Short answer: A 2019-or-newer G-Class is a different truck from the 2018-and-older one: new chassis, independent front suspension and a far better interior. The G 550 (416 hp V8 through 2024) is the comfortable choice. The AMG G 63 (577 hp) is the performance and resale choice. The 2025 G 550 switched to a 443 hp mild-hybrid inline-six. Whatever you buy, check the service history and the air-conditioning, electronics and suspension closely.
Few vehicles hold their value or their appeal like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. That also means the used market is full of very different trucks wearing the same boxy shape. Here’s how to tell the generations apart, what separates a G 550 from an AMG G 63, and what to check before you buy one in Surrey, Langley or anywhere in the Lower Mainland.
The two generations that matter
2018 and older (W463)
The original G-Class shape ran for decades with continuous updates. Late examples have a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in the G 550 (416 hp from 2016) and a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 in the G 63. They are tough and characterful, but they ride, steer and seat like an older off-roader: a solid front axle, a narrow cabin and dated technology.
2019 and newer (W463A)
For 2019, Mercedes rebuilt the G-Class almost entirely while keeping the look. The body is wider, the front suspension is independent, and the interior moved to the widescreen digital cockpit. It drives like a modern luxury SUV. For most buyers who will use the truck every day, this is the generation to shop.
G 550 vs AMG G 63
| Model years | G 550 | AMG G 63 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 to 2024 | 4.0L twin-turbo V8, 416 hp | 4.0L twin-turbo V8, 577 hp |
| 2025 on | 3.0L turbo inline-six, mild hybrid, 443 hp | 4.0L twin-turbo V8, mild hybrid, 577 hp |
- G 550: softer ride, a quieter cabin and lower running costs. The right choice if the truck is mainly a daily driver.
- AMG G 63: side-exit exhausts, bigger brakes, sport-tuned suspension and much stronger acceleration. G 63s are the most sought-after G-Class models, so they usually cost more and also tend to resell well.
The 4×4 Squared
The G 550 4×4² (2017 and 2018 in North America) is the collectible outlier: portal axles, a much higher ride height and wide fender flares on the older W463 body, with the 416 hp twin-turbo V8. It’s a statement piece and an off-road machine more than a commuter, and the best examples are getting harder to find.
What to check before you buy a used G-Class
- Service history: regular servicing at a Mercedes dealer or a known specialist, ideally with records you can read.
- A full computer scan: every module, not just a check for warning lights.
- Climate control: run the A/C hard. Check that every vent and both zones work.
- Electronics: screens, cameras, seat functions and the locking differentials. Test each differential lock and check the dash confirms it.
- Brakes and tires: G 63s are heavy and fast, so brakes and big tires wear quickly and cost more.
- Accident history: read the CARFAX Canada claim amounts, not just “accident: yes or no”.
- Paint and body: a paint-depth gauge shows repainted panels, and the flat panels on a G show poor repairs easily.
We cover the full inspection process in what a proper pre-purchase inspection covers.
Frequently asked questions
Which G-Class years are the best to buy used?
For daily use, 2019 and newer. That’s when the G-Class got its new chassis, independent front suspension and modern interior. Older models suit buyers who want the classic driving feel or a specific collectible version such as the 4×4 Squared.
Is a G 550 or a G 63 better?
The G 550 is the better daily driver: smoother, quieter and cheaper to run. The G 63 is faster, louder and more in demand, which usually means a higher price and stronger resale.
Did the G 550 lose its V8?
Yes. From the 2025 model year, the G 550 uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid assist (443 hp). The AMG G 63 keeps the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.
Where can I see a used G-Class near Surrey or Langley?
Exclusive Motor Group regularly has G-Class models at 19368 Fraser Hwy in Surrey, right on the Langley border. Check the live inventory, or ask our CarFinder service to source the exact spec you want.
Published by Exclusive Motor Group, 19368 Fraser Hwy, Surrey, BC. This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Ask our team about your situation.
