Is the 2025 Mercedes Benz G550 G-Wagon a BETTER luxury SUV than a Lexus GX 550?

The G-Wagon is getting some changes from Mercedes Benz for 2025. On the outside you will discover a new grill, front fascia, and wheels. On the inside you will be greeted by a full leather interior with (2) 12.3in screens. Under the hood is a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Is the 2025 Mercedes Benz G550 G-Wagon a BETTER luxury SUV than a Lexus GX 550?
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videography: Steven Flood 🎥

[@Taurusboy07]

I remember never liking these until a year ago, now I love it. I think the G-Wagon is in a class of its own.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so wonderful to hear!

[@davidp2888]

"A bunch of other clowns...driving these things." Joe, my level of respect for you was already high, it just went stratospheric.

[@nicholasaustin]

He ain't lying.

[@dsell37]

That comment from Joe had me LOL 😂

[@errolbowes5801]

Yikes well said Joe.

[@PatrickC139]

💯

[@blank4819]

Oops 😬

[@suzanneflowers2230]

Those side mirrors don't belong on that big box.

[@curtg1662]

The mirrors definitely should be square.

[@纷]

Consider this, the G550, and G63 hold value like crazy. You can put thousands of miles, and still sell for over sticker price. For someone who is not looking to lose their shirts, by buying a status SUV, the G is a great option still.

[@thisisCHOPZZ]

Not anymore. There are way too many of em in the market. The used car market that is

[@Taurusboy07]

Dang it Joe. Now I can’t unsee the side Mirrors. I totally agree with you. They look similar to what’s on my C-class.

[@RaitisRides]

They probably the same! LOL

[@dsdddsd4543we]

The G Wagon has always been a status symbol. However, at $175K with a turbo Inline 6, you really have to start to question the value. At a minimum, that should be the cost of the G63 AMG variant.

[@RaitisRides]

This is so very true!

[@sophiacameron4716]

So a V8 is the only valuable thing about this monstrosity on wheels?😂

[@davonne225]

you are so right about those mirrors. They go on a car not on an SUV. They should be squared for sure. The front and rear view cameras do sit low for some strange reason. Carpet dead pedal is strange. No panoramic roof for that price is crazy. The interior is on point. Love the hood for the infotainment, very clever. Seats look comfy.

[@RaitisRides]

Great minds think a like Davonne. The seats were very comfy!

[@ImSupreme1990]

I don’t want no regular G-wagon I don’t want no G550 I want a G63S AMG

[@cbotten106]

Clearly a discerning future Benz client. Gotta have that V8!

[@335i101]

No such thing as a “g63s”

[@ImSupreme1990]

@@335i101 yeah you right it’s just a regular G63 AMG which makes 577 HP but they should still make a G63S and give it the 603 HP like all the other 63S all of them do come in S’s except the G-Wagon the S one is the one that has 603 regular 63 has 577

[@kingchakazulu7762]

@@ImSupreme1990 I don’t want no regular G-wagon G63, i want a 4x4 squared.

[@ImSupreme1990]

@@kingchakazulu7762 you want a 4x4 G-wagon idk why u never ever gonna go offroad in it

[@rostamr4096]

Totally agree with the front end and adding Ridge fog light there

[@v-klasse9448]

Greetings from germany. Without wanting to sound to cocky i think we still make the best cars in the whole industry and that will never change.

[@gahangore111]

Yea but I can get ventilated back seats in a Kia Carnival...c'mon

[@derekdraney2]

Too bad Germany can’t make a decently reliable car

[@suzanneflowers2230]

Great German craftsmanship! Hello from the US.

[@cbotten106]

@@gahangore111 Ventilated rears in minivan trumps all else automotive....absolute pinnacle!

[@gahangore111]

@@cbotten106 maybe $200k would get the same interior?

[@SRP_OP_KINGS]

My dream suv I will own it one day

[@maureencora1]

I.M.F. Good Luck, Jim. (smile)

[@ChairmanIlyaas]

Thanks for reviewing my dream car, can’t wait to go on throttle with this beast.😊

[@normanli7085]

Finally, the G wagon gains a touchscreen. Took MB long enough 👏

[@dirtydogdetailingtpa]

My client just bought this exact G550 from you guys. I love it.

[@autoadvisor5221]

I think this prices are getting ridiculous. Am gonna have to Zonk it!

[@morimo11]

No suv can match the cool factor of the G.

