2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "G-Wagen" from 1979. Despite its modern updates, including a subtly redesigned grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its traditional features like the flat hood and prominent corner lights. The vehicle's robust doors and latches added to its unique character, making it stand out in the luxury SUV market. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim, enhancing both aesthetics and practicality. The G-Class offered a range of wheel options, with the AMG G 63 models featuring larger wheels and carbon-fibre trim. Inside, the G-Class boasted a luxurious interior with a sci-fi aesthetic, featuring ambient lighting and metallic trim. The AMG models offered sportier steering wheels, adding to the vehicle's appeal.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E distinguished itself with Mustang-inspired styling, featuring a familiar grille insert and squinting headlights. Its sculpted design and SUV-coupe-like profile gave it a sporty edge, complemented by a roof spoiler and sequential three-bar taillights. The Mach-E offered various wheel options, with the GT trim featuring larger wheels for a sportier look. The Rally trim added rally-inspired elements like a black roof and dish-style wheels. Inside, the Mach-E featured synthetic leather with contrast stitching, providing a premium feel. The GT and Rally trims offered sport seats with additional bolstering and unique trim elements. Ambient lighting enhanced the interior atmosphere, while the Mach-E's design balanced sportiness with practicality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system, enhancing performance at lower speeds. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved the same in 4.2 seconds. The G 63 also featured the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, improving both off-road and on-road dynamics. Despite its truck-like feel, the G-Class provided a comfortable ride with low wind and tire noise.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a variety of powertrain options, starting with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system producing 325 horsepower and offering 380 kilometres of range. The Mach-E GT delivered 480 hp and 451 km of range, while the Rally trim offered 410 km of range. The Premium model with dual motors and an extended-range battery provided 370 hp and 483 km of range. The Mach-E's electric motors delivered immediate torque, allowing it to accelerate to 100 km/h in under five seconds. The GT trim offered a 3.8-second 0-96 km/h time, with a Performance Upgrade increasing torque and reducing acceleration times further. The Mach-E featured selectable sound modes and one-pedal driving, enhancing the driving experience. Its handling was agile, with a rear-drive bias and electronic torque vectoring, though the ride could be improved, particularly in the rear.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall-yet-short passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its upright driving position and traditional design impacted cargo space, with 640 litres available behind the rear seats. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, comparable to midsize pickup trucks. Despite its size, the G-Class offered good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a longer wheelbase, providing spacious interior accommodations for a compact or midsize crossover. It offered good headroom and legroom in both rows, though fitting three across in the second row was tight. The Mach-E's cargo space was practical, with 841 litres behind the second row and 1,691 litres with the seats folded. An optional front trunk added 135 litres of secure storage. The Mach-E's design balanced sporty looks with practicality, though its sloping roof limited cargo space compared to some competitors.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous display across the dashboard. The system offered off-road information, augmented reality navigation, and voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was expected to be standard, along with a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch centre touchscreen with Sync 4A software, though it was starting to show its age. The system included a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and offered over-the-air updates. The Ford Connectivity package provided a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and streaming services. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad and power outlets available. A 10-speaker B&O audio system was optional.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it was expected to include standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes, and new features included route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E included Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ suite with features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driver-assist system, was optional and offered Level 2 driver assistance. The Mach-E earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.