Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Porsche Macan

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a vehicle that combined ruggedness with luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, while inside, it featured a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The G-Class was hand-built in Graz, Austria, and offered extensive customization options through the G Manufaktur Program, allowing for over a million possible combinations.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan maintained its sporty and athletic appearance, with a sloping clamshell hood and rakish roofline that communicated its performance-oriented mission. Despite being nearly indistinguishable from its original 2015 model, the Macan received regular updates, including a styling refresh for 2022. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a flat and wide dashboard and a center console with haptic touch controls. The Macan's interior was upscale and sporty, with red leather, gloss black trim, and silver metallic accents, creating a purposeful and luxurious atmosphere.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 was a powerhouse, boasting a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that delivered 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,551 pounds, the G550 was surprisingly quick, reaching 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, with Dynamic Select driving programs, including "G-mode" for off-roading. The G-Class had a rugged suspension system with double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of engines, with the base model featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Macan GTS inherited a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Macan S, our test vehicle, had a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 delivering 375 hp and 383 lb-ft, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans had a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel-drive system. The Macan S featured larger 20-inch wheels, Porsche Active Suspension Management, and optional performance upgrades, providing an exhilarating driving experience with precise handling and stability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 was both luxurious and practical, offering 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The front cabin was spacious, with ample storage and comfortable seating. The tall roofline provided excellent headroom, and the second row accommodated three adults comfortably. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, while sporty, offered comfort for the driver and front-seat passenger, especially with the optional Premium Package's 14-way power-adjustable seats. The rear seats were cramped, but entry and exit were easy. The Macan's new steering wheels, modeled after the 911, and the redesigned center console with haptic touch controls added a modern touch. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, storage space was limited, and the center console's touch controls could be distracting.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured impressive tech, with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These customizable screens, combined with the Burmester Surround Sound system, created an immersive experience. The infotainment system ran on Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The G-Class offered standard WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, but lacked wireless device charging.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and connected services. The user experience was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less reliable than competitors. The Macan provided stereo volume and tuning controls below the screen, and the climate control system was separate, reducing the need for screen interaction while driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt and distracting. The G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a reversing camera as standard. Blind-spot monitoring was optional, and lane-keeping assist was not included in our test vehicle. The Macan offered optional Park Assist with a surround-view camera, but lacked more advanced driving assistance technologies. Like the G-Class, the Macan had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.