The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon (officially the G-Class ) is a bold icon for luxury, power, and off–road dominance. Its unmistakable square design, luxurious inside, and powerful engine options make this SUV one of the most sought-after SUVs. With its bold, upscale design, the G-Wagon has garnered a cultish following from celebrities to adventure seekers because of its ability to navigate rough terrain. Yet, the starting price of $140,000 means owning this elite machine remains beyond the reach of many.
Fortunately, the automotive world has a few tantalizing options that embrace the spirit of the G-Wagon but with a lower price tag. If weekend adventures in a rugged 4×4 SUV appeal to you, and you also want a stylish presence in town, consider these options or if you want a luxurious cabin and all-terrain performance, there are some excellent options.
This guide discusses the best alternatives and competitors to the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. Each model presents a different combination of features, performance, and value, which makes them all worthy competitors to have in your garage. Classic off-roaders or refined urban SUVs—the choice is yours, depending on your lifestyle or budget.
Must Check: 10 Cars Similar to the RAV4: Top Toyota RAV4 Competitors
#1. Land Rover Defender 110
- Starting Price: $61,600
- Engine: 3.0L Turbocharged I6 with Mild Hybrid
- Horsepower: 395 hp
- Torque: 406 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Ground Clearance: Up to 11.5 inches
The Land Rover Defender 110 is a complex yet elegant SUV combination of heritage and high-technology engineering. Based at $61,600, it includes a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine, developing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque based on mild hybrid technology. The 8-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth performance and all-wheel drive, it has strong on-road performance and strong off-road capability.
Thanks to its superior air suspension, the Defender can have apparent ground clearance not exceeding 11.5 inches, all in good time, for rough rocky trails or deep snow. The interior combines utilitarianism of the design with upscale additions and provides a premium, functional interior. The Defender 110 combines capability, character, and comfort in a legendary package
#2. Toyota Land Cruiser
- Starting Price: $55,000 (estimated)
- Engine: 2.4L Turbocharged Hybrid i-FORCE MAX
- Horsepower: 326 hp
- Torque: 465 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Full-time 4WD
- Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches
The Toyota Land Cruiser is back with a substantial redesign, which brings classic styling and high-tech hybrid power. Priced around $55,000, it has a 2.4L turbocharged hybrid i-FORCE MAX engine with 326 horsepower and outstanding torque of 465 lb-ft. Coupled with an 8-speed eight-speed automatic and full-time 4WD, the Land Cruiser is designed for rugged terrain and everyday road driving.
With an 8.7-inch clearance and the off-road tech legend Toyota, it confidently dominates trails while maintaining comfort. On the inside, it has a rugged, contemporary appeal. The Land Cruiser is ideal for those explorers who dream of durability, performance, and iconic looks, making it an obvious alternative to luxury off-roaders such as the G-Wagon.
#3. Jeep Grand Wagoneer
- Starting Price: $91,945
- Engine: 6.4L V8
- Horsepower: 471 hp
- Torque: 455 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: 4WD
- Towing Capacity: Up to 9,850 lbs
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a full-size luxury SUV combining a luxury car’s top craftsmanship and legendary Jeep capability. It starts at $91,945 with a strong 6.4L V8 engine delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, married to an 8-speed auto transmission and a 4WD system. This powerhouse provides up to 9850 pounds of best-in-class towing capability, making it as practical as prestigious.
Inside, the Grand Wagoneer coddles the passengers with the quilted leather, the real wood accents, and the leading-edge Uconnect infotainment system. Grand Wagoneer is a very cosy and capable replacement for the Mercedes G-Wagon with daring design and off-road heritage; It provides style, strength, and sophistication in one commanding package.
#4. Lexus LX 600
- Starting Price: $89,160
- Engine: 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6
- Horsepower: 409 hp
- Torque: 479 lb-ft
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Full-time 4WD
- Ground Clearance: Up to 8.9 inches
Lexus LX 600 is a top-of-the-line full-size SUV with luxury, performance, and legendary reliability. For $89,160 and up, it has a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 engine with 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft torque, smoothly matched to a 10-speed automatic, and full-time 4WD. With up to 8.9 inches of clearance from the ground and advanced off-road systems, its capability to operate across various terrains is strong.
