DecodedCars2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- G500 4dr SUV 4WD, G55 Amg 4dr SUV 4WD
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 13 combined · 12 city / 15 hwy
- Length
- 174.8–175.2 in
- Curb weight
- 5,269–5,388 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 45 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 13 MPG combined, 25% below the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (5.0L 8-cyl and 5.4L 8-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,269 lb (G500 4dr SUV 4WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 13 MPG combined (12 city / 15 highway), 25% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG, for an estimated $6,300 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 G-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 G-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G500 4dr SUV 4WD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 78 in | 112.2 in | 60.6 / 59.8 in | 5,269 lb | 54/46 |
| G55 Amg 4dr SUV 4WD | 175.2 in | 71.3 in | 78 in | 112.2 in | 59.4 / 59.1 in | 5,388 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G500 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 15 / 13 | -25% | $6,300 | 684 |
| G55 AMG | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 / 13 / 12 | -31% | $6,850 | 741 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (this car) | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 BMW X3 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Land Rover LR2 | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other G-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 G-Class | 15 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 G-Class | 18 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 G-Class | 18 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 G-Class | 14 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 G-Class | 14 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 G-Class | 16 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 G-Class | 18 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 G-Class | 14 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 G-Class | 14 | 181.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 G-Class | 13 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 G-Class | 13 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 G-Class | 13 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →