2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz’s 2025 G-Class is a full-size SUV with two models starting at $148,250 and $161,500, respectively. These distinct grades are the 2025 G 550 and the G 580 with EQ Technology, which primarily differ in their powertrains and capabilities. The G 550 contains an internal combustion engine (ICE), while the G 580 with EQ Technology features an all-electric powertrain.

MotoPickers Rating: 9.2/10

This luxury SUV marks the start of its nameplate’s next generation with a new twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, the all-new electric G580 featuring a quad-motor drivetrain, and a touchscreen with the freshly-added MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), which we’ll explore in more detail during our review’s technology section.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class maintains its signature boxy exterior for 2025, which dates back to 1979. Still, its performance dynamics have progressed a long way in recent years, giving drivers a balance of traditional design and modern driving capabilities. G-Class vehicles before the significant redesign in 2019 offered exterior flair but didn’t necessarily drive well.

Now, robust engines, quality off-roading, and luxurious design inside and out are the norm for an ideal balance of form and function. However, this balance comes at a premium, as primary competitors are priced significantly lower. Lexus LX 600 starts at $134,490 for its peak Ultra Luxury trim. BMW’s 2025 iX M60 holds a base price tag of $111,500, and Rivian’s R1S starts at $105,900 for its most expensive Ascend grade.

There’s also the high-performance Mercedes-AMG G 63, but we’ll review that model differently since it’s an AMG performance division variant. While we’ll be comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class with the 2025 iX M60, we’re including this high-performance BMW variant since it’s priced well below the G-Class.

Check out the rest of our review below to see whether the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class justifies its eye-watering price tag.

Exterior spotlight

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 550 and G 580 have nearly identical exteriors, the primary difference being color choices. Wheels measure 18” to 19” and come with a twin 5-spoke or 10-spoke pattern, while optional MANUFAKTUR presents additional exterior customization opportunities.

Standard colors for the G 550 include:

• Obsidian Black metallic
• Polar White
• Magnetite Black metallic
• Rubellite Red metallic
• Iridium Silver metallic
• Mojave Silver metallic
• Twilight Blue metallic
• Brilliant Blue metallic
• Indium Grey metallic
• Emerald Green metallic
• Selenite Grey metallic

MANUFAKTUR colors consist of:

• MANUFAKTUR Sun Yellow
• MANUFAKTUR Graphite metallic
• MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White metallic
• MANUFAKTUR Cardinal Red metallic
• MANUFAKTUR Platinum Magno (matte)
• MANUFAKTUR Night Black Magno (matte)
• MANUFAKTUR Arabian Grey
• MANUFAKTUR Deep Green
• MANUFAKTUR Midnight Blue
• MANUFAKTUR China Blue
• MANUFAKTUR Sea Blue metallic
• MANUFAKTUR South Sea Blue metallic
• MANUFAKTUR Olive metallic
• MANUFAKTUR Desert Silver metallic
• MANUFAKTUR Monza Grey Magno (matte)
• MANUFAKTUR Dark Olive Magno (matte)
• MANUFAKTUR Dakota Brown Magno (matte)
• MANUFAKTUR Kalahari Gold Magno (matte)
• MANUFAKTUR Sintered Bronze Magno (matte)

The electric G 580’s exterior color options are far more limited at:

• Obsidian Black metallic
• MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White metallic
• MANUFAKTUR Arabian Grey
• MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Magno (matte)
• MANUFAKTUR South Sea Blue Magno (matte)

Additional exterior MANUFAKTUR features include G-embossed door buttons and side mirrors projecting G lettering and “stronger than time” onto the pavement.

Drivers looking to emphasize the 2025 G-Class’ outside trim can select the available Professional line package, which colors the bumpers, side sills, fender flares, front Star, and grille bars with gloss (white) or Magno matte black coloring, depending on the primary shade. Exterior design changes from last year are subtle, with larger front air intakes representing the most noticeable tweak.

