2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Gets Mild-Hybrid Engines, Major Tech Upgrades And Better Aerodynamics

In just a few weeks Mercedes will finally unveil the electric G-wagen, maybe the most important model in the history of the G-Class and my personal most anticipated car of the decade. So as not to steal the spotlight from the G-Class EV, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G550 and 2025 Mercedes-AMG G63 just got revealed. These gas-powered G-wagens might look pretty much the same as before, but they have been thoroughly overhauled with better aerodynamics, a host of new technology, upgraded hybrid engines and even better off-road capability, if you can believe it.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV | First Drive

While the Mercedes-Benz G550 previously shared its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with the Mercedes-AMG G63, the 2025 G550 now uses a 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, making this the first G-Class with a gas inline-6 since 1998. The G550’s engine has an exhaust gas turbocharger, an electric compressor and a 48-volt hybrid system with an integrated starter-generator (ISG). Total output is 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, 27 hp more than the old G550 but 37 lb-ft fewer, though the ISG adds 20 hp and 148 lb-ft at low speeds. The G550 takes 5.3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, an improvement of 0.3 seconds over the old V8.

Thankfully the Mercedes-AMG G63 keeps the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, but it also gains a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Power remains the same at 577 hp and 627 lb-ft, but the integrated starter-generator provides the same boost of 20 hp and 148 lb-ft. AMG says the updated G63 will hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, three tenths quicker than before, while its 137-mph top speed remains the same. Both models use a 9-speed automatic transmission, with the G63 getting a sportier tune.

This Hyper Blue Magno car is a G63Photo: Mercedes-Benz

In addition to the existing Comfort, Eco, Sport and Individual modes (and the Sport+ and Slippery of the AMG), both versions of the updated G-Class have new Trail, Rock and Sand off-road modes in place of the old all-encompassing G-Mode. Adaptive dampers are now standard on the G550, as with on the G63. And there are still the G’s legendary trio of locking diffs and an off-road gear reduction.

The bigger news on the G63 is the introduction of AMG’s Active Ride Control suspension, which was first applied to the current generation SL. Available as an option, it replaces conventional mechanical anti-roll bars with two hydraulic connections on the adaptive shock absorbers and damper chambers for each wheel. This system not only improves wheel articulation and off-road capability but also the G63’s on-road manners, as Mercedes explains:

Active hydraulic elements replace the conventional mechanical torsion anti-roll bars. The adaptive shock absorbers are equipped with two hydraulic connections – one on the compression side of the damper and the other on the rebound side. Damper chambers on all four wheels are connected via hydraulic lines and the control valves of the adaptive dampers.

The interconnection of the four suspension struts and pressure regulation of the pump and control valves allow a very wide roll spring rate spread with reduced roll movements. During dynamic cornering, the hydraulics reduce the roll angle and therefore loss of camber. The resulting high camber stiffness and reduced body movement enable the AMG G 63 to turn-in very precisely. The system also compensates for individual obstacles that would otherwise lead to rolling movements, which improves both ride comfort and handling.

The AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension also improves wheel articulation. This enables the wheels to maintain contact with the driving surface even when the vehicle is heavily articulated. This leads to a significant increase in traction, climbing ability and off-road comfort, as well as reduced strain on both the vehicle and driver.

The Active Ride Control comes with the new AMG Offroad Package Pro for the G63, which expands on the previously available Trail Package that mainly added all-terrain tires, tweaked suspension and mud flaps. This pack also gets you two off-road drive modes: AMG Traction Pro uses wheel-selective braking torque control and the adjustable center diff locker to give you maximum off-road traction in low range, while AMG Active Balance Control uses the fancy suspension to adjust roll stiffness from low to rigid and improve body control and contact with the road.

This is what the G550 looks likePhoto: Mercedes-Benz

Design changes are subtle but effective. The G550 has a new chrome grille with four thick silver bars that’s reminiscent both of older G’s and of current SUVs like the GLS, and the redesigned front bumper has larger rectangular intakes with a cool squircle mesh pattern. Its rear bumper design has also been tweaked, and there are new wheel designs ranging from 18s to 20s, with 19s coming standard. The Professional Package is still available, adding all-terrain tires, a more rugged spare tire cover and a sick roof rack and rear ladder.

