GX 550 vs G-Class
If you’re shopping for a car in the midsize off-road suv class, the GX 550 and the G-Class are likely both on your shortlist. Where the GX 550 shines on space & practicality, the G-Class counters on fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range G-Class wins
- Space & Practicality GX 550 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.6
- Fuel Economy & Range1.4
- Engine & Performance8.8
- Fuel Economy & Range3.6
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The G-Class has 94 hp more power
If total system output is one of your priorities, this settles it: the G-Class leads clearly with 443 hp to the GX 550’s 349 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The GX 550 has room for 7 seats
The numbers aren’t close. The GX 550 lists 7 seats for seats, while the G-Class lists 5 seats. The GX 550 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
-
The GX 550 has 66 lb-ft more torque
A clear win for the GX 550: 479 lb-ft against 413 lb-ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The G-Class has better fuel economy
It’s a small lead (18 mpg versus 17 mpg), but it’s real, and it goes to the G-Class. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The G-Class has better city fuel economy
The GX 550 isn’t far behind at 15 mpg, but the G-Class’s 17 mpg still comes out ahead. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | GX 550 | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 75.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
Each side wins something here. The GX 550 offers 66 lb-ft more torque; the G-Class offers 94 hp more power. Neither gets an outright win on engine & performance; your habits break the tie.
Total system output
GX 550: 349 hp G-Class: 443 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
GX 550: 479 lb-ft G-Class: 413 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
G-Class leads
The fuel economy & range comparison is one-sided. The G-Class leads where it counts. The G-Class answers with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. The GX 550 takes this one with better highway fuel economy. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the G-Class is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (combined)
GX 550: 17 mpg G-Class: 18 mpg The G-Class uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
GX 550: 15 mpg G-Class: 17 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the G-Class has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
GX 550 leads
Here the GX 550 opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. Choose the GX 550 and you get room for 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. In short, the GX 550 is the better-equipped car for space & practicality.
Seats
GX 550: 7 seats G-Class: 5 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Side by side, the off-road & towing figures for the GX 550 and the G-Class barely differ. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the GX 550’s and the G-Class’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | GX 550 | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.4L twin-turbo V6 | 3.0L turbo I6 |
| Total system output | 349 hp | 443 hp (winner) Most powerful in class |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class | 413 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD (low range) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | GX 550 | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 17 mpg Thirstiest in class | 18 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 15 mpg Thirstiest in the city | 17 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 21 mpg (winner) | 19 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Fuel tank | 21.1 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | GX 550 | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) Most seats in class | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 10.3 cu ft Smallest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 76.9 cu ft Most room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | GX 550 | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 9,096 lb Best towing in class | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | GX 550 | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 14 in Biggest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | GX 550 | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 75.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | GX 550 | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $66,785 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the GX 550 if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (479 lb-ft vs 413 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better highway fuel economy (21 mpg vs 19 mpg)
Choose the G-Class if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (443 hp vs 349 hp)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (18 mpg vs 17 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (17 mpg vs 15 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the GX 550 or the G-Class?
It depends on your priorities: the GX 550 is stronger on space & practicality, while the G-Class leads on fuel economy & range.
Executive Summary
The GX 550 and the G-Class come from rival camps, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, but they’re chasing the same person: you. The GX 550 wins me over with room for 7 seats. Beyond that, 66 lb-ft more torque gives the GX 550 another edge. Fairness check: the G-Class does come with 94 hp more power.
I’d match them like this: space & practicality to the GX 550, fuel economy & range to the G-Class.
My pick: whichever matches your priority, since space & practicality means the GX 550 and fuel economy & range means the G-Class.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.