If you've ever seen a car on the road that looks like a military SUV, but is covered in chrome and costs like a small cottage, it was most likely Mercedes-Benz G-Class. This car, popularly nicknamed simply “Gelik", for more than four decades, has remained a symbol of luxury, strength and... paradoxes. After all The G-Class is the only production car that has not only been produced without interruption since 1979, but also sells more expensive every year, despite its outdated design.
In this article we will look at what it is G-Class in fact: why show business stars and politicians love it, what technical features (and flaws) it has, how much it costs today on the primary and secondary markets, and most importantly, is it worth buying this car in 2026. Spoiler: the answer is not as clear-cut as it might seem.
History of the G-Class: from army all-terrain vehicle to status symbol
Origins Mercedes-Benz G-Class go back to 1972, when companies Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch (Austrian manufacturer) signed an agreement to jointly develop an SUV for military and civilian needs. The first prototypes appeared within 5 years, and mass production started in 1979 in Austria. Interesting fact: everything is still G-Class assembled by hand at a factory in the city Graz — no conveyor automation!
Initially the car was created as universal army all-terrain vehicle with a simple and reliable design. The first models (W460) were equipped with 2.4–3.0 liter diesel engines and a manual transmission. But already in the 1980s Mercedes realized that the car had potential in the civilian market - especially among wealthy clients who needed not just transport, but status accessory.
- 📅 1990 — debut of the first “luxury” version G-Class with leather interior and automatic transmission.
- 💎 1999 — appearance of the model G 500 with V8 and all-wheel drive
4MATIC, which became a hit among celebrities. - 🚀 2018 - full update (W463), but maintaining the legendary design. Turbo engines and a 9-speed automatic transmission appeared under the hood.
Today G-Class - this is not so much an SUV as investment asset. For example, rare examples of the 1980s at auctions go for $200–300 thousand, and new cars in top trim levels cost more than Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
Technical characteristics: what's under the hood of Gelika
Despite the external “retro” appearance, modern G-Class (W463, since 2018) is equipped with the latest technology. Basic model G 500 complete with 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (422 hp), which accelerates the car to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. For comparison: the first G-Class 1979 with a 72 hp diesel engine. Spent about 30 seconds on this!
Key technical features:
| Parameter | Mercedes-Benz G 500 (2026) | Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0 V8 biturbo (422 hp) | 4.0 V8 biturbo (585 hp) |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h | 5.9 s | 4.5 s |
| Max. speed | 210 km/h | 220 km/h |
| Transmission | 9G-TRONIC (automatic) | 9G-TRONIC (automatic) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 13.5 l/100 km | 14.3 l/100 km |
All versions G-Class equipped permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC with three differential locks (center + two cross-axle), which makes it one of the most passable serial SUVs. However, there is a nuance here:
⚠️ Attention: Despite the legendary cross-country ability, modern G-Class - this is not an all-terrain vehicle in the classical sense. Due to its huge mass (2.5–2.7 tons), wide wheels and low-profile tires, it loses even Toyota Land Cruiser 70 on serious off-road conditions. His strong point is asphalt and light off-road (gravel, snow, mud).
One more trick - independent front suspension (since 2018), which finally relieved passengers of the feeling that they were riding in a tank. But even here there were some compromises: because of it, the ground clearance (241 mm versus 285 mm for the old model), and approach/departure angles have become less impressive.
Pros and cons of the G-Class: an honest analysis
Let's look at why some are willing to give for G-Class $200 thousand, and others call it an “overvalued monster.”
- ✅ Status. It's not just a car, it's brand. In some circles, ownership G-Class tantamount to membership in a closed club.
- ✅ Build quality. Manual assembly in Austria guarantees the absence of backlashes and squeaks even after 100 thousand km.
- ✅ Passability (within reasonable limits). Three differential locks and all-wheel drive make it reliable in snow and mud.