The G63 has even fewer changes, mostly amounting to vertical louvers in the bumper intakes and more stainless steel trim. An AMG crest replaces the old star logo on the hood, and there are six wheel designs ranging from 20s to 22s. Most importantly, the G63 still has prominent side-exit exhaust tips on both sides. You can get a new carbon-fiber package for a bunch of the exterior parts, which also includes a dark chrome grille and badge finish, and darkened light housings and turn signals. The AMG Offroad Package Pro also gives the G63 the roof rack and spare tire carrier from the G550 Professional.

See also 2023 Kia Sportage

The AMG Offroad Package Pro looks radPhoto: Mercedes-Benz

Even more subtle to see but major in terms of performance impact are a number of aerodynamic tweaks that Mercedes accomplished through development of the EV. The A-pillar trim no longer protrudes, instead being a flush piece that that creates a nice curve, and the front edge of the roof has a small spoiler lip. Not all of the details are being divulged yet, but there are other aero changes like small new body contours and flusher edges and seams. Along with the hybrid engines fuel economy should see a notable increase from these changes, and paired with additional interior insulation Mercedes says the updates also make the interior a lot quieter as well.

Years after it was first introduced, the G-wagen finally gets Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, which replaces the very old COMAND setup. Dual 12.3-inch screens remain standard, but the center screen is now a touch unit, and the old control knob on the center console has been replaced by a touchpad. This system comes standard with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, augmented reality navigation and Mercedes’ great voice assistant, which has 20 G-specific cues. There’s also USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, a standard Burmester 3D surround sound system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with a pair of 11.6-inch MBUX tablets.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

An Offroad Cockpit mode takes over both dashboard screens to provide the driver and passenger with all of the relevant info you could hope for, from GPS positioning, altitude, pitch and articulation to steering angle, suspension travel, power delivery and tire pressure. Different info page tiles can be easily rearranged, and the center screen has shortcut buttons for hill-descent control, stability control and the parking sensors. The G-Class is now available with an optional dashcam, which can also be activated via one of those buttons.

Gone are the clocks in the dashboard and the small group of buttons they resided in, and the row of climate control buttons below the air vents has been redesigned. The panel between the center air vents still contains the diff lock switches, and also now has buttons for the Offroad Cockpit, low range and the manual transmission mode. Other than new steering wheel designs, design changes are slim — the G-Class doesn’t even get Mercedes’ latest seat controls (not a bad thing.) The 64-color ambient interior lighting is new and the air vents are illuminated, and the cupholders are now climate controlled.

One of the biggest additions to the feature list is keyless entry, which is not only standard on every new G-Class but has never before been offered on the G-Class. When the new generation G first debuted in 2018, Mercedes’ engineers couldn’t figure out how to make it work while retaining the G’s iconic door locks and latches. Even the swing-out tailgate has keyless entry, too.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Previously not available on the G550 because of the front brush guard’s placement, a 360-degree camera system is now standard on every G, as the front camera has been moved lower down in the bumper. The rear camera is now in the center above the license plate, and it has a sprayer to clean the camera. The updated cameras also allow for a “Transparent Hood” function that gives you a virtual view of the terrain and obstacles underneath the car.

The G-Class’ safety tech has been massively improved too. Active steering assist with lane detection is available for the first time and works at up to 100 mph, and active emergency stop assist and route-based speed adaptation are newly available as well. Also standard on every G-Class are active lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, automated emergency braking, blind spot assist, exit warning, parking assist and traffic sign recognition.

There are a bunch of new paint colors, like Twilight Blue Metallic for the G550 and Hyper Blue Magno on the G63, and new interior leather options like Catalana Beige and Black. Mercedes says there are over a million possible customizations through its Manufaktur program, which consists of dozens of different special paint colors, upholstery color schemes, interior trim options, and other exterior and interior design elements.

Mercedes has yet to announce pricing for the updated G-wagens, but both models are sure to carry premiums over the existing versions. Expect the G550 to cost around $150,000 and the G63 reach nearly $200,000 when they go on sale in the second half of this year. As for the electric G, that will be unveiled in just a few weeks and likely hit dealers by the end of 2024 with a starting price above $200,000. Hopefully wilder variants like the 4×4 Squared are also in the works.