[@carlsonrangey3329]

I actually don't mind the side mirrors, they kinda break that monotony of the boxiness but they might be a lil too big

[@martinelantraratedn]

Stop with the gloss black interior trims plz!!!!

[@335i101]

Traded in my 2021 g550 for a 2025 g550 yesterday. Everything with the new g550 is better than the old, except the exhaust note. The new one is dead quiet. I hope the aftermarket makes something to solve this. Also, this does not compare to a GX, my wife drives a LX600 and the G is a lot nicer. However, I admit for long roadtrips the LX is great.

[@denallizx10]

I have a 2020 AMG G550...I started the 2025 and it sounds like a c class...I Love the rumble of my V8 I agree the new updates are nice though.

[@335i101]

@@denallizx10 I agree the start and idle of it is very weak. My 21 was the AMG line as well, in fact, I swapped the G63 exhaust for the stock G5500, as it’s a perfect fit and plugs right into the valve controllers. I wish the 2025 was louder, hopefully aftermarket with provide some options in the future.

[@chrisdyba6883]

Is it comfortable?

[@335i101]

@@chrisdyba6883The 2025? It is more comfortable than the previous generation, but not as comfortable as the LX600. I drove the g about 500 miles home from the dealership and didn’t it did well. It’s not an S class, but it’s comfortable enough for most (imo).

[@chrisdyba6883]

@335i101 have you had an x5 or anything else besides the 600 to compare it to? I am looking for a crossover. My wife is getting a Rivian R1s.

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@mssaz5508]

He made a mistake on the MPG it’s 17 city & 19 highway not 14/17. Maybe he was confused with the G63.

[@nicholasaustin]

Why do I think G-wagons are ugly.. I love you though, Joe. Nice video as always.

[@cbotten106]

They're like English Bulldogs. Ugly but beloved.

[@leonardferguson8413]

I LOVE THE INLINE 6 - More powerful & efficient than the big gas guzzler V8, technology fellows, Big heavy Cathode tube TV, then flat screen light TV awesome, sign of the times fellows.👍🏿👍🏿

[@Fedgery007]

Beautiful. But the 6 cylinder would be a dealbreaker. A big part of the G wagon experience is the sound. This version has no cool sounds. And fake sound?! Why??!!

[@iglapsu88]

I like the vehicle Joe. You do a great job reviewing these automobiles. Sort of Ugly in a beautiful and unique way. I think it is very capable too and super easy to drive. Downside of course is the price, but for some, it might be worth it.

[@s4roars]

Raiti's Rides can you get your hands on a m340i xdrive 2024 or 2025 I would love to hear your opinion on the new updates and hybrid system!

[@Moodamage]

I really like how he called the celebrities clowns lol. Respect!!!

[@dylenrobertsj3417]

Not the pot calling the kettle black, clowns lol 😂 The G wagon was always a top tier car that anyone would drive.

[@G450dCamper]

We have a 2024 G450d ( Diesel) Professional in matt-olive + black. It is the cheapest one ( ok not really a cheap car) and not a status symbol with the Diesel engine and the Professional line and NOT AMG . It looks more like an old Army vehicle and not like a brandnew car. We like the car which now makes sense as a relatively economical ( 8 L Diesel per 100km overall) silent long range allterrain vehicle. We also found a easy way for an easy pop up sleeping platform which I will show here at youtube at my channel. I also like the new GX550 and Landcruiser but the length and width of the new Landcruiser / Lexus are too big for Europe especially for our trips to Italy with all the nice little villages and tight offroad trails.

[@scottshefford5367]

Front end is ok nothing special, fake vents are stupid. Now that you pointed it out ... ya the mirrors are very odd. Ya I agree with you are front and back camera's, very strange placements. The changes in the engine I think seems just should not be thirsty for fuel, other changes are nothing special. I think I would put the money into something else. thanks good review as always.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very welcome Scott! I am so glad that I could share this with you!

[@TravisWilson-oh6tp]

It's perfect

[@jasperordrup]

Joe, you are so right about the side mirrors. They should definitely be square.

[@bazza19811111]

I would rather the g63 amg than this one but 100% agree the mirrors look weird and should be squarer

[@michaeldyer6304]

When I hit the lottery one of the first things I buy will be one of these for my daughter.She loves em! Why,is beyond me....

[@RaitisRides]

That would be really awesome! Fingers crossed you hit it big!

