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Mercedes-Benz G 550: Updated for that ultra-luxe military feel

2025 Mercedes-Benz G 550.

 

 

If military chic is your type of off-roader and you're willing to shell out the cash for it, the all-new Mercedes-Benz G 550 is a capable and comfortable choice. Its new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 443 hp and 413 lb-ft and comes with a 48-V integrated starter generator that provides support at lower engine speeds with an additional 20 hp and 148 lb-ft. Its classy box shape has gotten some aero touches, and inside it's a real winner.

The G 550 will come in six trims: Base (G550), Exclusive, Manufaktur, Exclusive Plus, Manufaktur Plus, and G Professional. There are tons of options for personalization and add-ons for off-roading (Mercedes says there "are over a million"), so the already pretty steep starting price of an estimated $150,000 can climb quickly. The MANUFAKTUR range enables extensive personalization for G-Class owners with exclusive paint colors, as well as exterior and interior elements like spare wheel ring, seat trim, decorative stitching, instrument panel, and much more. When choosing exclusive color combinations, individual contrasts and materials, the possibilities are nearly endless. The top-of-the-line G Professional should start around $175,000.

The off-road icon features a proven ladder-frame design, three mechanical differential locks, LOW RANGE off-road gear reduction, solid rear axle, and independent front suspension. High ground clearance and long-travel suspension form the basis for the off-road prowess of the all-new G-Class.

The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with torque converter is specially adapted to the needs of the G 550. The wide spread of gear ratios makes driving comfortable and quiet, especially at low engine speeds, while also optimizing efficiency. Three speed sensors allow for what is known as "skip shifting," in which -- depending on the driving situation -- several gears are skipped. The shift behavior changes based on the preselected DYNAMIC SELECT drive program. Drivers can also manually control gear changes using the DIRECT SELECT shift paddles on the steering wheel. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are fitted standard, while other new wheel designs in 18- to 20-in. sizes are optionally available.

The transfer case is configured so that 40% of the drive torque is transferred to the front axle and 60% to the rear axle. Permanent all-wheel drive ensures excellent traction. The off-road gear reduction significantly increases torque at the wheels during off-road driving. The intelligent multi-plate clutch ensures excellent maneuverability. It behaves like an automatically controlled limited slip differential and regulates the vehicle's behavior while driving. It switches to a fixed lock with 100% locking effect when the switch for the center differential lock is actuated. The locks on the front and rear differentials are designed as normal differential locks with 100% locking effect. These operate electromechanically and are fully networked.

The suspension on the new G 550 features adaptive adjustable damping as standard for even more control during on- and off-road driving. The dampers better compensate for uneven road surfaces or terrain and withstand significantly greater damping forces than passive dampers. With roll and pitch stabilization, the system continuously regulates the damper characteristics depending on the driving situation and automatically reduces body movements. Various components of the adaptive adjustable dampers are designed to withstand extreme off-road conditions such as surging water, mud, and dirt.

Electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering, which requires less energy than a hydraulically assisted system, is also equipped standard. Brake discs of 13.9 x 1.2-in. are fitted on the front axle of the G 550. At the rear, 13.6 x 0.9-in. discs are utilized. An electric parking brake is fitted standard.

The G 550 features 9.5 in. of ground clearance between the axles, a max fording depth of 27.6 in., high stability on lateral slopes of up to 35 degrees, and a 31-degree approach angle and 30-degree departure angle (without tow hitch). Towing capacity is an impressive 7,716 lb.

Neat new technology includes the redesigned off-road control unit that takes drivers directly to the new OFFROAD COCKPIT. This provides an overview of the most relevant information for off-road driving in both the driver and central multimedia displays: vehicle positioning, compass, altitude, steering angle, tire pressure and temperature, as well as the status of the differential locks. Content is displayed in various tiles, which can be changed using the direction arrows or by swiping. There are also buttons for quick access to vehicle functions relevant to off-road driving.

The "Transparent Hood" is another cool feature. It can be selected via the off-road menu in the central display. In conjunction with the 360-degree camera, it provides a virtual view of under the front of the vehicle to enable the driver to better recognize obstacles in the vehicle's path. The function also helps the driver to properly assess crests, embankments, and depressions that may no longer be visible through the windshield if the angle is too steep.

Most of the exterior design changes have been made because the G 550 will also be offered as an all-electric vehicle in the near future. The designers have done a good job of tweaking the iconic boxy silhouette with subtle changes that will also benefit the EV version but retain the vehicle's iconic shape. These include: new A-pillar trim, a spoiler lip on the roof edge, new insulation materials, distinctive door handles and exterior protective trim, a new radiator grille design that incorporates four horizontal louvers, a front bumper that features a new air inlet grille design with a rounded square pattern, and a redesigned rear bumper.

With the Exclusive Interior Package, customers can enhance the luxurious atmosphere of the G 550. Among other features, it includes an expanded choice of upholstery in Nappa leather. There is also ambient lighting for the air vents and the Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with an illuminated satellite loudspeaker in the headliner. The Exclusive Interior Package Plus further elevates the cabin with the Active Multicontour Seat Plus Package, upholstery in Nappa leather with diamond quilting, as well as other exclusive elements.

Numerous exterior design elements are also reflected in the interior. For example, the climate control vents echo the shape of the round headlights and are now also available with illumination. The grab handle in front of the front passenger seat is still present. Meanwhile, the switches for the three differential locks remain central elements of the redesigned off-road control center, which also offers the option of quick access to the OFFROAD COCKPIT. The latest-generation multifunction steering wheel in Nappa leather with capacitive touch controls is equipped standard. Sixty-four-color ambient lighting and extensive leather upholstery complete the ambience.

The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system with 12.3-in. driver and multimedia displays with touch control is standard on the new G-Class. MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation is also included in the extensive standard equipment. The system superimposes graphical navigation and traffic information onto live images on the central multimedia display to help drivers find their way -- even in complex traffic situations. MBUX also brings intelligent voice assistance capable of dialogue and learning into the all-new G-Class.

Expanded comfort features include climate-controlled cupholders, wireless charging for mobile devices, and the available MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System. KEYLESS-GO is equipped standard on the all-new G-Class, which allows the doors and tailgate to be locked or unlocked simply by pressing the button on the door handle, even when the vehicle key is not in hand. The standard Burmester 3D Surround Sound System offers unrivalled sound quality.

The new Mercedes-Benz G 550 is available with the latest-generation driver assistance and safety systems including: Active Brake Assist, PARKTRONIC with Active Park Assist, standard Parking Package with 360-degree camera, Active Steering Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Route-Based Speed Adaptation. Many more features.

Learn more at mbusa.com/en/future-vehicles/2025-mercedes-benz-g550-and-mercedes-amg-g63.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Published April 2024

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