Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Porsche Macan

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a rating. ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Porsche Macan. 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 Porsche Macan gets a 10.9-inch display and 12.6-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class stands out with Burmester audio — features our data doesn't list for the Porsche Macan. The Porsche Macan counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bose 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 Porsche Macan offers leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and 2-zone in the Porsche Macan.

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 Porsche Macan responds with a Electric making 420kW and 955Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.

The Porsche Macan has the clear power advantage at 420kW vs 270kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Porsche Macan is 2.0s 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, 20mm longer than the Porsche Macan at 4,805mm (2,893mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Porsche Macan generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and 476L in the Porsche Macan, giving the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a 4L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg 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 Porsche Macan's turning circle is 0.9 m tighter, 12.1 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 Porsche Macan about $1,018 a year (21.2 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz G-Class) and 3 years / Unlimited (Porsche Macan).

Where each one leads

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class: the bigger boot with the seats up (480L against 476L), the longer warranty (5 years against 3) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,500kg).

The Porsche Macan: the lower starting price ($171,100 against $214,900) and more power (420kW against 270kW).

The Verdict

Mercedes-Benz G-Class scores higher, 65 vs 61

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class scores 65 to the Porsche Macan's 61 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: performance (Porsche Macan ahead by 18 points), practicality (Mercedes-Benz G-Class ahead by 10 points). Warranty: 5 years on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, 3 on the Porsche Macan.

Common questions