[@herizorakotomavo]

There are more luxurious SUV than the G Wagon (we call it G Class in Madagascar 🇲🇬), there are more expensive, more powerful, more off-road capable, more confortable ... but it has an indescriptible power of attraction. And if you want one, it should be the AMG 63.

[@amill1563]

Yeah, the uber rich folks love these. A status symbol for sure.

[@RaitisRides]

Big time Toby! Not my style

[@laughingbird]

I am impressed that it got 4 doors for such a compact vehicle. Even more shocked that the trunk is so spacious. I was looking on a smaller brand i loved, but you have to put down the front seats to get in the back- which is not convenient. and the trunk is smaller- so i don't know how Mercedes managed to pull this off I dont chase the kardashians etc- but i chase efficiency and quality and size. This just happens to fit that and happens to be considered luxury too. I don't necessarily want extra attention so that is the only draw back and i wish it was a V8. maybe an older model has that

[@suzanneflowers2230]

Just a layperson here, but I don't understand why the mpgs are so low on this hybrid. Is it because it's such a big, heavy box?

[@joecool9739]

The problem is that the new GX and LX arent really luxurious at all...theyre just Toyotas with bodykits that add 50k to the MSRP At least other brands like Lincoln and Infiniti try to glam up their rebadges

[@RaitisRides]

I guess it depends on who you ask

[@mikeb3023]

If only i was rich. Always like G wagons. We do have awesome brats 🌭Joe👍

[@dsdddsd4543we]

With a turbo inline 6, the GX550 looks like an incredible value now. This G-Wagon cost $100K more than it.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that!

[@RayanMADAO]

You can get 2 Lexus gxs and have money left over for another car 😂

[@gregmarzett2978]

I’ve wanted one since I first saw a German Army one in Afghanistan in 2004.

[@RaitisRides]

That is crazy! I am glad that I can share it with you!

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

Yes of course Joe & I can't wait to drive this.

[@dejonbuick6070]

Wow,Joe the g wagon 550 is iconic, however i would buy the g63 with the v8 engine.😊😊😊

[@RaitisRides]

Good call brother

[@gdcc1989]

God help those who are shelling out 175k(!) for this vehicle, that has a generic sunroof and no rear 2nd row ventilated seats.

[@kingjulien9525]

Zoink car!!! Thumb up to my fav KZbinr.

[@JaroPivarci]

You are absolutely correct, moms in FL drive this to pick up kids from school 😂 btw, those non functioning vents in front and side mirrors are a total joke for that kind of $$$

[@93ksj]

I like the way the Lexus looks better tbh but G class is a classic

[@V8EngineSound]

I would choose the Lexus GX. The main reason is the interior. I think the gloss black areas in the interior of this Mercedes should be changed to black ash wood trim, and the rear seat headrests should be thicker and beefier. But I like the traditional exterior of the Mercedes G-class, and also I like the sound of the engine, so I have mixed feelings. My ideal car would be one that combines the exterior of the G-class with square side mirrors and no fake vents, and the interior quality of the Lexus GX.

[@charlestonlenz7452]

That side mirror doesn't scream Gwagon.

[@mini2nut67]

Aero baby

[@vindevhunta4905]

Should be a inline 6 though…$179k 63AMG ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@denallizx10]

Out of these reviewers you can always tell who's actually owned the vehicle and who hasn't. Joe clearly has not. For one who's owned two of these marvelous vehicles some of your points were way off. The G checks off every box with the exception of great fuel economy; but if you'reable to afford a G wagon who really cares about that. 1.Iconic look. Arguably one of the Most capable off road vehicles, with the new suspension great ride and comfort, holds its value, it's safe, its the only vehicle you can go off roading, it'll be covered in mud and still get valet in the front of a 5 star restaurant. Please tell me whats better?

[@MarcusTurner-b5p]

Nice video keep up the good work Joe

[@Hitman-zi1fv]

You can get a his and hers set of GX 550’s for the price of that one G550. Definitely go Lexus for the reliability and easier maintenance. Can’t wait to see what it’s going to cost to work on that electric motor

[@tomdrummy4984]

🤣 I was typing this is a must have if you’re a Kardashian……while you were saying it. 😎 Yep side mirror looks like a Toyota Highlander mirror

[@RaitisRides]

Great minds brother…. Great minds

[@17cmmittlererminenwerfer81]

LOL - even worse, I think they popped it off a 2019 Corolla.

