The original Mercedes-Benz G-Class endured for four decades, receiving multiple updates over the years to keep it fresh before a complete redesign for the 2019 model year. It’s not clear how long Mercedes plans to keep the current second-generation G-Class on the shelf before giving it a new design, but the automaker will at least give the vehicle updates at regular intervals, similar to the Predecessor.
The first of these updates were revealed on Monday and affect both the regular G-Class and AMG’s high-performance G 63. The updated range will be introduced in the US for the 2025 model year and will be available in showrooms in the second half of the year, Mercedes said. Pricing information will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
For the USA, Mercedes will continue to offer the G-Class exclusively in the G550 and G 63 versions. For the G550, the current 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 has been replaced with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that produces 443 horsepower, 27 horsepower more than the V8. Mercedes also claims improved responsiveness and better fuel economy, although no EPA mileage estimates have been released. A standard 48-volt mild hybrid system helps to increase efficiency and can also provide an additional power boost of 20 hp in high-load situations.
The G 63 still has a 4.0-liter V8 with two turbochargers and an output of 577 hp. Here too, efficiency is improved by using the 48-volt mild hybrid system. The AMG is the right choice when performance is a must. Mercedes quotes the vehicle as having a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a limited top speed of 137 mph.
2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63
2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63
2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63
For handling, the G 63 can be upgraded with a new AMG Active Ride Control suspension option that adds hydraulic roll stabilization and adaptive dampers. Not only does it improve on-road performance, off-road driving also gets a boost thanks to the improved wheel articulation. The feature is part of the available AMG Off-Road PRO package, which adds two additional off-road driving modes.
Inside, the basic design and layout of the dashboard remains the same, but there are new details, such as the air vent controls, which are now available with lighting. A new steering wheel design with capacitive touch controls is standard, and the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen are both 12.3 inches as standard.
Mercedes has also added the so-called off-road cockpit. This provides an overview of the most important information for off-road driving in both the instrument cluster and the infotainment screen. This includes vehicle positioning, compass, altitude, steering angle, tire pressure and temperature, and the status of the three differential locks. It also features a new transparent hood feature that relies on the surround view camera system to provide a view of what’s under the engine compartment. This can be useful when driving off-road, but also when crossing difficult curbs.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G550)
2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G550)
2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G550)
Visual changes to the exterior are hard to spot, but Mercedes said there is a new grille design and revised dashboards front and rear. Some of the changes are aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency and have been developed for an electric G-Class that should come onto the market later this year, probably as a 2025 model. A special aerodynamic feature is the new spoiler on the edge of the roof. New cladding on the A-pillars in combination with additional insulation material also contributes to improving the noise level, says Mercedes.
The planned electric G-Class was presented in 2021 the EQG concept. When unveiling the concept, Mercedes said the production version would match the off-road capability of the petrol-powered G-Class, including the ability to tackle 100 percent gradients in suitable terrain. The vehicle is expected to be equipped with four electric motors and have the ability to perform a tank turn, a maneuver Mercedes calls G-Turn.
At some point Mercedes will do it bring a Baby G-Class onto the market. It is expected to come onto the market later this decade, also with an electric drive.
