Hello to all. I am thinking about buying a G55 but don't know if I should. I will like to trade in my SLK55 for a G55. I would like to know what it is like to own a G55 for every day use. Cost to operate would be nice to. And what kind of MPG are you getting. this will be my first SUV I hope. Or should I get a new C63.

 

G55 not for everyone..
If you are going to buy one then consider a 2005 or newer as it has the supercharger.
The earlier NA motors are a bit slow and also have a harsher suspension.
Drive one and see if it suits you.
As far as mileage it depends on your driving style...
Highway you may get 16-17 with a G55K, city drops down to 9-11.
Average about 13 is normal.

No way to compare with a C63..truck, yes truck not SUV versus car.

Try to find a CPO'd G55K and you'll discover that your depreciation is negligible after a few years of your ownership.
They hold value and really do not require any unusual maintenance.

Once again it's a truck not an SUV...if you want a SUV then consider the GL

 

I'm on my 3rd G55. The only other SUV would be another one. The current one is a 2008. We own 5 Mercedes Benz at the moment. As another member said, after 2005 they are the best and strongest. The 2008 has 507 HP and wins every time when the others are trying to compete. Doesn't happen too often, car guys (and girls) know that unusual looking box is a rocket. On the AMG Gs no major changes cosmetically, tail lights, fog lights, odometer and a couple of other minor changes. Strangely enough, the stereo and the actual sound system changed in 2009. Big deal. It is the most amazing vehicle I have ever owned. Even more fun (to me) than my wife's 2013 S550. My advice is to get one and enjoy the attention.

 

You can never compare a C63 to a G55, you have to decide what you really want first and then go get it. The G55 is amazing and looks great but so is the C63 but they are two different cars. Try to test drive both, you might know the answer.

 

How is the handling in the G? I'm thinking of trading in my S550 but afraid if I drive the G in a similar manner it might flip. Not that S is a sports car but still a sedan that's lower to the ground.

 

It's all subjective and depends on how good of a driver you are...
The stability of any vehicle even with a low center of gravity is driver dependent...
The G-wagen center of gravity is not as high as it appears.

It's still a truck, not an S class or even a GL....again it's a truck, a very fast one, but it has it's limitations.
Suggest you drive one...

 

Test drive. You're comparing prunes to pineapples but if cost to operate/mpg is an issue, forget it.

 

You already own an AMG.....why worry about cost to own/maintain at this point?

 

Think you all for your input. I think I will ditch the SLK55 for 08 or 09 g55.
I have driven the c class a lot it is a fun car to drive but the G class is tugging a my hart strings.
the cost to operate will be free parts I can get at cost. so now it comes down to the little things I don't about the G class.
the squeaks and rattles that will drive me nuts, the MPG will suck but I live
only 1 mile from work. I know that all the window regulators are junk, door lock motors are junk. but I still like it.
if anyone is looking to but a slk55 with 46,000 miles drop me a line.