- ✅ Secondary market. G-Class practically does not lose value. For example, a 2018 model today costs 10–15% less than new, and not 2–3 times cheaper than most cars.
Now about the disadvantages - and there are many of them:
- ❌ Price. Basic G 500 in Russia starts from 18 million rubles (2026), and the top G 63 AMG - from 25 million. For this money you can buy two Land Cruiser 300 or Bentley Bentayga.
- ❌ Fuel consumption. 14–16 liters per 100 km in the city is no joke. For comparison: Toyota LC300 with a hybrid it spends 2 times less.
- ❌ Controllability. Due to the high center of gravity and massive body, at speeds above 120 km/h the car begins to “float”. ESP saves, but the driving experience is far from sporty.
- ❌ Service. Spare parts and maintenance cost 2–3 times more than BMW X5 or Audi Q7. For example, replacing brake pads costs from 150 thousand rubles.
G-Class is not so much a transport as investment in image. If you need a practical SUV, there are dozens of alternatives that are cheaper and more functional.
How much does the G-Class cost in 2026: prices and options
Pricing G-Class - a separate topic for conversation. In Russia, official dealers offer two main versions:
- Mercedes-Benz G 500 — base model with 4.0 V8 (422 hp). Price: from 18,000,000 rub.
- Mercedes-AMG G 63 — “charged” version with the same engine, but boosted to 585 hp. Price: from 25,000,000 rub.
What is included in the basic package G 500 (2026):
- 🎨 Leather interior with electric seats and steering wheel.
- 📱 Multimedia
MBUXwith two 12.3-inch screens. - 🔊 Audio system Burmester (15 speakers).
- 🚙 Adaptive suspension with a choice of driving modes.
For an additional fee you can install:
- 💎 Package Night Package (black finish, 22-inch wheels) - +1,200,000 rub.
- 🛡️ Booking (level B4) - from +3,500,000 rub.
- 🎨 Custom coloring Manufaktur — from +800,000 rub.
On the secondary market, prices start from 12 million rubles for 2018–2019 copies with mileage up to 50 thousand km. However, it is important to be careful here:
⚠️ Attention: There are many on the market G-Class with “twisted” mileage or unofficial modifications (for example, engine chip tuning). Before purchasing, be sure to check the history throughCarVerticalorAutocodeand spend full diagnostics from an official dealer. Pay special attention to:
- 🔧 The condition of the suspension (shock absorbers, silent blocks).
- 🛢️ Oil in the distributor and bridges (changes every 60 thousand km).
- 🔋 Battery (due to the large number of electronics, it runs out quickly).
Alternatives to G-Class: what to choose instead of Gelika
If you like the style G-Class, but are not satisfied with the price or practicality, there are several alternatives:
| Model | Price (from) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe | 10,000,000 rub. | Modern design, better handling, hybrid versions. | Less status, worse cross-country ability. |
| Land Rover Defender | RUB 9,500,000 | More modern platform, better electronics. | Less reliable, holds the price worse. |
| Toyota Land Cruiser 300 | 12,000,000 rub. | Legendary reliability, best cross-country ability. | Boring design, weak dynamics. |
| BMW XM | 15,000,000 rub. | Hybrid V8 (650 hp), futuristic interior. | Too futuristic, not everyone likes it. |
If you need exactly G-Class, but the new one is too expensive, please note restyled models 2018–2020. They are practically not inferior to new ones in terms of equipment, but they cost 20–30% less. The main thing is to check your service history!
Why is the G-Class so expensive to maintain?
The main reasons are manual assembly (parts are not interchangeable with other Mercedes), high duties on spare parts (many are imported from Austria) and design complexity. For example, replacing a front bumper costs 500 thousand rubles due to the need to reprogram sensors.
Who should really buy the G-Class
G-Class — the car is not for everyone. It is ideal if:
- 💼 You are running a business and want to emphasize your status. In some circles G-Class is perceived as "Rolls-Royce among SUVs».