Lexus’ LX 600 and Rivian’s R1T have less dramatic front grilles for a more refined appearance. The BMW iX M60’s front is more eye-catching, but not necessarily in a good way, as it contains the highly controversial vertical kidney grille.

Interior close-up

This Mercedes-Benz’s interior personifies luxury with standard features and customization going above and beyond. At the same time, additions like wireless charging and heated/cooling cup holders enhance the cabin’s practicality for daily driving. The interior seats up to five passengers with hand-stitched Nappa leather matte silver trim on the steering wheel’s spokes, setting the tone.

You’ll also find contrasting Nappa leather or available MANUFAKTUR genuine leather thread:

• Bordering the velour-carpeted floor mats
• Topstitching the seats
• Surrounding the upper and lower dashboard
• Encircling the doors and cargo door trim

Mercedes-Benz accentuates the seats’ supportive inserts, upper door trim, lower-dash knee bolsters, and cargo door trim with diamond stitching, forming a more dynamic appearance. Additional MANUFAKTUR interior options include but aren’t limited to single- or two-tone leathers, silver seat belts, and cherry wood trim lining the cargo floor.

There’s also Natural Grain Walnut wood, Grey Oak wood, Natural Grain Black-flamed Ash wood, or Light Brown Sen wood trim on areas like the piano black center console, dashboard grab handle, and doors. Mercedes-Benz equips this cabin with a microfiber headliner mimicking suede. Primary interior colors are black, but Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey Nappa leather is also optional.

The 2025 G-Class cabin benefits from the refined appearance of a frameless mirror since there are many rich design elements coming together, but Mercedes-Benz does an excellent job balancing these features so they are not overwhelming. Cargo capacity behind the second-row seats measures a competitive 37.3-38.1 cubic feet (cu. ft.).

Ultimately, the 2025 Lexus LX 600, BMW iX M60, and Rivian R1S all fall short of this G-Class’ luxury via handcrafted materials and MANUFAKTUR customization options. However, on a more practical level, Lexus’ LX 600 and Rivian’s R1S offer more cargo capacity behind their second rows at 41 cu. ft. and 41.6 cu. ft., respectively.

Power and performance

G 550 SUV

The all-wheel drive (AWD) 2025 G 550 produces 443 horsepower and 413 lb.-ft. of torque, translating to a 0-60 MPH time of 5.3 seconds. These specs stem from a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine with hybrid assist and an electronic auxiliary compressor— a component optimizing power and hybrid performance. The transmission is a nine-speed automatic, and fuel economy registers at 17 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway.

While the 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine is designed for greater peak power and efficiency than the now-retired biturbo V8, the previous motor delivered a more satisfying sound. The new engine uses direct-injection and multi-spark ignition technology, which more precisely measures the individual needs of each cylinder’s combustion cycle and fires the fuel mixture multiple times in one cycle.

Off-road performance benefits from three-lockable differentials that are controllable via dashboard buttons, adjusting torque and traction for varying situations. Drivers get a quality 9.5” ground clearance with this full-size luxury SUV and an equally strong water-fording depth rating of 27.5”.

The 2025 G-Class’ six drive modes include Eco, Comfort, Sport, Trail, Rock, and Sand. These drive modes alter settings like suspension and throttle response to match their corresponding name with a distinct ride feel. This Mercedes-Benz’s towing capacity is good for up to 7,716 lbs.

G 580 with EQ Technology SUV

A 2025 G 580 offers more power with 579 horsepower and 859 lb.-ft. of torque, forming a 4.6-second 0-60 MPH time. This all-electric vehicle boasts four permanently synchronous motors and regenerative braking adjustability via steering wheel patterns.

Level 3 DC fast-charging will power the G 580’s battery from 10% to 80% in around a half hour, but the EPA-estimated electric range does trail competitors at 239 miles. Comparatively, BMW’s iX M60 provides a 288-mile range, while Rivian’s R1S offers 258-410 miles per charge, depending on the selected trim level.