[@josephpayton9151]

Yk… now that you mention it, the mirrors are odd looking. They should’ve put the mirrors that are on the new GX on this and it’ll match with the rest of the lineup. I wish mercedes kept the V8 though. Its weird that this sounds like a modded q50 which isnt bad sounding but on this… its strange.

[@pherylihy58]

The mirror definitely doesn't go with the G Wagon I totally agree.

[@LudiCrust.]

The fact anyone pays $175k for this blows my mind. There are so so many better cars you can buy for that amount of money. Keeping up with the Joneses is the only reason why anyone would buy this.

[@spencermorrow2899]

Do they come with aux switches from the factory fir like off-road lights etc

[@TheSpeedDemon64]

I love the G-Wagon, it really is an icon

[@RaitisRides]

I’m glad that I can share it with you

[@rashen24]

i can imagine if a girl ask him "what do you think of my body "and he start with "well right off the bat " lmao lol

[@mttm-leek36]

😂😂😂

[@PatrickC139]

"to the love handles!"

[@ImSupreme1990]

@@rashen24 who u talking too nigga your mother

[@re14437]

…and as you come around the bend…

[@seniraranasinghe645]

Looks at her under side and say you can fit three Twinkies up there.

[@HarmonyLovePeace]

How does it behave when hit by cross winds on the highway?

[@BigJeezie]

I'm commenting before watching the video. If you don't do a tank turn in this beast. I'm going to be extra sad. A third way through. Those mirrors are horrid. I’m extra sad.

[@cbotten106]

Only EV does the tank turn. This is ICE.

[@Steve_Silva]

When I saw that round head light at 11:31, I thought it was a Suzuki Jimmy.

[@japaridze001]

Does any brand make rear ventilated seats? Sierra Denali is most expensive vehicle I’ve ever owned with only front Ventilated seats

[@jenan9016]

G-class is very attractive ngl. I think every man wants a car that looks vigorous. But the price tag is as hard for me to understand as the Land Rover, which also produces so-so vehicles that cost a lot.

[@alexisledesma7109]

Soooo they took away the V8 and replaced it with a V6 hybrid but the MPG is still basically the same? WHY?!!

[@insidious34]

I love how Joe contantly throws shade at the typical G wagon buyers lmao

[@omarcortes5754]

So they removed the V8 and the new engine chuggs the same amount of fuel. I'd still buy it though, but it doesn't makes sense.

[@RaitisRides]

It really is bizarre Omar!

[@morimo11]

😅

[@cbotten106]

You have broken the code on how "they" are going to move us to EVs! Congrats.

[@larsonewhipsnade1643]

What's the point of a smaller engine if it doesn't deliver better mpg?

[@ColeenODay]

I don’t think those “rich” snobs and influencers would compare this vehicle to any Lexus. I agree those winged mirrors should have been square. The rear view camera is too low and not at the rear most section of the vehicle. Didn’t they take into account the spare wheel? Jeep Wrangler has its camera mounted on the spare wheel. The front camera is also seemed to low.. and you’re correct it needs a washer nozzle. Again, Jeep mounted its camera on the grill and has a washer nozzle.

[@bryandsouza9905]

Doesn’t have touch screen for such an expensive SUV!!!!

[@Koorroo]

I am sure its nice , but its way to expensive 175k vor a non AMG version. Thats crazy

[@AllthingsElite]

Destroyer Grey. Dodge started that color now every company using it even though they may name it something else

[@gerardc5457]

No sir. This Gray debuted on Audi’s RS models in 2012. other car manufacturers, including Dodge, began offering similar gray tones, sometimes with different names, . Dodge, for instance, introduced “Destroyer Gray in 2015 several years after the RS was using this color

[@jatesahota]

That vent on the back actually works

[@RaitisRides]

Yes it does!

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

Love your car video

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

It's funny how people are freaking out about the taillights on the new Santa Fe, but no one ever says anything about the G-wagon's taillights being so low. I don't get it!

[@Haroulis277]

Lol you’re kidding right? Comparing the looks of the car with a Santa Fe?!?!? That’s the ugliest car on road!!!

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

@@Haroulis277 That award already went to the Cybertruck. All I said was the taillights placement on both being low. But no one ever complained about the G-Wagon has lower taillights. What are you not comprehending?

