My old neighbor worked for MB NA and brought a metallic orange one of those home once, it was a 2017 I think. He let me drive it for about 20 minutes and my biggest take away was that something that big and heavy should not move that fast.
For those who need to conquer the wilds while still bathed in opulence, Mercedes-Benz has offered their G-class wagon since 1979. The line is new for 2018 and, of course, there’s now a high-output AMG version. That’s the one that we sampled.
Some numbers to chew on:
Its handcrafted 4.0-liter biturbo V8 produces 577 horsepower along with 627 lb.-ft. of torque.
That power is sent through AMG’s nine-speed Speedshift TCT 9G transmission.
Its maker claims a zero-to-60 time of 4.4 seconds, nearly a full tick quicker than the previous model.
The new body is 4 inches longer and 4.8 inches wider than the previous one. Cabin space is up as well.
Four side exhausts, two per side.
Base price is $147,500. Ours carried a sticker of $166,095.
Ahh, we finally got to drive a G-Wagen. Introduced way back in 1979, the G—for ‘Gelände’ (cross country vehicle)—Wagen, has been remarkably soldiering on for 40 years. Why? Because people want them, and Mercedes doesn’t have to do much development to keep selling them.
That said, this is not the stripped down, diesel-powered G-Wagen available in Europe, this is the $167,000 AMG twin-turbo V8 G-Wagen, with some 577 horsepower to get you through the rough terrain of Orange County California, or Miami, Florida.
When we first got this garish monstrosity, with its bright Cardinal Red $2300 optional paint and its hideous $4000 22-inch wheels, I was horrified.
What kind of idiot would spend this kind of scratch on something 40-years old. I then got in and started it and as those twin side pipes rumbled to life, my attitude softened.
The air conditioned, heated and massaging seats, with bolsters that dig in and hug you when you go around a corner, really do not suck, unless you are ever tasked with having to pay to fix them.
Honestly, I was embarrassed to drive this thing. I am clearly not their target market. Still I soldiered on, doing 0-60 runs in the four second range, in this short wheelbase, quick steering, pretty damned nice handling, beast monster.
I needed to jump out. Despite all my predispositions, I was falling in love with this stupid thing. Maybe all these ballers and wealthy house wives weren’t as vapid as I had assumed. I am still not sure you want to own and maintain a new G-Wagen, but I am positive you want to borrow one of the weekend.
First, yeah, this one’s a bit gauche for me. Paint it black, lose the chrome hoop around the spare tire carrier, ditch the cow catcher, and then we can talk–maybe. Even so, it’s still a bit cartoony.
Once inside, it’s all standard current AMG–retro looks on the outside married with today’s standard for luxury and performance. The gauges, center stack, steering column and console come right from the S-class AMG–never a bad parts bin to raid.
After firing it up, there’s one thing that must be done: press the button to open up the exhaust. All cars should sound this good. It rumbles nicely at idle and howls under load.
Then the next step: click it into one of the available sport modes.
Third step: turn off the lane assist. In this application, it felt downright dangerous. Step over the line, and the wheel is jerked in the opposite direction with such intensity that you’ll wonder if the car hasn’t lost a wheel or something. It’s that strong.
AMG’s latest products have been exemplary: fast, comfortable and carrying every conceivable luxury. This one’s no different–except that you’re sitting up above traffic. Acceleration is brutal, and the chassis feels responsive.
Does it conquer the dirt? Probably. Would I want to thrash a $166,000 vehicle? That’s between you and your wallet.
Like I’ve said before, I’m a huge fan of this drivetrain. It’s fast. It’s smooth. The nine-speed automatic is perfect. It doesn’t need a clutch.
Just not sure I need/want it in a Jeep-like vehicle. I get that this fits in with the Benz lineup, but right away you know if you need/want this vehicle or not. You don’t need my opinion.
My old neighbor worked for MB NA and brought a metallic orange one of those home once, it was a 2017 I think. He let me drive it for about 20 minutes and my biggest take away was that something that big and heavy should not move that fast.
Aaron_King said:He let me drive it for about 20 minutes and my biggest take away was that something that big and heavy should not move that fast.
That pretty much sums it up. It's like driving a really fast shed.
Coming soon to school pickup lanes and nail salons all over LA!
It's astonishing that Mercedes has managed to take a humble farm vehicle and turn it into one of the most "look at me" rich lady cars out there. Brilliant, really.
These cars are the ultimate status symbols for housewives. Discrete enough that it's not a Bentley or RR, but expensive enough that everyone knows what you're driving, especially other housewives. And like 90% of the ones I see on the street are the AMG version, vs. the non-AMG variants. Because you know, the non-AMG versions would get looked down upon...
Ours moves on pretty good and it’s just the NA G550. I need to drive a newer G63 for comparison.
In reply to bcp2011 :
The right people know. 
In reply to mazdeuce - Seth :
Yeah, right? You don't want to get disinvited to the next week's lunch at the Four Seasons!!
In reply to bcp2011 :
Dude, I HOST that lunch.
I'll drive it every day. Red and everything. berkeley what people think!
The really right Mom’s drive the awd Sprinter passenger van with the ac on the roof.
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