Mercedes’ old-school 4×4 may have been around for decades, but it’s still going strong. Now it receives a 245hp diesel motor that has the muscle to punt this leviathan to 62mph in a speedy 8.8 seconds.
Why is it interesting?
This leather-lined slab-sided SUV is something of a classic – although it’s still on sale – due to its iconic shape and luxurious cabin, which gives drivers a commanding view of the road.
Even weighing 2.6 tonnes and with no thought given to aerodynamics, the G-class is rapid, with the powerful motor easily whisking it up to motorway speeds.
Handling is less impressive, however, with the sheer bulk hard to ignore, especially if you try to drive it as if it were a more modern machine.
How are the running costs?
Hair-raising. Economy stands at a mere 28.5mpg, with emissions that place it firmly into 37% BIK territory. Consequently, costs stand at 169p per mile – 30-40p more than diesel 4x4s from Porsche and Range Rover and 62p per mile more than the Audi Q7.
Any other business?
Mercedes also sells a fire-breathing 5.5-litre V8 petrol, which slots into the same top 37% BIK band.
