The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, often affectionately called the G-Wagen, has cemented its status as an icon, renowned for its unparalleled off-road prowess wrapped in a luxurious shell. The 2016 Benz G Class continues this legacy, offering a unique blend of rugged capability and high-end refinement that few vehicles can match. For those seeking an SUV that can conquer challenging terrains without sacrificing comfort and prestige, the 2016 G-Class remains a compelling, albeit distinctive, choice.
Unmatched Off-Road Prowess
At its heart, the Benz G Class 2016 is a true off-roader. Beneath its sophisticated exterior lies a robust SUV engineered to tackle the most demanding landscapes. Equipped with locking differentials – front, center, and rear – the G-Class can distribute power and traction to overcome virtually any obstacle. Whether navigating rocky trails or powering through deep mud, the G-Class exhibits a tenacious grip and unflappable composure that puts it in a league of its own. It stands shoulder to shoulder with legendary off-roaders like the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler in terms of sheer capability.
Alt text: 2016 Benz G Class conquering a rocky off-road trail, showcasing its exceptional climbing ability.
However, for serious off-road enthusiasts, swapping out the standard road-biased tires for more aggressive, rock-friendly rubber is advisable to maximize grip and performance in extreme conditions. Furthermore, while tempting, the high-performance AMG models, with their rocker-mounted exhausts, might not be the ideal choice for deep water crossings or extreme crawling situations where ground clearance is paramount.
Luxurious and Refined Interior
Despite its formidable off-road credentials, stepping inside the benz g class 2016 reveals a surprisingly plush and refined cabin. Mercedes-Benz has ensured that the interior is swathed in high-quality materials, meticulously crafted with excellent fit and finish. The doors close with a reassuringly solid thud, reminiscent of a bank vault, reinforcing the sense of robustness and premium quality.
The G-Class’s tall stance provides generous headroom for all occupants. However, its narrow body construction means that space is somewhat constrained. The driver can easily reach the passenger door, and the close proximity of the driver’s door might lead to occasional elbow bumps when making sharp turns. The seats, while typically firm and power-adjustable with multi-contour settings, are rather flat and feature shorter bottom cushions. The rear seat, due to the limited width, is best suited for two adults rather than three.
Alt text: Luxurious interior of a 2016 Benz G Class, showcasing leather upholstery, premium dashboard, and spacious headroom.
Cargo Space and Practicality Considerations
The cargo area in the 2016 Benz G Class is smaller than what is typically expected in a full-size SUV. While the tall roofline contributes to a decent 45.2 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, and 79.5 cubic feet with them folded, the narrow width limits its overall practicality compared to wider SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, which offers 82.8 cubic feet. Unless items are stacked high, the usable cargo space might feel less substantial. Adding to the practicality quirks, the tailgate swings open like a door, rather than lifting up, and presents a narrow opening with a high load floor. Despite these limitations, the cargo area is finished to a high standard, reflecting the overall luxury of the vehicle.
Safety Features and Ratings
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has conducted crash tests on the G-Class. This is partly due to its high price point and limited sales volumes. However, considering Mercedes-Benz’s strong safety reputation and the robust, over-engineered feel of the G-Class, it is reasonable to assume that it would offer solid occupant protection in the event of a collision. It’s worth noting that the G-Class platform is based on an older design, which might not perform optimally in newer, more stringent crash tests like the IIHS small overlap front crash test.
Nevertheless, the benz g class 2016 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment includes front side airbags, curtain side airbags, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. The rearview camera is particularly beneficial, as rear visibility is somewhat compromised by the wide frame surrounding the rear window. A lane-departure warning system is also available for added safety.
Features and Technology
The 2016 Benz G Class generation boasts more features and technology than ever before. Standard luxury appointments include leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, illuminated door sills, ambient lighting, and a sunroof. For technology and entertainment, the G-Class includes a Harman Kardon surround sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, a navigation system with a substantial 40GB hard drive for maps and media, a six-DVD audio system, satellite and HD radio, real-time traffic information, and an iPod interface. Mercedes-Benz’s mbrace2 connectivity suite is also standard, offering mobile-app integration for services like Yelp and Facebook through the COMAND controller. For further personalization, a range of Designo packages are available, offering premium nappa leather upholstery and exclusive full-leather Designo options with diamond-patterned nappa leather on the seats and doors, and smooth leather on the dashboard.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is not a strong suit of the benz g class 2016. The G-Class resides at the lower end of the fuel economy spectrum. The EPA rates the G550 model at 13 mpg city, 14 highway, and 13 mpg combined. The more powerful 563-horsepower, twin-turbo G63 AMG achieves a similar 12 mpg city, 14 highway, and 13 mpg combined, with stop-start technology slightly mitigating fuel consumption in city driving. The top-of-the-line V-12 powered G65 AMG is rated at 11 mpg city, 13 highway, and 12 mpg combined, making it the least fuel-efficient option in the range. Prospective buyers should be prepared for significant fuel costs associated with owning a 2016 G-Class.
Conclusion
The 2016 Benz G Class is a vehicle of contrasts. It seamlessly blends formidable off-road capability with a luxurious and well-appointed interior. While it may not be the most practical SUV in terms of cargo space or fuel economy, its unique character, iconic design, and unmatched off-road pedigree make it a highly desirable vehicle for those who prioritize capability and exclusivity. If you are looking for an SUV that can conquer any terrain while providing a premium and comfortable driving experience, the 2016 G-Class deserves serious consideration.
