The 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Glass is back without any significant changes after last year's complete redesign.
Few vehicles have such an iconic shape such that any change will undoubtedly bring criticism for going soft or having lost its way. After the biggest redesign in the G-Class' storied history, the design is no longer one based on military roots, but, rather, heritage.
The G-Class is available in two trims: G 550 and AMG G 63. Pricing starts at $131,895 including destination for the G 550 and climbs to $157,445 for the AMG G 63.
The G 550 comes with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, while the AMG G 63 gets a more powerful, handcrafted version of that engine.
| Engine Type | Trim Level | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
| 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 | G 550 | 416 hp | 450 lb-ft | 14 mpg |
| 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 | AMG G 63 | 577 hp | 627 lb-ft | 14 mpg |
Power is routed through a nine-speed automatic transmission to a permanent all-wheel-drive system. The G 550 is capable of towing up to 7,000, while the AMG variant has a 6,500-pound towing capacity.
The power, boxy shape, and heavy curb weight yield some expectedly low fuel economy figures, but the large 26.4-gallon fuel tank helps minimize the frequency of trips to the gas station.
The G-Class has seating for five passengers and offers a reasonable 39.5 inches of rear leg room. Its solid rear axle eats into cargo room, leaving just 38.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat. This expands to 68.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded flat.
The G-Class is fully equipped with passive and active safety equipment. Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver attention monitor, speed limit assist, an automated parking system, and automatic high beams are standard.
It also prepares itself and passengers for a collision by tightening the seat belts and emitting a specific frequency through the speakers in case of an imminent collision. Should one occur, the vehicle will automatically notify emergency services.
The AMG G 63 also comes with a surround-view camera system.
Inside, the G-Class is without a doubt a modern SUV. A 12.3-inch display screen runs across the dash to display Mercedes' latest infotainment and navigation systems, which are operated by a remote touchpad controller.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, two USB ports, and a 15-speaker Burmester audio system are included.
As one would expect, the G 550 is dressed to impress. A sunroof, LED exterior lighting, adaptive headlights, 19-inch wheels, acoustic-laminated glass, and auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors are examples of high-dollar content.
Proximity entry and the stainless steel running boards welcome passengers to the interior that's draped in leather. Heated front and rear seats, 10-way power front seats with three-position memory, a heated windshield, a three-zone climate control system with air purification, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are just the beginning of what it has to offer.
Buyers can up the luxury quotient with the Seat Comfort Package ($2,220), which bundles ventilated front seats, rapid front seat heating, and massage-capable front seats, or the Exclusive Interior Package ($5,000), which includes Nappa leather upholstery, a suede-like DINAMICA headliner, a frameless rearview mirror, and more.
The AMG G 63 includes the more powerful engine, a performance exhaust system, an adaptive damping suspension that's off-road optimized, a high-performance braking system, and 20-inch wheels. The interior now includes Nappa leather seating, the DINAMICA headliner, and the surround-view camera system.
If you want to explore where the pavement ends, the AMG Trial Package ($3,000) includes a suspension that's tuned for off-roading, rear mud flaps, a black front underguard, all-season floor mats, and 20-inch black wheels.
The 2020 Mercedes G-Class attempts to straddle the widely varying customer bases that demand peerless off-road capability and the level of luxury and road manners expected of a high-priced Mercedes-Benz. We're just fine sticking with the base model, as it provides more than enough luxury, unless you truly want to take your G-Class off-road.
