Many people aspire to own a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, commonly known as the “Gelände.” However, it is currently extremely difficult to purchase a new Mercedes-Benz G-Class luxury SUV.
Why you won’t be able to buy a new Gelände in 2025 , and what you can do to get one . This article details the latest market trends and practical purchasing strategies.
Six fundamental reasons why you can’t buy a new Gelände
Mercedes-G-Class
Reason 1: A rational investment with high tax savings
One of the biggest reasons why business owners choose the G-Class is its high tax savings.
Tax-saving mechanisms:
- If a company purchases a vehicle for business use, depreciation expenses can be recorded as a loss.
- If you purchase a 20 million yen car, you can save about 6 million yen in taxes if the corporate tax rate is 30%.
- For used cars, if they are more than 3 years and 10 months old, they can be fully depreciated within 12 months.
High asset value:
- The G-Class only loses about 10% of its value after one year.
- In the previous example, you purchased the car for 20 million yen, saved 6 million yen in taxes, and maintained the car’s value at 18 million yen, resulting in a net profit of 4 million yen.
Reason 2: Extremely high resale value
The G-Class is a car that is much less likely to lose value than other models.
Specific figures:
- Five-year-old car with a residual value of 80-82% (average car is less than 50%)
- Even 3-year-old cars retain 75-80% of their value.
- The G400d AMG Line (new car price: approximately 14.5 million yen) can be sold for around 11 million yen even after three years.
Reason 3: Global demand explosion and supply shortage
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is incredibly popular not only in Japan but all over the world . Demand is increasing rapidly, especially among the wealthy in the United States, China, and the Middle East, and production is unable to keep up.
- American market : The unique appeal of the G-Class attracts attention amid the SUV boom
- Chinese market : Rapid increase in wealthy people leads to explosive demand for luxury SUVs
- Middle Eastern market : Traditionally, demand for luxury 4WD vehicles has been high, maintaining stable popularity
The number of units allocated to the Japanese market is limited, making it even more difficult to obtain domestically.
Reason 4: A unique production method that relies primarily on manual labor
The G-Class is assembled by skilled craftsmen at the Graz plant in Austria – a manufacturing method that is fundamentally different from other mass-produced models and is a key factor in ensuring high quality and reliability.
Features of handcrafted production :
- Each unit is carefully assembled by skilled craftsmen
- It is physically difficult to significantly increase production volume
- It takes a long time to train skilled workers
This manufacturing method has resulted in a constant inability to meet orders from around the world.
Reason 5: Semiconductor shortages and supply chain disruptions
The severe semiconductor shortage affecting the entire automotive industry is hitting G-Class production hard, as luxury cars with the latest driver assistance systems and infotainment features require more electronic components.
Major affected systems :
- The latest safe driving support technology
- Advanced Infotainment System
- Engine Management System
- Electronically controlled 4WD system
Furthermore, disruptions to logistics due to the situation in Ukraine and the impact of COVID-19 are causing delays in parts procurement.
Reason 6: Strict sales restrictions to prevent resale
As the popularity of the G-Class has soared, so has the number of people buying it for the purpose of reselling it . Mercedes-Benz authorized dealers are taking strict measures to combat the rampant business of reselling new cars at premium prices.
Anti-resale measures in place :
- A contract prohibiting resale for several years after purchase
- Strict review of past purchase history
- Sales policy prioritizing true enthusiasts
- Lottery sales system at some dealers
While these measures maintain fairness, they also reduce the opportunities for new buyers.
Latest delivery information and current status of order suspension
Delivery status for 2025
Estimated delivery date as of April 2025 :
- G400d : 3-4 year wait
- AMG G63 : Wait 2-3 years
- Special edition vehicles and limited edition models : It is difficult to receive orders
This is an exceptionally long time compared to the delivery time for a typical luxury car (six months to a year) .
The reality of order suspension
Many dealers have completely stopped accepting new orders , and the common response is, “We are currently not accepting any new orders at all.”
Outlook for resumption of orders
Current information indicates that new orders may resume between late 2024 and early 2025 , but this is only a prediction and the actual timing will depend on production conditions.
Features and release date of the 2025 model
2025 Mercedes Benz G-Class
2025 Mercedes Benz G-Class
Major changes and new features
Highlights of the 2025 model :
- Introduction of electrification technology
- Equipped with a mild hybrid system (MHEV)
- Relaunched as G450d
- Improved fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact
- Latest infotainment
- Latest MBUX interface
- More intuitive operability
- Advanced Connectivity Features
- Improved off-road performance
- Evolution of electronic control technology
- Higher terrain capabilities
- The traditional ladder frame structure continues
Release date and price forecast
- Release date : Scheduled for the first half of 2025
- Price prediction :
- G450d: Approximately 16 million to 17 million yen
- AMG G63: Approximately 25 million to 27 million yen
Prices may rise further due to currency fluctuations and improvements in equipment.
