The 2 ends of Mercedes’ top-end SUV vary are a galaxy aside. On the sharp tip is the EQE SUV, a glossy, high-tech, all-electric SUV that prioritises effectivity, know-how and aerodynamics. And on the blunt finish is the G-Class, a boxy, analogue and old school icon that has defiantly stood towards the winds of change. It’s not too completely different from the unique G-Wagen (for Geländewagen) because it was identified when it was launched within the Nineteen Seventies for army use. Uncovered door hinges and push-button door handles are all nonetheless there, and so is the fundamental central locking system, which makes a ‘clak-clak’ sound, like an AK-47 being cocked each time you press the important thing fob.
Stable, powerful and armed with military-grade mechanicals that embody three locking differentials, the go-absolutely-anywhere G-Class feels indestructible, and the automobile you’d need to escape in when Armageddon strikes. In truth, through the first lockdown after the COVID-19 pandemic engulfed the planet, I used to be caught in Mahabaleshwar with a G 350d, and although I couldn’t drive it anyplace for six weeks, it felt reassuring to have it within the driveway in what was then an apocalyptic world.
Mercedes-Benz G 400d efficiency
So it’s with a way of déjà vu that I’m driving to Mahabaleshwar within the G-Class, however this time I’m within the G 400d, which has changed the G 350d. Although it makes use of the identical 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, it has been upgraded to provide 330hp, a considerable 44hp bump up in energy.
330hp diesel engine is silky clean.
There’s nothing like an excellent diesel engine, which is unfortunately a dying breed, and this Merc diesel is the very best of that breed. It’s responsive, highly effective and extremely refined, and at freeway speeds the sound of the wind swooshing off the flat windscreen and tall physique is, actually, louder than the quiet engine. This lusty diesel is an actual workhorse and an ideal match for this iconic SUV that’s sturdy sufficient to maneuver mountains. In truth, this diesel makes a lot extra sense than the psychological twin-turbo V8 within the AMG G 63, which simply overwhelms this body-on-frame SUV’s rudimentary dynamics. The 400d’s most torque, which is a colossal 700Nm, arrives thick and quick from as little as 1,200rpm and doesn’t tail off until 3,200rpm, giving the diesel G-Class the pulling energy of a locomotive. The 9-speed torque-converter ensures there are not any gaps in ratios, which ends up in clean and progressive energy supply. In truth, the facility supply is just too linear, and diesel lovers will miss the shortage of mid-range surge or that spikey thrust that characterised earlier BS4 diesels once they swung into the meat of the powerband. BS6 calibration has made diesel engines smoother basically, with a extra progressive energy supply, however this has taken away a little bit of the character too.
That’s to not say the G 400d isn’t fast. It can leap from a standstill to 100kph in simply 6.4 seconds, a complete second sooner than the earlier G 350d. Overtaking on the single-lane part of the unfinished NH66 or lunging by way of gaps in site visitors is one thing the G 400d does with confidence, forcing different automobiles to offer it a large berth because it lumbers previous.
Mercedes-Benz G 400d trip and dealing with, fuel-efficiency
The way in which the G 400d shrugs off the worst doable roads offers it an air of invincibility. Nothing fazes the G-Class, which ploughs by way of every part, even when a contact crudely. The trip is bumpy, it rocks back and forth on dangerous roads and there’s fairly a little bit of physique roll by way of corners. The massive, tall and heavy G is, unsurprisingly, fairly a handful to push laborious on a twisty highway, but it surely cruises on any floor with crushing authority.
Effectivity? It’s not nice, however what are you able to count on from a automobile which has the aerodynamics of a brick? Some brisk driving, together with a cost up the steep Ambenali ghat with gravity performing towards the close to 2.5-tonne kerb weight, gave 5.8kpl. However a gentler cruise on the best way again improved effectivity to 7.8kpl, which actually, will not be too dangerous for what the G-Class is. The 100-litre tank equates to a cushty 600km+ vary, which may be very helpful whenever you’re exploring locations the place gas stations are few and much between.
Mercedes-Benz G 400d inside, options
Inside mixes conventional upright format with trendy Mercedes tech.
It’s fairly a hike as much as the excessive driver’s seat (there’s no footrest to assist), however when you’re perched there, you are feeling on the highest of the world. Wish to sit even greater? The Journey Version of the G 400d I’m driving comes with a sturdy roof rack that’s large enough for a tent, however blocks part of the must-have sunroof. How will sunroof-loving Indian automobile house owners react to that?
Purposeful roof rack can take as much as 100kg however obscures half the sunroof.
The cabin is correctly trendy, with Merc’s trademark twin-screen setup. It’s not the newest MBUX system, however that’s not a nasty factor, as a result of the steering-mounted controls are nonetheless correct buttons and never the fiddly touchpads the newer system has.
The rear seats have a pleasant upright seating place too with first rate under-thigh assist, however aren’t notably plush. The boot, which is accessed by a side-hinged tailgate, has a low parcel shelf to align with the window line. This limits useable boot house, and the full-size spare wheel mounted on the tailgate blocks visibility too.
Spacious rear bench and low window line offers nice visibility out.
Mercedes-Benz G 400d value, verdict
Priced at Rs 2.55 crore (ex-showroom, India), it’s ridiculously costly for what’s an old-school, body-on-frame SUV. However this isn’t simply an SUV, it’s an announcement. It’s a logo of charisma and functionality that stands tall in an ocean of generic luxurious SUVs, giving it a novel enchantment that makes it laborious to withstand.
Additionally see:
Mercedes-Benz G 400d video evaluation
Mercedes-Benz Basic Automobile Rally celebrates its tenth anniversary
