MERCEDES-BENZ G 550 ROAD TEST REVIEW 2023: IS IT WORTH IT?

As there is a noticeable difference between the interior of the current model and the interior of previous models. There is a more ergonomic design in the new generation so that your knees are not twisted up in the instrument cluster and center console, which was the case in the previous generation. There is the possibility of wearing your tallest hat on the top of the high roof, regardless of your own superhuman (or not-so-superhuman) height. This results in a steering wheel that is not placed in an awkward position due to the large space available in the interior. There is also more room in the rear seat compared to other SUV models with a similar price tag and size, though there is still less legroom in comparison with other SUV models with a comparable price tag and size.

Although it has a better driving position, the G retains its trademark high seating position and low sills, which enables the driver to see every corner of the vehicle. The main reason people buy SUVs is to enjoy the "commanding view of the road," and there is no SUV with a more commanding view of the road than the G.  It is true that the front seats themselves have many adjustment options available, but they are oddly firm, which can make long drives tiring since the front seats are so stiff. In terms of cargo space, there is also plenty of room, particularly in terms of height, although it is disappointing that the rear seats do not fold flat with the cargo floor, and that there is nowhere to put the privacy cover when it is removed from the vehicle.

It is also worth mentioning that the interior of the product is lavishly decorated with exquisite materials at every point. The dash's signature grab handle is even made from leather and wood, and it is made from the highest quality materials. A modern look is created by the two large screens that are used for the infotainment system and the instruments. Furthermore, there are a number of comfort features that you can choose from, including the massage seats. Despite the fact that this is the "new G", it is still a four-year-old car, which means that in normal car terms, it is close to the end of its life cycle, although this is the "new G." Due to the fact that it is a four-year-old car, it is beginning to show its age. The vehicle is still equipped with an infotainment system and controller that are at least a generation old. This is due to the fact that the system is controlled primarily by a control knob located in the center console, and the graphics can be seen to be at least three generations old as well.

Although this may not seem to be a bad thing, it does run a little slower when compared to the latest model, and with such layered menus, it may take a little while to navigate when compared to the latest model. Fortunately, Mercedes has not replaced the convenient physical controls for the climate control and sound system, which is a good development. Aside from the fact that there is still the old steering wheel with physical controls rather than the new one with touch-sensitive buttons, it is even more appreciated that the old steering wheel still has physical controls. In some situations, it can be beneficial to be a little behind the times when it comes to technology.

As Its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine is a clear highlight of the driving experience. An eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive are paired with the engine's power output of 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Although the numbers are good, acceleration is not great, and it is also not exciting, apart from the low, rumbly exhaust note that might intimidate you. In terms of luxury SUVs, it feels pretty typical. While it may sound ridiculous, the AMG does make a convincing case if you are looking for something that will be able to move faster in a straight line. However, if you plan on using the G for off-roading, it does not have the AMG's side pipes or low-profile tires that counteract the monster capabilities of a G's low-range gearing, and front, center, and rear differential locks.

Despite drastic improvements over the previous generation, handling is still unimpressive by modern standards. When you reach around 50 mph, it starts to feel sketchy in corners instead of being a little sketchy at around 30 mph. Due to its height and top-heavy design, it will scare you for all the wrong reasons. The feature may serve as a safety precaution. System warnings will prevent you from making a costly mistake. Furthermore, the steering is remarkably heavy, which is fitting for such a heavy truck, but it does increase the effort required to drive around town. There might be a point after a few dozen parking lot battles when it gets boring.

So There is a trade-off between the ride quality and mediocre handling, although the ride quality isn't cushy-soft. There's a lot of stiffness to it. Compared to an AMG sports car, this is bumpier than any Mercedes. This product has excellent build quality, so rattles and creaks are not a problem. It isn't surprising that wind noise creeps in during highway speeds, since brick walls have an aerodynamic profile.

The G-Class's drawbacks are part of what makes it so appealing to enthusiasts. Despite not being considered "good," it is necessary for the system's operation. Even with its impressive improvements, the G-Class does not feel like a modern pickup truck due to these "issues." BMW offers posh interiors, robust build quality, and a vintage look and feels that no other automaker can match. The G-Class can only be recreated through resto-mods, and a wide network of dealers offers it. There are objectively better vehicles, and I believe one of these would be a wiser acquisition. In the case of a G-Class, however, nothing else will suffice.

By Rashmi Goel