The reality of rising prices and market trends
Trends in new car prices
The reality of price increases :
- 2020: G400d – Approx. 13 million yen
- 2025: G400d – from approximately 15 million yen
- A price increase of over 2 million yen in a short period of time
Abnormally high prices in the used car market
Amazing used car prices :
- G400d (1-2 years old): 16 million to 20 million yen
- AMG G63 (1-2 years old): 26 million to 35 million yen
- Many cases exceed the price of a new car
This phenomenon is due to the extremely high value of immediate delivery vehicles that meet the need to “drive now.”
Background to the price hike
- Explosive growth in global demand
- Manual production constraints
- Production delays due to semiconductor shortages
- Revitalizing the resale market
- Impact of raw material costs and exchange rates
5 strategies for successful purchases
Strategy 1: Approach multiple dealers simultaneously
Effective approaches :
- Inquiries to all authorized dealers
- Utilizing differences in order quotas
- Regular information checks
- Early expression of intent
Strategy 2: Flexible specification selection
Key points for shortening delivery time :
- Non-popular colors
- Simplification of optional equipment
- Flexible grade changes
- Avoiding special specifications
Strategy 3: Utilizing waiting lists
Waitlist Strategy :
- Close contact with dealers
- Get cancellation information quickly
- Prepare for a quick decision
- Parallel waiting at multiple stores
Strategy 4: Consider parallel imports
Advantages of parallel imports :
- Possibility of shortening delivery time
- Obtaining a model not released in Japan
- Price advantages (in some cases)
Disadvantages to be aware of :
- Manufacturer’s Warranty Limitations
- Legal compliance issues
- Declining resale value
- After-sales service restrictions
Strategy 5: Strategic utilization of the used car market
Smart used car selection :
- Priority consideration for certified pre-owned vehicles
- Targeting vehicles with a mileage of 30,000 to 50,000 km
- Thorough check of maintenance history
- Emphasis on immediate delivery
How to use the used car market
Advantages and disadvantages of choosing a used car
merit :
- Immediate delivery available : no waiting period
- Fully equipped : customized by the previous owner
- Diversity of choices : Previous models also available
Cons :
- Soaring prices : even more than the price of a new car
- Warranty restrictions : Remaining manufacturer’s warranty period
- State Risk : Usage Uncertainty
Important points to check when buying a used car
- Check vehicle condition details
- Thorough check of maintenance records
- Check the warranty details
- Has it been repaired?
- Considering resale value
Comparison between authorized dealers and parallel imports
Characteristics of authorized dealers
merit :
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Optimized for Japanese specifications
- High resale value
- Reliable after-sales service
Cons :
- Extremely long delivery times
- High price
- Restrictions on specification changes
Characteristics of parallel imports
merit :
- Possibility of early delivery
- Obtaining specifications not available in Japan
- Price competitiveness (in some cases)
Cons :
- Manufacturer’s Warranty Limitations
- Concerns about compliance with regulations
- Risk of reduced resale value
- After-sales service issues
Things to know before purchasing
Driving and handling issues
Points to note :
- Difficulty in handling due to large body
- Driving on narrow roads
- Parking restrictions (vehicle height and width restrictions)
- Multi-storey car park not available
The reality of maintenance costs
High maintenance cost structure :
- Fuel costs: over 30,000 yen per month
- Vehicle inspection fee: around 300,000 yen
- Tire replacement: Over 50,000 yen per tire
- Parts cost: 2 to 3 times that of a regular car
Limits of practicality
Daily use limitations :
- Poor fuel economy (5-7km/L in urban areas)
- Lack of maneuverability in tight spaces
- High noise levels
- Ride stiffness
Future outlook and key points
Responding to electrification
Future technology trends :
- The advancement of hybridization
- Possibility of going fully electric
- Battery Technology Innovation
- Compliance with environmental regulations
Judging investment value
Factors that affect value :
- Impact of strengthened environmental regulations
- Relative attractiveness changes due to electrification
- Collector’s Market Value
- Increasing scarcity
Criteria for determining the timing of purchase
Best time :
- Adequate budget preparation
- Intention to hold for the long term
- Be prepared to pay maintenance costs
- Ensuring a good parking environment
- Understanding market trends
Summary: Guidelines for successful slope purchase
Purchasing a new Mercedes-Benz G-Class (Gelände) is currently extremely difficult, but with the right strategy you can increase your chances of getting one.
Key points :
- Recognizing the current situation : Accepting the reality that you will have to wait 3-4 years
- A multifaceted approach : A comparative study of genuine, parallel, and second-hand products
- Flexible response : Adjustment of specifications and timing
- Adequate preparation : securing funds, information, and time
- Long-term perspective : Consideration of maintenance costs and value fluctuations
The order of actions :
- Simultaneous inquiries to multiple dealers
- Detailed calculation of budget and maintenance costs
- Continuous monitoring of the used car market
- Collecting information on parallel imports
- Decision making at the optimal time
To make your dream of hitting the slopes a reality, it’s essential to gather information and act strategically. Keep an eye on market trends and determine the best way to purchase one. The day will surely come when you can get your hands on the bike of your dreams.
