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2008 Mercedes-Benz G Class Safety Review

July 28, 2008

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Electronic Stability Program to afford maximum security
ForbesAutos

will help less-experienced drivers through most conditions
USAToday

No rating
NHTSA

No rating
IIHS

Safety is a mark of pride at Mercedes-Benz; 2008’s G-Class has a long list of safety features that haven’t been put to the official test yet. Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has rated the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class for crash protection.

Mercedes-Benz has historically taken accident safety seriously, and this year's Mercedes-Benz G-Class is no exception to the rule. The "vehicle's remarkable robustness, with thicker-than-average sheet metal and hand-built construction," as noted by Kelley Blue Book, should enable it to stand up to the worst.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has most of the standard safety equipment found in the better production vehicles today, including airbags and three-point belts with emergency tensioners. There are, however, some serious oversights. While both Cars.com and Edmunds report full side-curtain airbags, side door airbags have not been included.

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class's powers of ESP are worth mentioning here. This is not "Extra-Sensory Perception," although based on digital feedback, the Electronic Stability Program does try to avoid accidents by helping with course corrections when the driver is making evasive maneuvers. J.D. Power reports this feature as standard on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. USAToday states the Electronic Traction System that helps to limit wheel slip on slick road surfaces is also standard. However, this source adds that it's "for extreme conditions only."

Car and Driver reports that because of the Mercedes-Benz 2008 G-Class's "high seating position, the view is unencumbered." Kelley Blue Book and other sources also note the rear park assist and rearview camera are standard and will help deal with blind spots.

Conclusion

Occupants riding in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV can be assured of better-than-average protection in case of a crash. Side airbags aren’t offered, though.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Electronic Stability Program to afford maximum securityForbesAutoswill help less-experienced drivers through most conditionsUSATodayNo ratingNHTSANo ratingIIHS Safety is a mark of pride at Mercedes-Benz; 2008’s G-Class has a long list of safety features that haven’t been put to the official test yet. Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has rated the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class for crash protection. Mercedes-Benz has historically taken accident safety seriously, and this year's Mercedes-Benz G-Class is no exception to the rule. The "vehicle's remarkable robustness, with thicker-than-average sheet metal and hand-built construction," as noted by Kelley Blue Book, should enable it to stand up to the worst. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has most of the standard safety equipment found in the better production vehicles today, including airbags and three-point belts with emergency tensioners. There are, however, some serious oversights. While both Cars.com and Edmunds report full side-curtain airbags, side door airbags have not been included. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class's powers of ESP are worth mentioning here. This is not "Extra-Sensory Perception," although based on digital feedback, the Electronic Stability Program does try to avoid accidents by helping with course corrections when the driver is making evasive maneuvers. J.D. Power reports this feature as standard on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. USAToday states the Electronic Traction System that helps to limit wheel slip on slick road surfaces is also standard. However, this source adds that it's "for extreme conditions only." Car and Driver reports that because of the Mercedes-Benz 2008 G-Class's "high seating position, the view is unencumbered." Kelley Blue Book and other sources also note the rear park assist and rearview camera are standard and will help deal with blind spots. ConclusionOccupants riding in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV can be assured of better-than-average protection in case of a crash. Side airbags aren’t offered, though.  2008 MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "utilitarian appearance" Edmunds: "retro, ultra-boxy looks and macho image" ForbesAutos: "a rare and burly SUV" Kelley Blue Book: "Big, boxy and about as modern as a dial-up phone" If you like the look of military trucks ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Few vehicles have the off-road reputation of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Land Rover Range Rover is one; also like the G-Class, it has a breathtaking price tag to go with its legendary capability. The Toyota Land Cruiser is substantially less expensive but no less talented, though it is finished more inexpensively.

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See the Mercedes-Benz G Class in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002

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