2019 vs 2025 G550: What Changed (Engine, Tech, and Feel)
February 18, 2026
If you’ve been shopping the newer body-style G-Wagon, you’ve probably noticed a lot of “same-but-different” conversations online. The trucks look similar at a glance, they share the same bold shape and road presence, and Mercedes doesn’t exactly slap a huge label on the ones with major updates. That’s why putting a 2019 G550 and a 2025 G550 side-by-side is so useful—because it reveals what changed, what didn’t, and what those differences feel like in real driving.
Both of these are part of the 463A (often written as 463A / W463A) generation, which arrived after 2018 when the old solid-axle era ended. The newer generation brought a wider body, a drastically different suspension approach (including independent suspension up front), and a much more modern interior that made the G-Wagon easier to live with every day. Purists sometimes argue the new ones aren’t “real” G-Wagons, but the reality is the 463A trucks are incredibly capable—and tough enough to handle real use.
So what changes between the early years of the 463A (2019–2024) and the 2025 update? Let’s break it down in a way that actually helps you choose.
The headline change for 2025 is under the hood.
The 2019–2024 G550 uses the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 paired with Mercedes’ 9-speed transmission. It’s the kind of engine that feels muscular and classic in a modern way: torque-rich, confident, and with that familiar V8 character when you lean into the throttle. In the transcript, it’s described as visceral and guttural—still refined compared to older generations, but with enough sound and feel to remind you you’re driving something “mechanical.”
The 2025 G550 switches to a 3.0L turbo inline-6 with 48-volt mild hybrid assist. The reason is straightforward: efficiency and modern performance. The mild hybrid system helps with torque fill at low rpm and supports features like stop/start behavior. And the surprising part? In the driving impressions, the 2025 isn’t just “efficient”—it’s described as noticeably quicker, even drifting into “G63 territory” acceleration while still being a six-cylinder.
So if you’re the kind of driver who loves the emotional appeal of a V8—the sound, the rumble, the sense of traditional muscle—the 2019–2024 hits that itch. If you want the most modern drivetrain, sharper response, and a strong push toward better fuel economy, 2025 is the move.
Visually, Mercedes didn’t reinvent the truck in 2025. The changes are small enough that most people won’t spot them unless the trucks are parked side-by-side.
In the transcript, the differences called out include:
Slight front bumper changes for aero
Additional grille/splitter styling cues
A-pillar shape changes designed to reduce wind noise
A small “spoiler” element above the windshield to help with airflow
It’s not a facelift that screams for attention. It’s more like Mercedes quietly sanding down a few edges for refinement.
If the engine is the biggest mechanical difference, the interior controls are the most noticeable day-to-day change.
The 2019–2024 interior layout is already modern and very livable, but it uses the earlier style control approach with the rotary-style interface. The 2025 update leans harder into a touchscreen-forward experience and updated MBUX functionality. The cabin still feels familiar—diff lock buttons are still there, HVAC controls still make sense, and the overall “G-Wagon cockpit” vibe remains—but the interaction layer is more current.
One detail that matters more than people admit: navigation and mapping usability. The transcript points out the newer layout is simply easier for maps and phone integration, which matters if the truck is your daily driver or road trip machine.
One of the more interesting notes is about diff lock engagement. On older generations, the diff locks can take a moment to engage. In the 463A trucks, the system is electronic, and engagement is described as much faster—almost instantaneous.
Functionally, it’s still the familiar sequence: low range, then center, then rear/front as needed. The difference is speed and modern execution.
Both trucks are described as exceptionally livable. Compared to older G-Wagons, the new generation is quieter, less fatiguing, and much more “mobile office” friendly—easy phone calls, calm cabin, stable cruising, and better behaved at speed.
The 2025 is noted as slightly quieter due to windscreen/A-pillar tweaks, but the transcript also makes an important point: it’s not a night-and-day difference. It’s more like a few decibels and a touch more polish.
Where the 2025 stands out is drivetrain behavior in traffic: the mild hybrid stop/start and torque assist make it feel responsive and modern, even if the engine sound is less dramatic.
Here’s the most honest takeaway from the transcript: these trucks aren’t separated by “good vs bad.” They’re separated by personality.
The 2019–2024 V8 feels more analog in spirit. When you get on it, you get a satisfying surge and the kind of sound that makes the experience feel bold and masculine. It’s refined, but it still has that old-school charm.
The 2025 inline-6 mild hybrid feels more advanced. It’s quick—shockingly quick in the impressions—and extremely smooth. You may hear more turbo whoosh, and less V8 rumble, but the performance is absolutely there. If you like modern tech and a more subdued, efficient kind of fast, it’s impressive.
One of the best points in the transcript is about value. The 2019–2024 trucks are now in the zone where many are coming off lease or early trade cycles. That often means:
mileage that’s still reasonable
depreciation that has already taken its biggest hit
a modern interior that doesn’t feel outdated
a drivetrain that’s proven and widely serviced
If you’re trying to maximize value per dollar, the earlier 463A years can be a sweet spot. If you want the newest drivetrain and newest tech and you prefer buying newer under warranty, the 2025 makes sense.
If you’re browsing listings and want an easy visual cue, the transcript mentions a simple front-end difference people use: certain trim cues on the front fascia can make it easy to spot a G550 versus a G63. (There are exceptions depending on options and aftermarket styling, but it’s a helpful quick reference when scrolling.)
Every vehicle review needs at least one gripe, and this one is very practical: the running boards. The complaint is that the shape and curvature make foot placement awkward getting in and out—your foot only catches a small portion, which can feel annoying over time. The point is less “this ruins the truck” and more “this is the one thing that bugs me daily.”
And honestly, that’s a pretty good sign for the rest of the vehicle.
If you want the classic feel—more sound, more V8 character, a slightly more visceral experience—the 2019–2024 G550 is hard to beat, especially when you factor in depreciation and the fact that the platform is already modern and comfortable.
If you want the newest tech layer, a more advanced drivetrain approach, better fuel efficiency, and shockingly quick acceleration, the 2025 G550 is a compelling leap forward.
The funny part is how small the visual changes are. Park them apart and many people won’t know which is which. But drive them back-to-back and you’ll feel the difference immediately—especially in how the engine delivers power and how the cabin tech works.
Get in touch with Joe Gocher and the team at Alliance Auto Care—we’ll get your truck squared away the right way.