A Mercedes-Benz G-Class isn't a logical buy, but that's just why it has endured so long. Not everyone wants an economical sedan, after all. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has moved far from its roots as a utilitarian vehicle designed with soldiers in mind.
Pros Authentic design and heritage Stellar off road Luxuriously updated inside Phenomenal powertrains
Cons You could buy a fleet of Jeep Wranglers for this money Dated in every possible way Sits so high, it comes with its own steps Requires off-road skill, for better or worse
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class ranks 8 out of 8 Luxury Large SUVs. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is more of a status symbol than an everyday SUV. It costs more than every competitor, and it isn't particularly practical to drive anywhere but off road. However, if you want something that'll grab attention and impress, it doesn’t get more distinctive than the G-Class, also known as the G550.
Pros Excellent off-roader Muscular engines
Cons Unsettling ride for luxury class Cumbersome and difficult to handle on pavement Few driver assistance technologies
For 2017 the G-Class gains a new variant: the G550 4x4², which gains more ground clearance, larger tires and a revised suspension. New cosmetic packages (Designo Manufaktur Luxury and Mojave packages, Night package) have been introduced.
Pros Iconic design is instantly recognizable Outstanding forward visibility Unusually quiet when driving on-road Lots of cosmetic customization potential
Cons Awful steering, handling, drivability and fuel economy Difficult to get into and out of Poor interior packaging leaves little useful space Compromised off-road ability
With its rugged body-on-frame construction, heavy duty hardware and new-age technology that enable it to crawl over obstacles, the Prado is not for pretenders. To be fair, the Prado is far from rudimentary. It feels solid on the road at highway speeds and around town, although you quickly learn to take roundabouts a little more gingerly because of the tendency for big, tall and heavy 4WDs like this to lean in corners. The new engine is a worthwhile freshen-up for the Prado but doesn't suddenly transform the vehicle.
Likes New diesel engine is more refined Long range due to better economy and 150L tanks Genuine off-road ability
Dislikes Towing capacity unchanged at 2500kg The price is high, especially on top end models Interior design starting to look a little dated
Cast an eye over the SUV market and you’ll see very few truly off-road capable vehicles. One of them is the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, and here we’ve got the most capable Prado of all, the top-shelf Kakadu.The LandCruiser Prado Kakadu is a very good off-the-shelf off-roader, with its blend of both tradi-tional and modern off-road equipment. With decent all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres (which nearly all standard SUVs would need) we reckon the Kakadu could go just about anywhere.
Likes Rear axle articulation KDSS system Crawl control
Dislikes Lack of power and torque Over-bonnet vision No height-adjustable front suspension