Today, in the LX 600, visitors are ‘wowed’ by a technologically rich environment with quality materials inside and Lexus’ signature craftsmanship. Based on the tested Land Cruiser platform, it gives both rugged strength and stylish comfort. Wearing its bold spindle grille and ready-to-go stance, the LX 600 is a style and reliability alternative to the Mercedes G-wagon.
#5. Ford Bronco Raptor
- Starting Price: $90,035
- Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6
- Horsepower: 418 hp
- Torque: 440 lb-ft
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: 4WD
- Ground Clearance: 13.1 inches
Ford Bronco Raptor is an off-road SUV with high performance, designed to dominate rough terrain with style and power. Priced from $90,035, it is a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 developing 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque paired to a 10-speed automatic and 4WD. The Bronco Raptor has a phenomenal 13.1″ of ground clearance, its FOX Live Valve shocks, and reinforced suspension components strive to ensure that it easily runs and climbs up in the desert and rocks.
Although more rugged than luxury, it has a bold design, tech-advanced interior, and unsurpassed trail ability. For those who prize adventure and performance, the Bronco Raptor is a thrilling, aggressive alternative to the G-Wagon.
Read More:
- Cars Similar to Dodge Charger: Top Muscle Car Alternatives to Consider
- 10 Cars Similar to Hyundai Elantra: Top Alternatives & Competitors to Consider
- Cars Similar to Volkswagen Beetle: Top Alternatives & Competitors to Consider
#6. INEOS Grenadier
- Starting Price: $71,500
- Engine: 3.0L BMW Inline-6 (Gas or Diesel)
- Horsepower: 282 hp (gas) / 246 hp (diesel)
- Torque: 332 lb-ft (gas) / 406 lb-ft (diesel)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic (ZF)
- Drivetrain: Permanent 4WD
- Ground Clearance: 10.4 inches
The INEOS Grenadier is a plain-spoken 4×4 that sacrifices nothing to the classic Land Rover Defender in its mission to provide contemporary performance and reliability. Priced at a starting price of $71,500, it can be accompanied by a 3.0L BMW inline-6 power plant; gasoline (282 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque) or diesel (246 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque). The two engine options combine an 8-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4WD, which promises superb off-road performance.
The 10.4 inches of ground clearance the Grenadier has makes it suitable for rugged terrain. It is therefore ideal for adventurers who prefer utility over luxury. Small but durable, the Grenadier is the perfect substitute for the G-Class for those looking for ruggedness with modern reliability in a classic 4×4 form.
#7. Cadillac Escalade-V
- Starting Price: $149,990
- Engine: 6.2L Supercharged V8
- Horsepower: 682 hp
- Torque: 653 lb-ft
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0–60 MPH: 4.4 seconds
The Cadillac Escalade-V is an American vehicle that merges high-end features with bold performance. From $149,990, it runs a 6.2L supercharged V8 engine, which produces mind-blowing 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. With a 10-speed automatic, the Escalade-V can rush from 0-60 MPH in just 4.4 seconds and delivers thrilling acceleration while equipped with AWD. Inside – where it’s all at – is full of state-of-the-art technology and luxurious touches, such as premium materials and an advanced infotainment system.
In its aggressive styling and dominating road stance, Escalade-V fights tooth and nail with the G-Wagon AMG, giving American muscle and flair in a luxury SUV that embodies performance and class for the consumer who wants it all.
#8. BMW X7 M60i
- Starting Price: $108,700
- Engine: 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 with 48V Mild Hybrid
- Horsepower: 523 hp
- Torque: 553 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: AWD
The BMW X7 M60i is a luxurious replacement for those wanting power, performance, and refinement. This SUV – a 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 with a 48V Mild Hybrid – starts at $108,700 and delivers 523 hp and 553 lb/ft torque. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission, with AWD and optimum performance when on and off the road.
Featuring seating for seven, the X7 M60i offers a premium, spacious cabin and is an ideal choice for value seekers for comfort and versatility. While it lacks the boxy, ruggedness that characterizes the G-Wagon, its well-tuned driving and muscular power make it a formidable opponent for the luxury SUV market.