- 🏔️ You need a reliable car for light off-road (dacha, mountains, snow), but not for extreme off-road.
- 💰 You view the car as investment. G-Class practically does not lose in price, and rare specimens (for example, G 65 AMG) become more expensive over time.
- 👨👩👧👦 You have a large family, but you don’t need a minivan. Back row in G-Class more spacious than in BMW X5.
But to whom G-Class doesn't fit:
- 🚗 For those who are looking for an economical car. Even the basic version costs 15–20 thousand rubles per month just for fuel and insurance.
- 🏁 For speed lovers. Despite the powerful engines, the car is heavy and clumsy.
- 🔧 For those who are not ready to spend 300-500 thousand rubles a year on maintenance.
- 🌍 To environmentalists. Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions G-Class some of the worst in the class.
Mileage (the norm is up to 15 thousand km/year)|Service book (official dealer required)|Suspension condition (shock absorbers, silent blocks)|All-wheel drive operation (off-road test)|Electronics (cameras, sensors, multimedia)|
The future of the G-Class: what awaits the legend
Despite the fact that G-Class has long become a “dinosaur” in the world of cars, Mercedes has no plans to curtail its production. Moreover, in 2026 it is expected debut of the electric version - Mercedes-Benz EQG.
What is known about EQG:
- 🔋 Four electric motors (one per wheel) with total power 580–600 hp
- 🔌 Claimed power reserve - 450–500 km (according to the WLTP cycle).
- 💰 Estimated price - from 20–25 million rubles.
- 📅 Start of sales - end of 2026 - beginning of 2026.
However, there are big questions here:
⚠️ Attention: Electric G-Class risks losing its main “trick” - V8 sound and atmosphere. In addition, the weight of the batteries (about 1 ton) will further worsen handling. If it is important to you soul G-Class, it’s better to take a closer look at the gasoline versions before they are discontinued.
There are also rumors about a possible return pickup based on the G-Class (as in the 1980s), but official confirmation from Mercedes not yet.
If you're buying a G-Class for a collection, look out for limited editions like G 63 6x6 (2013–2015) or G 500 4x4². These models are already 2-3 times more expensive than their original price and will only increase in price.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Mercedes-Benz G-Class
🔹 Why is the G-Class so expensive if it has an outdated design?
The price is formed not so much due to technology, but due to brand, handmade and limited edition. For example, body G-Class They are still welded by hand, and many parts are made to order. In addition, demand for the car consistently exceeds supply, especially in the Middle East and Russia.
🔹 Is it possible to drive the G-Class on serious off-road conditions?
Technically, yes, thanks to three differential locks and all-wheel drive. But in practice wide wheels, low ground clearance and massive body make it less passable than Toyota LC70 or Nissan Patrol. For serious off-roading, it is better to choose something lighter and shorter.
🔹 How long does the G-Class engine last?
With proper maintenance 4.0 V8 walks easily 300–400 thousand km without major repairs. The main thing is to change the oil every 10–12 thousand km (despite the official 15 thousand) and monitor the cooling system. Diesel versions (G 350 d) are even more tenacious, but they were almost never brought to Russia.
🔹 What are the most common breakdowns of the G-Class?
Typical problems:
- 🔧 Suspension — shock absorbers and silent blocks wear out every 60–80 thousand km.
- 🛢️ Oil leaks from under the valve cover and oil seals (typical for engines with mileage >100 thousand km).
- 🔋 Electronics — parking sensors and cameras often fail.
- 🔥 Turbines — on biturbo engines they may require replacement after 150 thousand km.
🔹 Is it worth buying a used G-Class?
It is possible, but only if three conditions are met:
- Mileage no more 80–100 thousand km.
- Full service history from an authorized dealer.
- Absence Accidents and repainting (check via
CarVertical).
The best options are 2018-2020 cars with a warranty. Avoid models older than 2015 - they have less reliable electronics.