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2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Full Review
7.
8.
2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review
This 5-passenger, body-on-frame 4-dr wagon was designed by Mercedes-Benz for the German army in the 1970s and recently adapted for the U.S. as a luxury SUV. "G" denotes the German term Galaendewagen--cross-country vehicle--and a tall, relatively narrow build reveals an all-terrain orientation. Two G-Class models are offered. The G500 has a 292-hp 5.0-liter V8. The G55 AMG from Mercedes' performance division has a 349-hp 5.4-liter V8. Both have a 5-speed automatic transmission, antiskid/traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, and all-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Designed for severe off-road use, the AWD system allows on-the-fly low-range engagement up to 15 mph, and includes locking front, center, and rear differentials. Side and curtain airbags are unavailable. Both models come with 18-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, wood/leather interior trim, heated front and rear seats, and Mercedes' assistance and navigation systems. The G55 adds wider tires, side-exit exhaust, fender flares, front brush bar, rear chrome load steps, unique gauges, and uprated leather trim.
Competition
Luxury SUVs vary in size and type, including former members of both the Full-size and Midsize SUV classes, along with a few all-new models. All offer higher standards of workmanship, comfort, refinement, and pricing than other SUVs.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
News
Sources are divided on what's next for G-Class. One report says the current 30-year-old soldier will fade away once Mercedes introduces a new-generation M-Class SUV, now expected for 2005-06. Another says the new M will be the basis for a clean-sheet G-Wagen built alongside it at Mercedes' Alabama plant. We think the latter scenario more likely. The G-Wagen doesn't draw many sales--under 2400 in the first nine months of 2002 vs. near 29,500 for M-Class--but each one yields a big profit, and Mercedes could likely do a cost-effective new-M spinoff that would be no less lucrative. Indeed, we hear that's already in the works, referred to in-house as the "MLG-Class."
2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Entry/exit | |
| Rear visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Test G500 clocked a respectable 7.9 sec 0-60 mph, helped by smooth, quick-shifting transmission. Midrange pickup is adequate, reflecting hefty weight and poor aerodynamics. Haven't yet tested G55, for which Mercedes claims 7.2 sec 0-60.
| G500 | Class Average |
| 6 | 4.4 |
Test G500 clocked a respectable 7.9 sec 0-60 mph, helped by smooth, quick-shifting transmission. Midrange pickup is adequate, reflecting hefty weight and poor aerodynamics. Haven't yet tested G55, for which Mercedes claims 7.2 sec 0-60.
Fuel Economy
Both Gs require premium fuel--and lots of it. Test G500s averaged 13.0 mpg in mixed city/highway use, 12.8 including gas-eating performance tests. G55 likely thirstier still.
| G500 | Class Average |
| 2 | 1.9 |
Both Gs require premium fuel--and lots of it. Test G500s averaged 13.0 mpg in mixed city/highway use, 12.8 including gas-eating performance tests. G55 likely thirstier still.
Ride Quality
Surprisingly stable, given firm, off-road-oriented suspension. Some chop due to short wheelbase, but never punishing. Still, most every other big SUV furnishes superior comfort.
| G500 | Class Average |
| 3 | 5.4 |
Surprisingly stable, given firm, off-road-oriented suspension. Some chop due to short wheelbase, but never punishing. Still, most every other big SUV furnishes superior comfort.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Again, no match for more-modern rivals, but not as bad as tall, narrow build might suggest. Still, fast turns trigger tippy cornering feel, and most crosswinds cause highway wander. Steering very firm, and wheel is slow to return to center after turns. Brakes deliver sure, reasonably short simulated panic stops with little nosedive.
| G500 | Class Average |
| 3 | 3.3 |
Again, no match for more-modern rivals, but not as bad as tall, narrow build might suggest. Still, fast turns trigger tippy cornering feel, and most crosswinds cause highway wander. Steering very firm, and wheel is slow to return to center after turns. Brakes deliver sure, reasonably short simulated panic stops with little nosedive.
Quietness
Wind, tire noise rise markedly over 45 mph. Much full-throttle engine roar.
| G500 | Class Average |
| 3 | 5.2 |
Wind, tire noise rise markedly over 45 mph. Much full-throttle engine roar.
