Importing a Mercedes G-Class from Germany: G 63, G 450d, and the Penalty-Tax Trap (2026)

Few vehicles inspire as much desire as the Mercedes G-Class. A cult silhouette, a unique presence, desirability intact for decades. It's also one of the most imported 4x4s from Germany — and one of the trickiest on the tax side. Because the G-Class stacks two handicaps against the penalty tax: it's powerful and heavy. Here is the honest guide to importing it without a nasty surprise.

Why import a G-Class from Germany

The G-Class sells very well in Germany, in every configuration imaginable. For the French buyer, that means:

• Choice: the right trim, the right colour, the right packs — including configurations not found in France.
• Better purchase prices, on a deeper market.
• Availability: recent models with no waiting list.

But on the G-Class more than any other model, the listing price only tells part of the story.

The penalty tax: the real G-Class subject

In 2026 the CO2 penalty tax (malus) triggers early and climbs fast, and a weight penalty tax is added on heavy vehicles. The G-Class ticks both boxes:

• The G 63 AMG (petrol V8): high emissions, heavy weight — it ranks among the worst penalty-tax cases on the market, CO2 and weight penalty taxes stacked.
• The G 450d (diesel): more contained CO2 markedly reduces the bill, while keeping the G-Class's character and capability.
• Older models: taxed on the scale of their year of first registration, with a reduction for age.

That's the point to grasp above all: on a G-Class, the penalty tax can represent a very large share of the budget. The winning approach is to compare the versions in registered price, penalty tax included.

Since the amounts change every year, the only figure that counts is the official simulator's: penalty-tax simulator, service-public.fr. We calculate it for every vehicle before any commitment.

G 63 or G 450d: the trade-off

It all depends on your use and your relationship with the penalty tax.

• G 63 AMG: the V8, the sound, the performance — at the cost of the heaviest penalty tax. The passion choice, to make with eyes open.
• G 450d: more frugal, a markedly reduced penalty tax, and the same G-Class DNA. For anyone who covers real mileage, it's often the most rational calculation.

There's no wrong answer — only a decision to make with your eyes open, figures in hand.

Age and used cars: the good news

Good news for used imports: the penalty tax is calculated on the scale of the year of first registration, then subject to a reduction for age. A G-Class a few years old is therefore not taxed at the full 2026 scale — which can make a slightly older model markedly more attractive, penalty tax included.

What to check before buying

On a used G-Class, a few key points:

• The full service history and the consistency of the mileage.
• The condition of the running gear and bodywork: genuine off-road use leaves marks.
• The authenticity of the configuration, especially on special series and rare editions.

On an import, these checks are best done through a physical inspection on site before purchase.

In summary

• The G-Class imports very well from Germany: choice, configurations, a more favourable purchase price.
• It's an extreme penalty-tax case: the G 63 stacks CO2 and weight penalty taxes; the G 450d limits the bill.
• The imported used car benefits from an age-based reduction of the penalty tax.
• On this model, reason only in registered price, penalty tax included.

Got a G-Class in mind? Write to us: we target the right version, calculate the penalty tax, and tell you the real cost. The analysis is free.