Described as brand new even though it's technically similar to the second-generation W463, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class for America comes with either six or eight cylinders. Both powerplants are offered in the Old Continent as well, although the G 550 is marketed as the G 500 in Europe.
European customers are further presented with a turbocharged inline-six diesel that American customers will never get. As per the German configurator, the G 450 d sports a 2,989-cc engine with 270 kW (367 ps or 362 hp) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) on tap. Maximum torque is developed from 1,350 to 2,800 rpm.
Seriously impressive numbers for 3.0 liters of displacement, and better numbers than its predecessor. More specifically, the G 450 d offers 36 more ponies and 37 more pound-feet of twist. It also sweetens the deal with a mild-hybrid setup comprising a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter-generator. The hybrid side contributes 20 horsepower and 148 pound-feet (200 Nm) of torque, albeit in short bursts. Otherwise put, it's quite a bit punchier than the old G 400 d.
Fuel economy? On the WLTP's combined test cycle, Merc says that it needs anything between 10 to 8.7 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. In miles per gallon, that would be 23.5/27.0 in the United States and 28.2/32.5 in the United Kingdom. Similar to the gasoline-powered G 500, the G 450 d uses a nine-speed box with a torque converter.
Stepping up to the G 63 means AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G, which is another way of saying 9G-TRONIC with Torque Converter Technology. Gifted with a double de-clutch function, the G 63-specific transmission shouldn't be confused with the MCT version, which is Multi Clutch Technology.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The MCT drops the torque converter in favor of a wet start-off clutch. Not only does this save weight, but it further optimizes the accelerator pedal input response during load changes and when launching. Turning our attention back to the G-Class, we should care to guess how much the G 450 d costs in Germany.
That would be €132,328 before options, a bundle of euros that converts to $142,934 at current exchange rates. The G 500 is €132,328 ($142,902) compared to €189,329 ($204,457) for the G 63. Unfortunately, Mercedes hasn't updated the US configurator with the 2025 model. In any case, look forward to slightly higher prices for the refreshed G-Wagen.
At press time, the 2024 model year Gelandewagen is $143,000 for the G 550 and $179,000 before destination for the G 63. Similar to its forerunner, the newcomer is assembled by contract manufacturer Magna Steyr in Austria. The Graz-based facility also produces the Jaguar E-Pace and I-Pace, BMW Z4, and the Toyota GR Supra.
Given time, Mercedes will bolster the G-Class lineup with the first zero-emission Gelandewagen entitled to wear license plates. Because the all-electric G rides on a modified version of the combustion-engined G, series production is certain to be handled by Magna Steyr as well.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News