gap into their decision.
Safety Features
Eight airbags cover the cabin, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags. The knee airbags protect the driver and front passenger in a frontal impact by limiting lower-body movement. Curtain airbags run the length of the roofline and deploy in side impacts or rollovers to protect all rows. ABS prevents wheel lockup during hard braking, and electronic stability control monitors the vehicle’s path and applies individual brakes to keep it on course. Traction control works alongside the stability system to limit wheel spin on slippery surfaces.
Driver Assists
Adaptive cruise control maintains a set following distance and slows the G-Class in traffic without requiring constant brake input. Automatic emergency braking engages when the system detects an imminent collision and the driver has not responded. Pedestrian detection adds a layer of protection in urban environments where foot traffic is unpredictable. Lane keeping assist applies gentle steering corrections when the vehicle drifts toward a lane line without a turn signal. Lane departure warning provides an earlier alert before the assist system intervenes. The driver attention monitor tracks steering behavior and prompts rest breaks when patterns suggest fatigue. It is useful on long highway stretches.
Additional Safety Features
Blind-spot monitoring watches the rear quarters and lights up a warning in the mirror when a vehicle enters the zone you cannot see. On a vehicle this wide, that system earns its keep during lane changes on a busy highway. Rear cross-traffic alert covers the backup scenario, warning when cross traffic approaches while you are reversing out of a parking space. Front and rear parking sensors give audible distance feedback in tight spots. A rearview camera is standard.
Trim Guide
The 2027 G-Class comes in two models that share a body and almost nothing else. One is electric, one is a V8. The decision between them is less about features and more about what kind of driving experience you are paying for.
Trim and Price
The G 580 with EQ Technology starts around $165,100. It is the electric model, powered by four permanent-magnet motors producing 579 hp and 859 lb-ft of torque through a 2-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 12.3-inch MBUX touchscreen, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, the Burmester 3D Surround Sound system, wireless charging, a moonroof, and front and rear locking differentials. This electric G-Class is a single-trim model, so there are no packages to navigate. What you see is what you get.
The EPA estimates up to 239 miles of range, which is workable for daily driving and shorter road trips but will require planning on longer routes. The 2-speed transmission gives the electric drivetrain a dedicated low-range gear for off-road use, which is not something most electric SUVs offer. If you want a G-Class that can do trail work without stopping for gas, this is the one.
The AMG G 63’s MSRP is not confirmed in available data, but expect it to land meaningfully above the electric model based on historical pricing. It carries the same interior package, leather, the Burmester audio setup, wireless charging, moonroof, and heated and ventilated front seats, but swaps the electric powertrain for a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 making 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque through a 9-speed automatic. Towing capacity goes up to 7,716 lbs, versus 7,000 lbs on the electric G 580. The AMG also gets its own suspension tuning and exhaust note.
Our pick is the G 580 with EQ Technology. The instant torque delivery, the zero tailpipe emissions, and the purpose-built off-road hardware make it the more interesting vehicle to own day-to-day. The AMG G 63 is the right choice if the V8 sound and feel are what you are after, and that is a completely legitimate reason to choose it. But if you are buying a G-Class primarily as a daily driver with occasional trail use, the electric model covers that ground and then some.
Warranty and Maintenance Information
The 2027 G-Class is covered by Mercedes-Benz’s standard 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. Historically, Mercedes has also offered a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty, with 1 year of complimentary maintenance and roadside assistance. Buyers should confirm current terms directly with a Mercedes-Benz dealer, as coverage details can change between model years and may vary by region.