2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review
Price Estimate: $19,866 - $28,061





+25
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong V8 engine
- go-anywhere capability
- unmatched presence
- luxuriously appointed cabin.
Cons
- Unwieldy handling
- limited front legroom
- very tall roof line
- abysmal fuel economy
- finicky electronics interface.
What’s new
The higher-performance G55 AMG model has been discontinued. To quell our sadness for this loss, Mercedes introduces a new "Edition Select" package that brings with it some of the AMG model's interior and exterior styling flourishes. This year also brings a new collection of special Designo paints and interior colors.
Edmunds says
Buying a 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class takes quite a bit of money, but its massive power, luxurious cabin and tanklike presence make it strangely desirable.
For sale near Columbus, OH
11 listings
- $36,995great price$5,497 below market
- 100,400 miles
- No accidents, 6 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 12 City / 15 Hwy MPG
- Karma of Fuquay (380 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Fuquay-Varina, NC
APPLE CARPLAY / ANDROID AUTO, DESIGNO LEATHER, EDITION SELECT PKG, PIANO WOOD TRIM, AMG FENDERS
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
13 Combined MPG (12 City/15 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDCYC3HF0CX195897
Stock: 195897
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-26-2025 - 74,058 miles
- 2 accidents, 4 owners, personal use
- 5 Seats, 12 City / 15 Hwy MPG
- Pioneer Auto (435 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Tucker, GA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
13 Combined MPG (12 City/15 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDCYC3HF9CX197101
Stock: PAC210
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 12-28-2024
Vehicle overview
Suppose you're the motor pool manager for a military junta, or the owner of a majestic ski chalet high atop an alp. Maybe you're just a catty star on The Housewives of Beverly Hills. Whatever the circumstance, the odds are good that you'll want an unapologetically brash, monumentally powerful, endlessly capable and impenetrably built vehicle that is like absolutely nothing else on the road. Practicality and fuel economy? Inconsequential, my friend. What you want is a 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Originally designed for military use more than 30 years ago, the G-Class (or G-wagen -- a throwback to this vehicle's original name, Gelandewagen, or "cross-country car") is in many ways the Mercedes-Benz counterpart to the old Hummer H1. In this case, though, the G-Class is packed with enough leather and creature comforts to make you almost forget you're driving something originally utilized by the Argentinean army. "Almost" is the operative word, however, as there's really no hiding the G-wagen's utilitarian roots -- and indeed that's part of the charm.
The G-Class is a 100-percent genuine SUV with a full-time four-wheel-drive system that features locking front, center and rear differentials. This old-school approach means the G-Class can be a chore to drive on the beaten path. The steering is slow, the handling is ponderous, the fuel economy is abysmal and the ride isn't exactly what we'd describe as plush. Still, we've seen plenty of people driving these around Beverly Hills en route to the mall.
So what's the appeal? Well, besides the sheer presence of the G, the first thing you'll notice is its construction. Mercedes are often described as being "built like vaults," but closing the G's side-swinging, spare-tire-carrying rear cargo door feels like sealing the gold-plated portal to Fort Knox. Mercedes even offers (via special order) heavy-duty armor plating. In total, the G seems meticulously over-engineered and completely indestructible.
It all adds up to a vehicle that doesn't really make any rational sense. But the same could be said of any number of exotic sports cars, and we rarely shoo people away from those. The G-Class is just a different sort of exotic luxury vehicle purchase, albeit one that can climb an alp and defend a generalissimo from attack rather than carve through a canyon road at 125 mph. If you're looking for a more sensible luxury SUV, the Range Rover, Lexus LX 570, Porsche Cayenne and the G's stable mate, the Mercedes GL-Class would be better choices. But as a standout third (or 18th) car in the garage, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is in a class by itself.
Performance & mpg
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz G550 is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 that produces 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Standard powertrain equipment includes a seven-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive, a limited-slip rear differential and locking front, center and rear differentials.
In Edmunds performance testing, the G550 went from zero to 60 in a quick 6.6 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 12 mpg city/15 mpg highway and 13 mpg combined; it doesn't get much worse than that.
Safety
The G-Class comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Mercedes-Benz mbrace emergency telematics are also standard.
In Edmunds brake testing, the G550 posted a 127-foot stop from 60 mph, an exceptional performance for such a heavy vehicle.
Driving
Acceleration in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz G550 is always a laugh-inducing experience; something this huge simply should not be moving so quickly. The ride is comfortable on the highway, and only the nastiest potholes will send unpleasant impacts into the cabin. In terms of handling, the tall and narrow G doesn't inspire confidence through turns, and it enjoys the dubious distinction of being the slowest vehicle on record in the Edmunds slalom test, thanks in part to a highly intrusive stability control system. Moreover, the steering is slow and doesn't return to center quickly since this vehicle is set up for off-roading.
The slow steering is a benefit in the dirt, though, as the G-Class can be guided through just about anything nature throws at it and the steering wheel rarely registers the impacts. With its full-time 4WD system with front, center and rear locking differentials, the G goes about its trail bashing (if one is so inclined in a $100,000 vehicle) with a more back-to-basics approach than what you'll get from a high-tech Land Rover or Lexus.
