Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Polestar 4

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 4 gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class stands out with head-up display and Burmester audio — features our data doesn't list for the Polestar 4. The Polestar 4 counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets nappa leather upholstery while the Polestar 4 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and 2-zone in the Polestar 4.

Drivetrain

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class uses a Diesel producing 270kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.

The Polestar 4 responds with a Electric Motor making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 200kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class measures 4,825mm long on a 2,890mm wheelbase, 15mm shorter than the Polestar 4 at 4,840mm (2,999mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar 4 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and 526L in the Polestar 4, giving the Polestar 4 a 46L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Polestar 4's turning circle is 1.4 m tighter, 11.6 m against 13.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class costs about $2,480 a year (8.7 L/100km) and electricity for the Polestar 4 about $806 a year (16.8 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz G-Class) and 5 years / Unlimited (Polestar 4).

Where each one leads

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class: more power (270kW against 200kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 1,500kg).

The Polestar 4: the lower starting price ($78,500 against $214,900) and the bigger boot with the seats up (526L against 480L).

The Verdict

Polestar 4 scores higher, 75 vs 65

The Polestar 4 scores 75 to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class's 65 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Polestar 4 ahead by 31 points), safety (Polestar 4 ahead by 21 points), performance (Mercedes-Benz G-Class ahead by 20 points). Boot space with the seats up: 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, 526L in the Polestar 4.

Common questions