By Auto TodayMercedes-Benz India has launched the new G-Class with prices starting at Rs 2.55 crore (ex-showroom). The SUV is available in the G400d variant only, which means that it gets a diesel engine. This inline-six-cylinderturbocharged diesel produces 330bhp and 700Nm of torque, making it the most powerful diesel mill in the history of the brand. The brand is offering the G400d in the AMG Line and the India-specific Adventure Edition, with the latter featuring some extra features to justify the adventure tag.
The new G-Class is one of the ten models to be launched by Mercedes-Benz in India this year. The brand has already launched the AMG E 53 Cabriolet and the AMG GT 63 S E Performance in India. Auto Today has driven the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet, click here to read/watch the first drive review.
Commenting on the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz G400d, Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “Top-End Vehicles remain our constant focus, as the segment continues to draw outstanding response from discerning customers. Today we are thrilled to introduce the New G-Class, a vehicle that is stronger than time and enjoys a cult status. We are introducing the more powerful G in two distinct variants, the AMG Line and an Indiaspecific ‘Adventure Edition’. The G-Class has been a highly anticipated luxury lifestyle vehicle for Indian customers and its launch reiterates our aim of offering them, the ‘most desirable’ vehicles from our global portfolio. The priority allocation of the G 400d for the Indian market underlines the success of our TEV strategy, moving in the right direction.”
Visually the Mercedes-Benz G-Class carries on the same iconic look. The SUV still has the unmistakable G-Wagen appearance with the squared off body which is used in tandem with the iconic design elements such as the round headlamps, exposed spare wheel and the side-hinged rear door.
“We’ve launched the G 400d in two distinct lifestyle and adventure avatars, adding to the appeal of this iconic vehicle. The India-specific G 400d ‘Adventure Edition’ is meant for adventure enthusiasts, capable of going anywhere, being at home on any city tarmac through to the extreme terrains of the rugged Himalayas. This vehicle inspires customers to go off-roading, explore all four corners of India and anywhere in between. For those that prefer a sporty and athletic appearance, we have the ‘AMG Line’ which is distinguished by the unique AMG exterior styling and AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. The ‘AMG Line’ remains equally capable on or off-road whilst making a powerful style statement for lifestyle aficionados.” said, Lance Bennett, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India on the launch of the new G-Class.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class G400d Adventure Edition
The Mercedes-Benz G400d Adventure Edition has been specially crafted for the Indian market. It comes in four exclusive color options along with a total of 25 options for the exterior. The special edition SUV comes with Roof rack with C profile rails, Removable ladder at the rear with anti-slip coating, Logo projector in the outside mirror, roof luggage rack, Manufaktur Logo Package ï‚· PROFESSIONAL Line exterior package, PROFESSIONAL spare wheel holder, 18-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in silver, Full-size spare wheel on tailgate, Door handle with embossed logo, Multifunction steering wheel in Nappa Leather.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class G400d AMG Line
For those who prefer the sporty look, Mercedes-Benz is offering the G400d AMG Line. This cosmetic package blends in sportier options such as multi-functional steering wheel, multibeam LED headlamps, and sporty stainless steel spare wheel cover. It also gets Underguard in silver, 20-inch standard alloy wheels, Burmester surround sound system, Sliding sunroof, Ambient lighting in 64 colors, Widescreen cockpit. The AMG Line also gets an exlusive interior package which includes Nappa leather and Burmester® surround sound system. Optionally, exclusive G Manufaktur upholstery and equipment additionally express the vehicle’s individuality.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class G400d engine
Powering the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class G400d is the OM656 engine. This 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel motor pushes out 330bhp and 700Nm of torque, making it the most powerful diesel from the brand. It comes with Nanoslide cylinder barrels used in the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team. This comes mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class G400d off-road capability
The G-Wagen has earned its fame courtesy of the legendary off-road capability. Based on a stable ladder frame chassis the SUV has underbody protection and a very healthy 241mm ground clearance. It has a gradability of 45 degrees, 700mm maximum water fording depth, 35 degree sliding slode angle, 30.9 degree maximum approach angle, 29.9 degree maximum departure angle, 25.7 degree maximum breakover angle. A special G-Mode allows independent activation of one of the three differential locks and Low range. This adapts the damping of the chassis, steering and the accelerator to provide the most capable off-road mode.
The SUV has been designed with eco-friendly practices. This includes coconut fiber with later emulsion binding agent, composite material with reprocessed wood fiber, 35.9kg of high-quality recycled plastics and much more.
Irwin Lind
Kole Prosacco
Jakob Auer