Interior
Although modern Benz electronics and climate controls are fitted to the G550, there's no getting around the utilitarian truck architecture. The navigation system and its fussy COMAND interface (which mostly relies on a four-button directional pad) are located at knee level; the simple climate controls are at your shins. Some features can be operated with steering-wheel controls, but in general, all other high-end luxury SUVs are more user-friendly. In front, there is a single cupholder that clumsily plugs into the center armrest and another located in the passenger footwell.
Interior quality is excellent, but space is a different matter. Front-seat legroom is insufficient for taller drivers, and the backseat could use some more legroom as well. On the upside (literally), there is no shortage of headroom, and the range of height adjustment for the power front seats is astounding. Flipping the rear seats forward provides 79.5 cubic feet of cargo space, but large humps on each side of the cargo floor (which resemble rear benches for seating troops) make it difficult to stow wider items like golf clubs.
2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class models
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a five-passenger SUV available in one loaded trim: the G550.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlamps, automatic wipers, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a sunroof, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats (including power lumbar, power adjustable bolsters, heating, ventilation and memory functions), a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated rear seats, leather upholstery and auto-dimming driver and rearview mirrors. High-tech features include the Mercedes COMAND electronics interface, a navigation system, real-time traffic, voice controls, Bluetooth, a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, HD radio, satellite radio, digital music storage, a six-CD/DVD changer and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The Edition Select package adds an AMG dual exhaust, fender flares, silver-painted wheels, carbon-look exterior molding, leather-covered dashboard with gray contrast stitching, two-tone leather seating and piano black wood trim. There are also numerous special-order Designo exterior paint, leather color and interior trim choices.

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Compare 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$382/mo for G-Class G550
G-Class G550
vs
$225/mo
Avg. Large SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#26 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$965/yr
vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Frequency
1.09x/yr
vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Severity
23.6%
vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
2005 - G500 Grand Edition
5 out of 5 starsDan A., 07/16/2015
2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Grand Edition 4WD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)
Sold it for $20k USD.
This car is bulletproof. Rides like a luxury sedan. Handles like a beast in the snow and bad weather.
Mine is at 190+k miles and going strong and looks great! Wish it had navigation, blue tooth and a usb port. Things starting to go wrong and it's $500- $1,000 each time. All 4 door lock malfunction - one goes the others go at $300 each, Windshield wiper motor, worn … out belts...pitted window is common here in the mountains, etc. Oh, did I tell you that if your headlamp goes out you just don't replace at $10, you have to take apart the front end and that can be $400+. But here's the bottom line...I walk out, jump in and it starts and goes and goes and goes.
A Beautiful Tank on the outside, Harsh on the inside
3.75 out of 5 starsdanielk1974, 04/07/2011
2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G500 4dr SUV 4WD (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
My wife got this car as her ultimate SUV dream vehicle.
She had wanted one for 15 years.
We got a good deal and she traded in her Lexus LX 570.
We went from a peaceful cocoon of luxury to a rough and randy tank.
She absolutely loves it.
There is truly nothing else like it on the road.
However, it is not very comfortable to drive.
Steering is heavy.
Acceleration is slow.
The engine is … loud.
The seats are not comfortable.
And yet everytime she looks at it, she loves it a little more.
I don't like driving it at all, but that's why she tells me its her car, not mine.
Update to previous review
3.13 out of 5 starsJulesH, 09/02/2008
2007 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G500 4dr SUV 4WD (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
I've had this vehicle now for 5 months. It has been in the shop several times. It is not reliable and I cannot recommend it. The steering wheel shock absorber was replaced and front end was aligned, the entire headlight bulb assembly had to be reworked to fix an electrical short (this took 3 trips to the dealer) and the passenger side door had to be realigned since it would not close … properly. This was all within the 1st. week of ownership. Then the rear door lock went and now the rear window washer does not work. Car is a time bomb. The dealer is now offering to buy it back after my complaints. It was supposed to be CPO'd, but problems since day 1 have been occurring.
2005 Grand Edition G55
5 out of 5 starsSuhail, 02/14/2016
2005 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Grand Edition 4WD 4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)
This is supposed to be a SUV, with excellent off road capabilities, by far probably the best, for vehicle on sale for civilian use. Any one expecting a ride quality and or comfort of a sedan, will be disappointed. I have about 125,000 miles on my vehicle, and can report an average of 13:5 MPG, compared to my previous Chevy Suburban which averaged about 14 MPG, over the same number of … miles, one reason, the suburban used 87 octane gas and the G uses 91 octane so a more expensive vehicle to drive. Parts and or repairs are comparable, or have been to me. Probably depends on one's driving habits. It's the same design since 1979. People who like it love it, for other it grows on one. One thing in a situation where it's to be valet parked, they park it up front and center.
People actually come and want to discuss the vehicle in parking lots, so because of its rarity, it certainly turns heads. It came with Yokohama AVS 18" tires, apparently it's not been made any more, it was a very comfortable quite tire, I would like opinions on replacement.
The G55 looks as good as new, I ave changed the rear lights to LED, and the fronts to BiXenon, I have also upgraded to a sattelite based GPS audio unit., the result, the controls on the steering wheel does not work.
The heated steering wheel, and heated seats for the passenger in the front and two in the back will bless you on chilly days. The vault like doors give a level of safety, unlike any other. It is known to jar the electric window regulators and make them malfunction I have read elsewhere, I have been spared so far , though the rear right has started to show some sluggishness supposed to be a $400+ fix.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the G-Class since its last redesign.
2012 G-Class Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $107,100 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $382/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 45.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the G-Class include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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