#9. Range Rover SE P530
- Starting Price: $118,700
- Engine: 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8
- Horsepower: 523 hp
- Torque: 553 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Ground Clearance: Up to 11.6 inches
Range Rover is a luxury blend of luxury and performance at $118,700. It comes armed with a 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 with a power output of 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, and an 8-speed automatic transmission, AWD. With a ground clearance of up to 11.6 inches, this allows it off-road ability; at the same time, it has a plush interior, complete with high-end materials and advanced technology, creating a truly unparalleled driving sensation.
The adjustable suspension system makes the vehicle’s ride quality excellent; smooth roads or rough terrains will not make any difference. Powered with a lot of power and with world-class off-road credentials, the rigidity of the Range Rover SE P530 proclaims it a direct rival to the G-Wagon, with a blend of luxury, performance, and capability of being balanced.
#10. Audi Q8 e-tron
- Starting Price: $74,400
- Powertrain: Dual electric motors
- Horsepower: 402 hp (with boost)
- Torque: 490 lb-ft
- Range: Up to 285 miles
- Drivetrain: Quattro AWD
Audi Q8 e-tron presents a luxury SUV in a sophisticated and sustainable way for $74400. Powered by an electric motor duo, it generates 402 HP (with boost) and 490 lb-ft of torque, and Quattro AWD makes it a perfect performer in all kinds of situations. An impressive electric efficiency is achieved when it ranges between 271 miles and 285 miles on a single charge.
Inside the Q8 e-tron is a quiet, high-tech cabin that provides a refined drive. It’s perfect for people who want luxury but prefer using an environmentally friendly motive over gas-powered vehicles. The Audi Q8 e-tron is a must for anyone who considers themselves a modern luxury SUV enthusiast with its combination of performance, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology.
Bonus: Mercedes-Benz EQG (Coming Soon)
- Expected Release: 2025
- Powertrain: Fully electric
- Drivetrain: Quad-motor AWD
- Range (Estimated): 300+ miles
Why It’s Worth Watching
The Mercedes-Benz EQG will be a vibrant addition to the G-Class lineup and should come out in 2025. This all-electric SUV will incorporate a quad-motor AWD drive system whereby the individual motor will control every single wheel to boost off-road performance and reaction time. With a range of about 300+ miles, the EQG will be an excellent choice for a long-distance ride, combining luxury with its environmental friendliness. The EQG will maintain the iconic, box-like appearance for which the G-Class is famous, but will have a new range of innovative electric technologies that promise to give the driver a quiet and powerful driving experience.
Its new battery platform is to become a new gold standard of performance in electric-vehicle terms, especially to those with a taste for brute force and refined opulence. The EGG’s off-road ability, allied with zero-emission driving, will make it attractive to ecological-minded enthusiasts who still want to drive a tough truck. As one of the world’s ultimate luxury off-road SUVs’ electric incarnations, the Mercedes-Benz EQG is a must-see for those interested in the fate of future high-performance electric off-road vehicles.
Conclusion
There is no question that the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is a legendary luxury SUV, but it is fighting a hard battle to stay in today’s market. Depending on what is of importance to you, affordable, off-road, a performer, or, even better, electrified, there’s an alternative to the G-Class legend. Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover Defender have earned a reputation for off-road supremacy, and Ineos Grenadier and Ford Bronco Raptor come with bold, rugged replacements.
When selecting the best G-Wagon substitute, we should pay more attention to aspects most likely to interest you, such as towing capabilities and terrain handling, luxury features such as leather seats and rear entertainment screen, or even fuel efficiency. Reliability, ownership cost, and the support of local dealerships also form essential considerations in the decision-making process.
Fortunately, a variety of competent and elegant SUVs can now be more easily afforded, and you will find the right substitute for the G-Class that suits your lifestyle and budget. Suppose you want a high-performance off-road vehicle or a more economical luxury SUV. In that case, the marketplace is full of cars that marry the legendary G−wagner’s face with modern technology and environmental values. There is a perfect fit for you out there for you to find.