Controls
Clear gauge cluster. Complex Mercedes COMAND video system governs navigation/audio/cell phone. Most other switches are handy and mostly self-explanatory except for low-mounted, undersized climate controls. Weak dashboard night lighting. Old-fashioned, square-cut interior shapes, but materials are high quality, include wood trim. Creaks, groans over rail tracks at odds with otherwise-solid bearing.
| G500 | Class Average |
| 3 | 5 |
Clear gauge cluster. Complex Mercedes COMAND video system governs navigation/audio/cell phone. Most other switches are handy and mostly self-explanatory except for low-mounted, undersized climate controls. Weak dashboard night lighting. Old-fashioned, square-cut interior shapes, but materials are high quality, include wood trim. Creaks, groans over rail tracks at odds with otherwise-solid bearing.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Head room beyond generous, but cabin feels narrow in this 30-year-old design. Seats needlessly hard to some testers. Smallish footwells and lofty step-in complicate entry/exit; standard side steps help little. Drivers can easily see both front fenders, but elevated stance, headrest clutter, and dark-tint glass block much vision astern and over-the-shoulder.
| G500 | Class Average |
| 5 | 7.4 |
Head room beyond generous, but cabin feels narrow in this 30-year-old design. Seats needlessly hard to some testers. Smallish footwells and lofty step-in complicate entry/exit; standard side steps help little. Drivers can easily see both front fenders, but elevated stance, headrest clutter, and dark-tint glass block much vision astern and over-the-shoulder.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Hard, flat bench seat high off floor, so head room only very good. But that also means steep step-in. And only fair leg room unless front seats well forward.
| G500 | Class Average |
| 5 | 6.4 |
Hard, flat bench seat high off floor, so head room only very good. But that also means steep step-in. And only fair leg room unless front seats well forward.
Cargo Room
Split 70/30 rear bench double-folds for cargo, but stiff latches on test G500s required undue muscle. Rear wheel arches steal some cargo space, but there's plenty of volume for big, tall boxes. Side-opening cargo door is clumsy--partly because it carries heavy, bulky outside spare tire. Small-items storage nothing special.
| G500 | Class Average |
| 8 | 6.9 |
Split 70/30 rear bench double-folds for cargo, but stiff latches on test G500s required undue muscle. Rear wheel arches steal some cargo space, but there's plenty of volume for big, tall boxes. Side-opening cargo door is clumsy--partly because it carries heavy, bulky outside spare tire. Small-items storage nothing special.
Value within Class
The G-Class achieved some celebrity cachet as a private import, one reason Mercedes began offering it through its own dealers during 2002. But this old soldier suffers too many lapses for what it costs. Other luxury SUVs--including Mercedes' own M-Class--furnish far better everyday comfort, refinement, and performance, usually for far less money.
| G500 | Class Average |
| 2 | 3.4 |
The G-Class achieved some celebrity cachet as a private import, one reason Mercedes began offering it through its own dealers during 2002. But this old soldier suffers too many lapses for what it costs. Other luxury SUVs--including Mercedes' own M-Class--furnish far better everyday comfort, refinement, and performance, usually for far less money.
Total Score
| G500 | Class Average |
| 40 | 49.3 |
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 23 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/07/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| G500 4-door wagon | $73,600 | $68,448 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| G55 4-door wagon | $89,900 | $83,607 | $720 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
G500
Powertrain
5.0-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, locking front/rear/center differentials, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags w/automatic child-seat recognition system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, daytime running lights, TeleAid emergency assistance system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system, air conditioning w/automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescoping wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, 10-way power front bucket seats, heated front and rear seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, memory system (front seats, mirrors, steering wheel), wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote entry system, power sunroof, AM/FM/weatherband radio, 6-disc CD changer, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, cargo cover, map lights, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, front and rear fog lights, running boards.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, 265/60VR18 tires, alloy wheels.
G55 adds to G500:
Powertrain
5.4-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Unique interior trim.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Brush bar, headlight washers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
285/55ZR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
designo Espresso Edition
|
||
|
G500
|
$6,350
|
$5,906
|
|
G55
|
$4,950
|
$4,604
|
|
Light-brown and black Nappa leather interior trim, maple wood interior trim.
|
||
|
designo Silver Edition
|
||
|
G500
|
$6,350
|
$5,906
|
|
G55
|
$4,950
|
$4,604
|
|
Charcoal and black Nappa leather interior trim, maple wood interior trim.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
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Rear obstacle-detection-system
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G500, G55
|
$550
|
$512
|
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Harman/Kardon sound system
|
||
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G500, G55
|
$800
|
$744
|
|
Navigation CD collection
|
||
|
G500, G55
|
$145
|
$135
|
|
Multicontour power driver seat
|
||
|
G500, G55
|
$550
|
$512
|
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Special-order charge
|
||
|
G500, G55
|
$1,150
|
$1,150
|
|
Fee for vehicle ordered with one or more options requiring special-order charge.
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|
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2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 185.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 77.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5423 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 79.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 25.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 42.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 52.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 42.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V8 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 5.0 /303 | 5.4 /332 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 292 @ 5500 | 347 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 336 @ 2800 | 387 @ 2800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed automatic | 13/14 | NA/NA |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | Unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Austria
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Full Review
7.
8.
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