Mercedes-Benz Class G 350 d: the one that was missing

The new G-Class from Mercedes gets the engine that suits the legendary 4×4 best: the 3-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel, with an output of 286 CV.

Mercedes-Benz presented the new generation of its timeless G-Class last year. Until now, the legendary 4×4 was only available in two versions. The G500 with 422 CV starts from 127,450 euros, and the G 63 AMG with 585 CV and a price from 173,750 euros, both with a V8 petrol engine.

Here we told you why the Mercedes G-Class is the best 4×4 off the tarmac. A title that gains consistency with the arrival of a new engine for the G 350 d, without a doubt the one that suits the G-Class best. At least if you’re looking for the best possible balance between performance and consumption.

And the thing is that, in the absence of a future plug-in hybrid G-Class (today we find it unfeasible, but who knows what the future holds…), the new Mercedes G-Class 350 d represents the perfect balance for this car. Even though some remain set on wiping out diesel engines altogether.

The most efficient G-Class

The new turbodiesel engine of the G-Class 350 d is the 3-litre inline 6-cylinder from the OM 656 family of Mercedes. Its technical features include a two-stage turbocharger, CAMTRONIC variable valve timing (not usual in diesel engines) and a special cylinder coating called NANOSLIDE, to reduce internal friction.

In Mercedes they made sure to make the “cleanliness” of this engine clear, which meets the Euro 6d-TEMP standard. To do so it has the necessary additional SCR catalytic converter that works through AdBlue. With an output of 286 CV and a maximum torque of 600 Nm available from as little as 1,200 rpm, the G 350 d homologates an average consumption from 9.6 l/100 km. Its top speed is 199 km/h, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds.

The 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox has been specifically tuned to work with this engine, which for the first time also features active mounts to reduce noise and vibration. The transmission decouples the engine from the gearbox to facilitate coasting mode and save fuel. The initial distribution of engine power between the two axles through the four-wheel drive system is 60% to the rear axle and 40% to the front axle.

Another novelty that Mercedes announces with the G 350 d is the adoption of the DYNAMIC SELECT system as standard on all versions. This system allows the engine, transmission, steering and suspension to be adjusted through a series of pre-defined programmes.

Image gallery Mercedes-Benz G 350 d