Mercedes G-Class - Interior, design and technology

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. When it comes to the design of the latest Mercedes G-Class, it’s a case of 'if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it'. The designers knew they had to tread carefully when updating an icon, and so kept the styling makeover to a minimum in order for the latest version to retain all the hallmarks of a G-Class.

From the distinctive door handles to the sound the door makes when it’s closed, the exposed spare wheel on the tailgate to the indicators atop the front wings, the current G-Class looks almost identical to the original. 

Look closer, and you’ll spot a pair of LED headlights, narrower panel gaps, and wheelarches and bumpers that look integral to the car. It’s a more cohesive design – a successful evolution of a much-loved icon, much like what has been achieved with the Land Rover Defender.

As you’d expect from a car with a starting price close to £140,000, the level of specification is high, with 20-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights, Nappa leather, 64-colour ambient interior lighting, heated front and rear seats, three-zone climate control, and a 360-degree camera system all fitted as standard.

The G 63 gains a chrome exterior styling package, an AMG cosmetic makeover, AMG ride control, AMG sports exhausts, privacy glass, AMG sports seats and illuminated door sill panels. The G 63 Manufaktur Edition gets a heated AMG performance steering wheel, an extended leather package and ventilated front seats. The most expensive Magno Edition features more black and carbon-fibre trim pieces on the exterior and interior.

Options include Night and AMG Night cosmetic packs, which give the G-Class a sportier look and in tune with the G’s Hollywood vibe, there are a choice of exterior and interior colours, some of which we think are more tasteful than others.

What is the Mercedes G-Class like inside?

Clamber on board (and remember to give the heavy doors a firm pull, because they need to be slammed to close properly), and you’ll see there’s been a big focus on bringing the G-Class’s tech bang up-to-date with the rest of the Mercedes family. The latest version of the MBUX system is displayed through a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with digital dials appearing in front of the refreshed steering wheel.

The rest of the cabin includes some ‘Easter eggs’ from the car’s off-roading heritage, from the prominent buttons for the three differential locks in the middle of the dashboard, along with the passenger grab handle to steady themselves while traversing undulating terrain. It all combines to create an interior that manages to look delightfully old-fashioned, yet has all the modern features you’d expect of a luxury vehicle.

What is the interior quality like? 

The level of quality inside the G-Class is almost unmatched in this segment to deliver a cabin that’s brimming with class and appeal. Mercedes could have got this so wrong, but thankfully, it didn’t. 

However, the Bentley Bentayga offers an even greater level of customisation of real wood, metal and leather finishes, taking things another step beyond the G-Class. 

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Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The two 12.3-inch infotainment displays are familiar from other Mercedes models and look perfectly at home in the G-Class. They combine to create an ultra-wide display that brings this icon right up-to-date. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fitted as standard, while a Burmester surround system is standard. This 590-watt audio set-up comprises 16 speakers, a 10-channel amplifier and acoustics tailored to the G-Class interior. It’s one of the best systems on the market.