The Mercedes-Benz G-Class or G-Wagon is the ultimate status symbol. The G-Class represents wealth and opulence. It is owned by celebrities, athletes, and drivers successful enough to shell out over $130K for a luxury midsize SUV. The G-Class may be classy, but it’s also an extremely thirsty SUV.

Are G-Wagons good on gas?

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons are notoriously bad on gas. The classy midsize SUVs are not designed to be fuel-efficient.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class achieves just 17 miles per gallon in the city and 19 miles per gallon on the highway. That’s 18 miles per gallon combined. It is one of the few midsize SUV models to use a thirsty 4.0-liter V8 engine.

Many automakers have gotten rid of V8 engines in favor of more fuel-efficient V6 engines. The G-Class is sticking to the eight-cylinder engine, for better or worse. This has some power benefits but does very little for its fuel economy.

How much does it cost to refuel a Mercedes-Benz G-Class in California?

California has some of the worst gas prices in the country. It’s one of the few American states to reach $6.00 a gallon. According to AAA.com, the national average gas price is $5.016 as of June 14, 2022. California’s average gas price is $6.438.

That’s $1.40 more per gallon than the national average gas price. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has a 26.4-gallon gas tank. Based on California’s average gas price, it takes at least $169.96 to refuel a G-Wagon in California. That price will fluctuate, but the odds of gas becoming significantly more affordable in the months to come are slim.

It costs nearly $170 to refuel a 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class in Cali. Since its fuel economy is so poor, drivers will likely have to refuel it at least twice a month. That’s $340 a month on gas or $4,080 a year if gas prices don’t change. Some analysts believe that the worst is yet to come.

Owning a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon in California is costing some drivers an arm and a leg. No one expected the luxury midsize SUV to be affordable to refuel, but rising gas prices have made the G-Class’ cost of ownership ridiculous for most Americans.

Should you buy a 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class starts at $133,250. The German luxury automaker offers a G-Class SUV and an AMG G-Class performance SUV.

The G 550 SUV goes from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds. It makes 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. The AMG G 63 SUV can go from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds. It makes a whopping 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class may be expensive, but it provides incredible value for its price. Car and Driver praises its ride quality, off-roading prowess, and innovative standard tech. The G-Class is one of the best luxury midsize SUVs you can buy, but it’s also one of the worst SUVs to refuel, especially in California.

Read more about the G-Class in the next article below.