There is perhaps no better demonstration of flagrant excess than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV, a boxy truck that debuted around 1980 as something of a German response to the Land Rover vehicles of the day. Over time, it morphed into a staple vehicle of the high-roller lifestyle, a symbol of wealth and I-could-go-anywhere-I-want, even if that ends up being Vancouver's Robson Street or Rue Sainte-Catherine in Montreal on a Saturday night.
For 2018, all that changes for this fancy, formidable utility is the full adoption of new names for some high-tech features, a transition that began midway through the previous model year.
Therefore, the G-Class remains available as the G 550, AMG-tuned G 63 and G65 models, and the outrageously capable G 550 4x2 squared off-roader.
Both G 550 models share a 4.0L turbo V8 engine that makes 416 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. The G 63 gets a 5.5L turbo V8 good for 563 hp and 560 lb-ft and the G65 uses a 6.0L V12 that cranks out 621 hp and 738 lb-ft. A seven-speed automatic and permanent AWD is standard with all engines.
G 550 models come standard with 19-inch wheels, LED daytime daytime running lights, fog lights with cornering function, ambient lighting, leather-trimmed seats and dash, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rears, smartphone integration, 14-speaker stereo, blind spot assist, park assist, backup camera, radar cruise control, low-range off-road gearing, heated windshield and locking differentials.
Notable options include a heated steering wheel (notable because you have to pay extra for it here), adjustable damping and a rear-seat entertainment system that gives lets rear seat passengers watch two different DVDs.
The G 63 brings 20-inch wheels, power-folding side mirrors, sport exhaust and red brake calipers.
G 65 trim adds 21-inch wheels and a stainless steel body underguard.
The G 550 4x4 Squared uses light-alloy 22-inch wheels, sport seats, three locking differentials, bi-xenon headlights, carbon fibre trim inside and out and portal axles that allow a wild amount of ground clearance.
Despite the current popularity of SUVs, the G-Class faces very little competition. Land Rover's Range Rover is just about as capable off-road but is tailored more toward on-road refinement, so the closest things you'll find are weird boutique SUVs that cost even more than the 4x4 Squared's $300,000 price tag.
Fuel economy is not a strength here, unsurprisingly: the G-Class's best estimates are for the G550, at 19.0/16.6 L/100 km (city/highway), figures that rise to 20.0/16.6 for the G 63 and 22.2/18.0 in the G 65.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
