When it comes to luxurious SUVs, there are many to choose from with various price tags. However, most depreciate significantly over time. But one offers too much to lose its value, and that’s the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, aka the G-Wagen. 

According to U.S. News, the G-Class is a winner among the most luxurious SUVs of 2021. So, what’s so great about it, and is it competitively priced?

What does U.S. News love about the Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

The G-Wagen is built to be a beast at off-roading. With that, it has a cushioned ride, plenty of driver’s assistance features, supportive seats with spacious head and legroom, and an interior that’s better than pretty much all of its rivals. 

U.S. News gives the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class an overall score of 8.2 out of 10, and the review site rated it a 7.9 out of 10 for its plush, luxurious interior. It comes with one of two engine options. The G 550 and AMG 63 pack a 4.0-liter V8. The base model’s engine produces 416 hp, while the more powerful models harness an impressive 577 hp. 

With its standard four-wheel drivetrain, the G-Wagen can traverse all types of road surfaces. It also helps that it has 9.5 inches of ground clearance. Add its three locking differentials, and you have one rock-crawling brute of an SUV. 

How does the Mercedes-Benz G-Class compare when it comes to price?

The base-model G 550 starts at $130,750. Yes, you read that right — the base model costs well over a hundred grand. The AMG G 63 is even more expensive at $156,450. While the G-Class offers supreme luxury for the interior, it doesn’t come cheap. Here’s what you get for these prices: 

The G 550 provides an infotainment system with a 12.3-inch display screen and a touchpad controller. You also get a 12.3-inch digital driver display, navigational system, 15-speaker Burmester surround-sound stereo, HD and satellite radio, and two USB ports. 

Safety features include pre-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, rearview camera, and traffic sign recognition. 

The AMG G 63 offers all of that plus a few more features. You also get wireless device charging, a sport-tuned suspension, off-road drive modes, and high-performance braking with this trim. 

Why this luxury SUV isn’t so practical

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class a luxurious, top-notch SUV offering more standard features than most other rivals. It would seem that it offers everything you would love in an off-roader, except one thing: the sticker price.

It’s not only expensive but also over-the-top when considering both trims start at over $100,000. The other drawbacks that U.S. News’ testers noted were the resistance they felt in the steering when driving at low speeds and the size of the cargo area, which is smaller than what most of its rivals offer. 

Another disappointing feature is its fuel economy. SUVs of this size are expected to have below-average EPA ratings, but the G-Class gets only about 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. Rivals offer a bit more than that. To top it off, it required premium fuel, the most expensive at the pumps. 

While the G-Wagen has much to offer at a high price, it does have another thing going for it. Its ability to retain its resale value makes spending over $100,000 less painful. 

Related: How Reliable Is the Mercedes G-Class?