Mercedes Stops Taking Orders For G-Class SUV
UPDATE: Mercedes announced today that you can still order a G-Wagen. However, the wait time could be pushed into 2025.
Mercedes announced it has stopped taking orders for the popular G-Class SUV; mostly known as the G-Wagen. It stopped taking orders as of January 17. As demand for the G-Wagen has increased, some delivery dates have been pushed out to late-2024. So that seems to be the main reason for the order freeze.
The Mercedes G-Class saw record sales in 2021
Last year the G-Wagen had a record sales year with 41,000 finding buyers worldwide. And this is after overall Mercedes sales fell five percent in 2021. In the US, Mercedes sold a record 8,521 G-Class SUVs. Part of the spike was seen with the mostly new 2019 model. And now Mercedes is set to do a major refresh of it later this year.
This new G-Wagen gets a host of new features, only some of which deal with an updated infotainment system. The much-anticipated 4×4 Squared will debut with portal axles. They can be raised for added ground clearance in rough terrain. When Mercedes last made a 4×42, it could be raised up to 17-inches of ground clearance.
Larger fenders flares are also part of the package because it will feature larger wheels and tires. A ladder for the roof rack and a lightbar are also 4×42 additions. What’s next for the G-Wagen?
Will the G-Class go electric?
In 2024 it gets an all-electric version. It will be an adaptation of the current Gleändewagen, not a completely new platform as with all other Mercedes vehicles. Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, is building all G-Class vehicles, so all will continue to feature body-on-frame construction.
As for pricing, hang on, because the G-Wagen is pricey. The lesser G 550 retails for $132,000. That puts it in the category of being one of the most expensive SUVs on the market. But opting for the top-of-the-line G 63 sets you back $160,000. And that’s only for the base G 63. While it might seem excessive at first glance, keep in mind that a 2022 High Country Chevy Suburban retails for almost $74,000. And that both Platinum 2022 Escalades start at over $100,000.
Bulletproof G-Wagens are only $750,000
Oh, and if you happen to need a bulletproof G-Wagen, expect to pay around $750,000. Give or take a few thousand dollars. But they do say this Level A9/B6+ is built like a tank. So there’s that. You can rest assured you’re protected from 7.62mm lead core, 5.566×45 and M80 ball rounds, and 2 DM51 hand grenades. But hey, what’s your life worth to you?
So in spite of the G-Wagen’s rather low 17 mpg economy in city driving, and its conspicuous wealth bringing scorn from the poors, it continues to find eager buyers willing to forget those obvious negatives. Since production through 2024 seems to be sold out, it looks like we’ll be seeing a lot more G-Class Mercedes SUVs prowling around in the future.
