In India, the G-Class has been known to many as the G63 AMG. A hardcore SUV, powered by a V8 petrol engine. It was even sold in a Crazy Colour Edition, which included some very in-your-face colours. Despite its hefty price, a not-so-comfortable ride and its thirsty engine, it still appealed to many in our market. And this has very little to do with the fact that it has serious off-road credentials or the fact that it’s built to drive through a brick wall. Perhaps its road presence has more to do with its success in our market and the fact it sounds like a sports car and, unsurprisingly, moves like one too.
Those G-Wagen looks
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a perfect fit for someone who can’t stretch as far as AMG money but still want that engineering, bodywork, build and interior. Also, being a diesel, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is undoubtedly cheaper to run as well. It looks particularly demonic in this matte black colour, but there are some differences that will help you separate the AMG version from the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, like the three-slat Mercedes-Benz Cars grille instead of the AMG Panamericana one. It also comes with smaller 20-inch wheels, while the bumpers are softer on the eye, but hey, we miss those exhausts poking out from the side.
diesel monster
About the engine
Beneath the slab-like bonnet of the Mercedes-Benz G350d lies a 3.0-litre, straight-six diesel engine, developing 282bhp and 600Nm of torque, which is ample grunt, resulting in a strong surge of power, but nothing to be compared to the G63’s AMG V8. Not so surprisingly though, the diesel engine manages the SUV’s girth rather effortlessly. Also, this diesel engine is the very same one in the S-Class. If pushed hard, the oil-burner does get stressed, but it is still refined. Don’t expect the loud pops and crackles from the G63; this one’s straight-six diesel is quiet in comparison. As far as running costs are concerned, the G350d will eat the G63 for breakfast.
However, given its sheer size and weight, it’s hard to expect fuel efficiency figures typical of a diesel engine. And if you’ve got a heavy foot, then the numbers are bound to drop further. This being a lesser-powered variant from Mercedes-Benz Cars, you might think it isn’t as capable off-road, but you’ll be proved wrong the moment you venture off the road. It features a rigid rear axle, 700mm of water-wading ability, unimaginable ramp-over and departure angles, a massive ground clearance and three locking differentials. On the outside, you’ll find the signature flared wheel arches, the tailgate-mounted spare wheel, exposed door hinges, front indicators placed atop the fenders and the lot.
Modern flair
On the inside, the G350d looks modern and features the brand’s dual-screen infotainment and instrument cluster; however, it isn’t the latest MBUX touchscreen you’ll find on the current-generation GLE. Other features include contrast-stitched leather upholstery, a sunroof, cooled, heated and massaging front seats. But some of these come only as options.
Worth it?
At its price of 1.5 crore rupees, it’s still ridiculously expensive. If you love the AMG G63 and accept it for its shortcomings, then the more practical G350d is sure to lure you over many other SUVs in the luxury segment. The back seat is roomy, but isn’t as comfortable as many other SUVs and fuel efficiency too, isn’t great for what is essentially a diesel-engined SUV. Visibility out the back isn’t great either because of the spare wheel and the ride quality is lumpy despite there being adaptive dampers.
A lot of buyers will invest in something like because of its image and of course, the badge which can now be had a more reasonable cost. You get a bit of both worlds: rugged G-Wagen appeal, its off-road talents coupled to an engine that is lighter on the pocket, to run and buy, both. We think the G350d will be bought by those who don’t mind having its hardcore performance derivative alongside as well.