Technology overview

The 2025 G-Class contains dual front displays for the driver information center and an infotainment screen—measuring 12.3” each. While Mercedes-Benz gives drivers the ability to operate the central infotainment screen with input methods separate from direct screen touch, like the console touchpad and touch steering wheel controls, the fact that all these features are touch-activated may dissuade potential buyers seeking a more tactile driving experience. There’s also voice command compatibility.

This luxury SUV’s 760-watt sound system, which links with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is equipped with 18 speakers, including 3D surround speakers. Navigation is also highly capable with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which uses a forward-facing camera to project live views of your environment on the center display. These views are overlaid with markers like arrows and street names for more organic directions.

MB Navigation can also automatically slow down the 2025 G-Class using its map database to prepare for situations like handling curves, traffic circles, and highway exits. Those who select the electric G 580 can use the G-ROAR feature to simulate the sounds of a gas-powered vehicle and add unique audio to other instances, like the start of a charging session.

Regarding competitor displays, the 2025 Lexus LX 600 matches the G-Class’ primary display size at 12.3” but falls short with its 8” digital driver screen. However, this Lexus also offers a secondary display for climate and vehicle controls for more versatility. BMW’s 2025 iX M60 exceeds the G-Class with a 12.3” digital instrument cluster and 14.9” central display. Rivian’s R1S is the most competitive, with a 12.3” digital instrument cluster, a 15.6” central touchscreen, and a 6.8” touchscreen in the second row for rear passenger climate controls.

Safety capabilities

Neither the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) nor the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) have yet rated the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class’ passenger crash protection capabilities. Still, the NHTSA gave last year’s G-Class its organization’s highest rating of five stars.

Noteworthy standard safety features within the 2025 G-Class include but aren’t limited to:

• Active Brake Assist
• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
• Active Steering Assist
• Traffic Sign Assist
• Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Surround View System
• Adaptive (auto on/off) Highbeam Assist

Active Brake Assist provides automatic braking when detecting an impending collision with another car, an obstacle, or a crossing pedestrian. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is essentially automatic cruise control, which keeps you at a preset distance from the vehicle you’re following while matching the flow of traffic via automatic acceleration and braking.

This automatic cruise control system differentiates itself from less-capable versions with its ability to automatically resume acceleration after a full stop under 30 seconds or a tap of the accelerator or cruise control button. Active Steering Assist functions when Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is active by detecting and helping drivers evade obstacles like guardrails or other vehicles. This feature can also follow a car when no clear lane markings are present.

Traffic Sign Assist relays information like posted speed limits, while Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist warns of hazards with audible and visual alerts. Active Lane Keeping Assist vibrates the steering wheel and activates individual brakes to guide a drifting G-Class back into its lane markings, and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist automatically steers and brakes to aid in parallel and perpendicular parking situations.

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert includes automatic emergency braking in addition to audible and visual alerts of oncoming cars, and the Surround View System gives you a more thorough sense of your immediate surroundings.

Final verdict

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is an exceptional SUV—but are the G 550 and G 580 models worth their high price tags? We think so, especially with its more aerodynamic profile, the addition of an all-electric version, and the fresh inclusion of the MBUX for the infotainment dashboard. There’s also an optional rear entertainment system with dual 11.6” displays, extensive customization options via MANUFAKTUR packages, and an interior that’s about the epitome of luxury.

Between the G 550 and the G 580, we recommend the G 580 since its all-electric powertrain offers more horsepower, torque, and efficiency. While its range isn’t as high as competitors like Rivian’s R1S, it’s more than enough to meet the average driver’s needs, and the MBUX system makes locating charging opportunities easy for those suffering from range anxiety.

While the NHTSA hasn’t yet reviewed the 2025 G-Class, we expect its rating to match last year’s five-star grade, as this Mercedes-Benz is equipped with just about every high-tech driver-assist feature you could want. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets a 9.2/10 rating with its ability to check all the right boxes of a modern luxury SUV while honoring its traditional design, which is a favorite among auto enthusiasts.