At Automotive Collection Sales & Management (ACSM), we live and breathe luxury, exotic, and collectible vehicles. Few icons hold their value—and turn heads—like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. But if you’re in the market for a used G-Wagon, you might be wondering: should I go vintage-modern with a 2017, refreshed with a 2021, or nearly new with a 2023?
Let’s break it down to find out which G-Class gives you the most bang for your buck, and which one’s depreciation hits the hardest.
📉 Depreciation: Which One Drops the Most?
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2017 Mercedes-Benz G550
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Original MSRP: ~$120,000
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Current Market Value (2024): ~$75,000
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Depreciation: ~37.5%
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Takeaway: The heavy depreciation already occurred—this is your classic “value plateau.” Further drops will be modest.
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2021 Mercedes-Benz G550
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Original MSRP: ~$131,000
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Current Market Value (2024): ~$105,000
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Depreciation: ~20%
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Takeaway: You’re still catching some depreciation on the downswing, but it’s slowing—good timing if you want newer tech.
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2023 Mercedes-Benz G550
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Original MSRP: ~$139,000
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Current Market Value (2024): ~$120,000
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Depreciation: ~14%
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Takeaway: You’re paying for freshness. It looks and feels new—but you’ll still absorb year-one depreciation.
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🛠 Warranty & Maintenance
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2017: Likely out of warranty unless covered by CPO or extended service. Expect higher maintenance costs as components age.
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2021: Possibly still under factory warranty (4 years/50,000 miles), with the option to extend.
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2023: Still fully covered—factory warranty + possibility of CPO perks.
Verdict: The 2021 hits the sweet spot—low mileage, warranty peace of mind, and a better depreciation curve.
⚙️ Tech, Comfort & Modern Features
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2017: More analog, smaller infotainment screen, fewer digital features. It’s retro-chic but not for tech junkies.
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2021: Major redesign benefits—dual-screen digital cockpit, updated suspension, and better NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) refinement.
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2023: Same tech suite as 2021 with minor updates (infotainment tweaks, small aesthetic improvements).
Verdict: 2021 and 2023 offer similar tech. Unless you must have the newest spec, the 2021 is nearly identical at a lower cost.
🏁 ACSM Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
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Best Value: 2021 G550
Nearly all of the modern tech and refinement of the 2023 at a meaningful discount—with warranty still in play.
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Best Budget Buy: 2017 G550
Classic design, stable value, and the lowest entry cost—ideal for collectors or those wanting iconic appeal.
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Best “New Car Feel”: 2023 G550
Still smells like new leather and has full coverage—but you’ll pay for the privilege.
Ready to make your move on a G-Class?
ACSM specializes in securing the finest luxury and collectible vehicles for discerning buyers. Whether you’re hunting a well-kept 2017 classic or a 2023 showroom-fresh beast, our concierge team is ready to help you drive home the right G-Wagon.
