Mercedes G400d
FIRST DRIVE Great new diesel puts fresh spin on muscular G-Class
IT’S rumoured that Mercedes will reveal an all-electric G-Class with its EQG concept at the Munich Motor Show, but for many that won’t detract from the appeal of a combustion-engined G-Class. When the brand redesigned its icon in 2018, the car launched with V8 power in G 63 AMG trim. But another fuel choice has been added to the line-up before things go electric, with a less glitzy and more affordable G 400 d diesel model – and it’s really good.
“More affordable” is a relative term when talking about the G-Class of course, because this top-spec AMG Line Premium Plus model comes in at £116,065, and even the base G 400 d costs from £101,565.
Power comes from a 3.0-litre turbodiesel straight-six unit producing 325bhp and a 700Nm swell of torque. However, the G weighs in at 2,489kg, so it needs those kind of figures. It’s still swift, with 0-62mph taking 6.4 seconds, which seems faster than it is thanks to the G 400’s dimensions.
It towers above even conventionally large SUVs such as the Range Rover; this car has huge road presence, which explains why the G-Class is loved by so many, why it sits as a halo model alongside the S-Class, and why it’s such a feel-good machine.
Its performance is more than adequate, with that huge torque output kicking in from just 1,200rpm. This means the SUV lollops along effortlessly, shifting creamily through its nine gears with a muscular rumble.
It doesn’t quite have the G 63’s personality, but then some might find this engine suits the G better than the V8, because you hardly have to rev it and it’s nicely refined. The ride’s slight shimmy is a drawback, though. It’s partly down to the car’s construction and size, but these factors also mean the G-Class offers incredible off-road performance, with three locking diffs to help progress away from the tarmac.
Sometimes the Merc feels a little crude in how it tackles bumps and corners. The chassis struggles to smooth out the worst lesions in the road and the slow steering means you have to crank more lock on than you might expect. But this set-up packs the car with character and, once you’re quickly used to it, becomes a defining positive trait in many ways.
Quality inside lives up to the price, the upright windscreen framing the imperious view out over the square bonnet. Mercedes’ previous-gen infotainment is still fine, with two
“The SUV lollops along effortlessly, shifting creamily through its gears with a rumble”
12.3-inch displays and the older-style control wheel offering good functionality. There is all of the usual high-end kit, such as a Burmester hi-fi in Premium Plus trim.
Practicality is good, with fine passenger room once you’ve hauled yourself inside, and up to 667 litres of boot space with the rear seats in place. Just be sure to leave plenty of space behind when parking, to open the side-hinged tailgate. Rear visibility is fine, helped by a great camera set-up.
The G 400 d’s less-than-slippery profile and weight give the new diesel official economy of 25.7mpg, but this is still 8mpg better than the G 63 and could be closer to double that in the real world. With a 100litre tank and fuel prices rising, it will still cost a £135 to fill, but then exclusivity isn’t cheap. The feeling you get when driving the G-Class – no matter what engine it boasts – will make the expense seem worthwhile.