Over the 40 years since its debut, the G-Class has retained its blocky, utilitarian exterior shape while evolving with a luxury interior and sophisticated powertrain, mechanicals and technological prowess.

For 2020 in the United States, two models of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class premier SUV are available: the Mercedes-Benz G550 (starting at $130,900) and the Mercedes-AMG G63 (starting at $156,450). With option packages and extras, the sky is the limit for the G-Wagen, thanks in part to the G Manufaktur Program, which allows for extensive interior and exterior customization, with over one million possible combinations. Each G-Class vehicle is hand-built in Graz, Austria.

I drove the two G-Class models back-to-back, spending a week behind the wheel of each model. 

My 2020 G550 came with the standard package of features, and added the $3,950 designo Night Black Magno matte paint, G Manufaktur Black Flamed Open-Pore Ash Wood Trim, the $12,200 Exclusive Interior Package Plus, $1,900 Night Package, $3,470 AMG Line, $1,400 Suspension with Adaptive Damping Adjustment, $850 12.3-inch Widescreen Instrument Cluster, $250 Heated Steering Wheel, $300 20-inch AMG Multi-Spoke Black Wheels, $550 Leather Grab Handles, and a $995 Destination and Delivery Charge, bringing the as-tested price to $158,065. 

My 2020 G63 was loaded with options including $6,500 for G manufaktur Jupiter Red paint, $3,700 for AMG Carbon Fiber Trim, $1,950 for the AMG Night Package, $3,000 for the G Manufaktur Interior Package, a $1,500 AMG Carbon Fiber Engine Cover, $250 for a Heated Steering Wheel, $900 for an AMG Performance Steering Wheel in Dinamica/Carbon Fiber, $4,450 for 22-inch Forged AMG Cross-Spoke Wheels, $550 for Leather Grab Handles, $2,700 for the AMG Top Speed Delimiter, and a Destination and Delivery Fee of $995, adding up to an as-tested price of $182,545.

What's new? 

Both the G550 and G63 share a long list of standard attributes, which include a lot more luxury, convenience and safety features than might be expected from the G-Class's utilitarian outward appearance. The latest version of Comand Navigation (with three years of map updates) operates through a 12.3-inch widescreen display at the top of the center stack. In the G63, the Comand screen shares a housing with a matched 12.3-inch virtual instrument panel, a sleek, seamless installation that adds cool customization to the gauge cluster (an $850 option on G550). 

You can match your instrument panel colors with the ambient cabin lighting to fit your mood. Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is Burmester Surround Sound with gorgeous pierced metal speaker grilles – and great sound.

Under the hood, the G550’s 4.0-liter Biturbo V8 engine is tuned to produce 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, a big scoop less than the G63. The AMG features a handcrafted 4.0-liter Biturbo V8 with 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Each uses Camtronic cylinder deactivation to keep fuel consumption under control and each comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive with sequential lockable differentials and a low range gearbox. 

Driver assistance, or not

Safety has been integrated into the G-Class, with the usual Mercedes commitment to active and passive safety and advanced driver assistance features. The G550 gets a rear view camera, Active Brake Assist, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, and Blind Spot Assist along with Pre-Safe Predictive Occupant Protection System, while G63 upgrades to standard Attention Assist and a Surround View Camera. 

I found the Active Lane Keeping Assist on both the G550 and G63 to be a somewhat alarming distraction – the system feels like it both brakes and steers the vehicle away from the lane line rather abruptly when it detects drifting. This intervention might help prevent an unintended incursion into oncoming traffic, but it could also induce unintended consequences in the opposite direction, and should be engaged only with a full understanding of how it works. 

What's missing? 

As well-equipped and luxurious as both G550 and G63 are, there are a few peculiar omissions from the standard and available feature lists. Heated front and rear seats are standard, but ventilated front seats are only available as part of the Seat Comfort Package ($2,220), Exclusive Interior Package Plus ($9,980), G Manufaktur Interior Package ($5,880) or G manufaktur Interior Package Plus ($10,830). All these packages force you to accept active multicontour front seats with massage. 

Keyless-Start is standard on G550 and G63, but there’s no option for Hands-Free Access (to open the tailgate by waving a foot below the bumper) or Keyless-Go (to unlock and lock the door without touching the key fob). Those features are available even on the GLA-Class. There are two USB charging ports and three power outlets, but no standard or available inductive charging station for mobile devices. 

Choosing between giants

Picking between the G550 and G63 is a bigger question than just the bottom line. It really has to do with intent – what do you want to do with your G-Wagen? 

If you’re looking for a boulevardier, a vehicle that will impress with its features, intimidate with its exhaust note and quickness off the line, dazzle with its flash – then the G63 is for you. That potent AMG engine gives the big SUV impressive quickness, and the standard AMG Ride Control sport suspension and AMG High-Performance braking system allow you to take full advantage of it. Opt for the $3,700 AMG Carbon Fiber interior trim, and you’ve got a stunning modern cabin; you can’t do better than the $900 AMG Performance steering wheel in Dinamica and carbon fiber.

If you’re looking for a vehicle to take you on an overland adventure, the G550 is probably a better choice. On roads less traveled, you won’t miss that extra 161 horsepower, but you will appreciate the better compliance of standard 19-inch wheels versus the skinny rubber on the standard 20-inch AMG wheels or optional 22-inch wheels. While the standard AMG Performance Exhaust on the G63 is attractive and sounds great, the tailpipe tips that project ahead of the rear wheels below the running boards would be seriously vulnerable to off-road damage.

Other manufacturers have tried to duplicate the G-Class’s appeal over the years – witness the Hummer H3, Land Rover LR4, Jeep Commander, and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with hardtop – but nobody has matched the look, feel and function of the Geländewagen, still an original and the funkiest outlier in the Mercedes-Benz lineup.

The bottom line

You don’t have to be a Kardashian (or even know what one is) to drive a G-Class, but be prepared to get a lot of stares and envy. Take pride in your ride. If you don’t want to be accused of being a poser, consider enrolling in the recently launched G-Class Experience (G-Class-Experience.com), a Mercedes-Benz off-road driving program in Graz that starts at €1,780. This in-depth course helps owners and enthusiasts to learn about the capabilities and limits of the G-Wagen in its natural element. Whether you choose the Mercedes-Benz G550 or Mercedes-AMG G63, both are amazing vehicles, able to take you to the ends of the Earth in comfort and style.