2012 Mercedes Benz G-Class

best car 2012 Mercedes Benz G-Class

Nearly every reviewer says that the 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class’ strange combination of unbeatable off-road performance, top-notch build quality and unique looks gives it a spot in their dream garage.

If you’re looking for a sensible luxury large SUV that will get your family through a few winter snow storms and putter around town the rest of the year, the G-Class is not the SUV for you. The auto press agrees that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the least practical vehicles on the market. But if you’re able to spend some serious cash on a true automotive icon with legendary off-road capabilities, it doesn’t get much better than the military-inspired G550.

Test drivers say the G-Class’ on-road handling is terrible, it has some of the worst ergonomics in the class, its electronics are unintuitive and its interior is fairly cramped for such a large SUV. So what’s its attraction?

Its V8 engine is ridiculously powerful, giving it acceleration that’s unreal to experience in a shoebox of an SUV. Reviewers say that it feels as well-built as a bank vault, and its interior materials and fit and finish can’t get much better. Automotive journalists report that it’s one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market. And the exclusivity that comes with a price tag of more than $100,000 doesn’t hurt either.

Nearly every critic agrees there’s no way to justify the Mercedes-Benz G-Class as a rational purchase. However, if you’ve got the budget for an illogical but supremely capable toy, you won’t have much more fun in an SUV than you will in a Mercedes G550.