In one major way, the new G-Wagen is unlike any model we’ve seen in the U.S. over the past 20 years.

It’s tough to believe, but it’s already been six years since Mercedes-Benz launched the new-generation W463 G-Class in 2018. Along with the forthcoming all-electric model, the gas-powered versions are getting an update as well, including a major shift for the base G550 model that sets it apart from any version you’ve been able to buy in the U.S.: The 2025 version does not have a V8 engine.

Instead, one of the biggest changes for the refreshed 2025 Mercedes-Benz G550 is the pivot away from the 4.0-liter biturbo V8. In its place, we’re instead getting a mild-hybrid 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six. It’s a powertrain we know well throughout the rest of the lineup, and it still packs a punch here. The new G550 manages 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, which is a 27-horsepower boost, but 37 lb-ft drop in torque over the previous model. Though it basically comes out as a wash in terms of out-and-out performance, the new G550 should (hopefully) be a bit more efficient than the past iteration.

Like before, the new G-Class will still offer up triple locking differentials, as well as 27.6 inches of water fording capability and 9.5 inches of ground clearance. It also continues to use tried and true ladder-frame construction, so the G-Wagen still carries its credentials as one of the most capable off-road rigs around. The G550 model just gets a different powertrain.

The Mercedes-AMG G63 model, on the other hand, does retain the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine under its hood. It also gets the 48-volt mild-hybrid treatment for a bit of extra power in short bursts. At its core, though, the G63 still manages a potent 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, allowing this big bruiser to sprint from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds with the optional AMG Performance Pack (or 4.5 seconds without it).

That package also raises the top speed to 150 mph, while the AMG G63 also gets Active Ride Control as part of the AMG Offroad Package Pro — a system that uses hydraulic roll stabilization without having to rely on anti-roll bars, improving wheel articulation. That package also adds in two additional off-road drive modes and allows adjustment for the degree of locking of the electronically controlled differential locks, depending on your situation.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class also gets some much-needed interior refinements.

Again, the exterior changes don’t give away all the changes at first glance. The changes Mercedes did make include lowering the drag coefficient to 0.48 through a host of aerodynamic tweaks (still not great, but considering sort of vehicle this is, that’s a significant improvement from 0.55). There are also enlarged intakes in the bumper and four horizontal bars in the grille on the G550, rather than three.

Stepping inside is where you’ll see and feel the most notable changes, however. You still get 12.3-inch dual displays, though they’re now running the latest version of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system. That includes adopting Mercedes’ modern touchscreen and touchpad setup, rather than the old COMAND-style system that utilized both a touchpad and a rotary dial. An Offroad Cockpit view for the 360-degree camera system also offers a transparent hood function, which is becoming a mainstay in off-road-focused SUVs these days.

MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation is also included as standard equipment, as is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The voice assistant can also recognize 20 new voice commands which were created exclusively for the G-Class.

No word on pricing just yet

While the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup gets a new powertrain in the G550 and more tech, there’s no word on how much it will cost just yet. The 2024 G550 model started at $143,000, while the Mercedes-AMG G63 started around $180,000. And that’s before options, so real-world pricing can run quite a bit higher than that. I wouldn’t expect this new version to cost radically more than the outgoing car, but it certainly won’t get any more affordable, either.

The G550 arrives at U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2024, with the AMG G63 eventually coming along behind it.