[@zigzag4273]

ngl I never paid too much attention to the mirrors. Now that you've mentioned it, they definitely do look out of place.

[@RaitisRides]

I am glad that I can always share the details to you!

[@LuisUrbieta]

I love the new Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon and this is my favorite vehicle. I think to me I love the fake vents up front because without them who wants to see just a boring piece of metal on the corner of the bumper?

[@cody3335]

At least make em real for that price lol

[@LuisUrbieta]

Well, true but without these fake vents, the corners of bumpers up front would look rather bland & not as detailed at all. ​@@cody3335

[@LuisUrbieta]

@@cody3335 Yeah that'd be nice.

[@Demos_Kratos_World]

No rear ventilated seats.. 😂😂😂 my Hyundai wipes the floor with this "wagon" with a ton more features and comfort.

[@alanklaus7774]

P T Barnum proven right again. Good review though Joe as you always point out details that might be missed.

[@WHODEYFAN25]

I agree the mirror does look odd with the rest of the square body

[@kartofle123]

I like the way Joe doesn't say" bombs away" when he opened the storage compartment. I guess it wouldn't sound good when he's reviewing a German vehicle😅

[@bIakeplayzz]

12:15 175K for that thing… yeah no😂

[@Dr3amChas3r02]

If you can’t afford it, then just say that and move on my guy…I’ve been leasing a 2020 G63 for almost 2 years now and I can say it’s worth every penny but i already test drove one and put an order in for my upgrade and I’m so excited! It’s expected to be here around January and I’m have to pay a fee for ending my lease 4 months early but I’m telling u it’s worth it…if u can afford it😉

[@runninwildwithmilwaukeebuck]

​@@Dr3amChas3r02the resale value sucks

[@Dr3amChas3r02]

@@runninwildwithmilwaukeebuck explain how?

[@cbotten106]

@@Dr3amChas3r02 He's ending his lease early....to get the NEW G63! Do you really think poor resale is paramount here?

[@tedunguent156]

@@Dr3amChas3r02 Don't assume he "can't" afford it just because he doesn't want one. That's childish. If you offered to sell me a brand new one at HALF the price I still wouldn't want one. I don't need validation.

[@jayilla28]

For all that money I would just get an Escalade executive package or Denali ultimate ijs you get more for the money instead of paying for a name. Anywho GREAT review as always. I’m only hating on this SUV because I have the privilege of having to buy my wife one when she Pins on CW3 lol.

[@waleedsharaf4524]

🤦Putting a 6 cylinder in this car for US market is a huge mistake. We need effortless power delivery at this price-point to complement the other luxurious attributes of the car. No one cares about mpg performance or aerodynamics . The car is a super heavy box. There is no way around that. I'm sure US CAFE standard are the culprit, but I also read that Mercedes was trying to get rid of all their V8s in their transition to the EQ electric platform. 🤷

[@cbotten106]

It's still 5.0s 0-60 mph. You need a faster off roader than that. If so, the V8 still can be had with the G63.

[@BlauImHerzen]

175.000 for this Car? NEVER EVER!!!

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

I don't know Joe, not really my kinda vehicle. I'll give it a C- I guess.

[@geothermal7999]

SuPeR niCe! Unique! It’s Mercedes!

[@mertkaymak]

which colour is this?

[@Bruce_Davis]

Best business tax write off on the road

[@javy.airlines]

That’s Not A Very Bad Luxury SUV👍🏻👌🏻✌🏻🚙💨!!!

[@musicper550]

Everything on this vehicle is an afterthought, it was meant to be basic, capable off-roader

[@cbotten106]

Yeah, 75 years ago.

[@RaitisRides]

That is true!

[@Graves-81_69]

I’m with you on the mirrors man

[@Reko_89]

Love the new performance and better fuel economy and now keyless entry! I’m very happy with the changes. The Range Rover is still far better value for the money.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so fantastic to hear!

[@djice1804]

- Yes the mirrors look out of place… 6:50

[@audriusbaranauskas6227]

After having driven the 2016 CLS 550 with the 4.7 V8 biturbo 402hp, and the 2017 E53AMG 3.0 429hp mild hybrid - long story short: V8 is better. Way more low down torque.

[@17cmmittlererminenwerfer81]

Geländewagen. Don't forget that *en* instead of *on* at the end of *Wagen*

[@WHODEYFAN25]

"Or maybe drive over a parking block cracked me up"