Mercedes-benz G400d
£116k 4x4 with a diesel six
The enduring popularity of the Mercedes-benz G-class is rooted in its combination of incredible off-road rugged utility with extravagant luxury. Basically, it’s the ideal choice should you desire a vehicle capable of traversing a post-apocalyptic wasteland that can soothingly massage your back in the process.
The second generation G-class (or G-wagen, if you prefer) was launched in 2018 with the G350d diesel and the range-topping, slightly bonkers petrol V8-powered AMG G63. This new G400d replaces the G350d as the entry level in the UK line-up.
‘Entry level’ is a relative term here, of course: the G-class’s combination of luxury and capability comes at a price. The cheapest G400d will set you back £98,525, while our rangetopping AMG Line Premium Plus test car costs £115,995. Still, that usefully undercuts the £153,995 asking price of the 577bhp G63.
We tested the G400d back in 2019 when it had yet to be confirmed for sale here, but this is our first experience of it on UK roads.
The engine is a more heavily tuned version of the turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six that the G350d used. Using a multi-channel exhaust gas recirculation system and variable valve lift control, it’s tuned to offer 326bhp and 516lb ft – up from the G350d’s 282bhp and 443lb ft.
The G350d offered really strong performance but, given the notinconsiderable 2.5-tonne heft of the G-class, the extra power is welcome.
The power delivery is impressively smooth and quiet at both low and high speeds, while the nine-speed automatic gearbox is excellently mated to the power map. It’s capable of a smooth, easy progress that belies the sheer size and mass of the car.
Not that you will forget the G400d’s sheer size when you’re behind the wheel. This is an unapologetically big car that some smaller British roads will struggle to contain. Thankfully, its classic boxy design gives you excellent visibility, while a raft of driver assistance systems make driving it surprisingly easy.
We had only limited opportunity to test the G400d’s off-roading capabilities, but from our past G-class experiences, there’s no doubt that it’s very impressive. It gets low-range gearing and three differential locks as standard, and the combination of ladder-frame chassis, 20in wheels and advanced suspension (double wishbone at the front and multi-link at the rear) means not much can stop you.
Once you’ve wrestled with the G400d’s hefty doors to clamber inside, the cabin is a purely luxurious experience, especially in AMG Line Premium Plus guise.
The excellent infotainment system and digital dashboard are a welcome dose of modern technology amid the retro design, the interior trim feels absolutely worthy of a £116,000 car and the sound system is superb.
The G400d is undoubtedly a machine of incredible capability and versatility and one that truly blends utility and luxury into a hugely compelling package, albeit at a price. It feels special and is truly an easy car to live with (although it might struggle to fit in your local supermarket car park).
That said, there’s a relatively small pool of people who will fully exploit its capability, and those who won’t might for multiple reasons want to consider looking elsewhere.
Still, if the apocalypse ever does arrive, the G400d will allow you to experience it in true luxury. If Mad Max had driven a G-class instead of his V8 Interceptor, he might not have been so grumpy when he at last reached the Thunderdome.