Mercedes-Benz is
all set to launch the G 350 d in India on 16 October. With the launch of the G
350 d variant, the G-Class will finally be more accessible to buyers with
comparatively smaller-sized pockets. This cross-country vehicle's entry-level
variant will have a much lower price tag, will be powered by a diesel engine
and will have a higher fuel economy and range compared to the wilder AMG G 63
variant.
The latest Mercedes
G 350 d was introduced in December 2018. It sources its power from a new OM 656
diesel engine. This is a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder unit that is rated to
produce 286 PS of maximum power at 3,400-4,600 rpm and 600 Nm of peak
torque at 1,200-3,200 rpm. It comes mated to a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic
transmission. This transmission sends 40% of the drive torque to the front axle
and 60% to the rear axle, thanks to the new transfer case which is
flange-mounted directly to the transmission. The SUV is capable of crossing the
0-100 km/h line in just 7.4 seconds and can attain a top speed of 199 km/h.
Thanks to the OM 656 diesel unit, Mercedes-Benz claims that G 350 d is the
"most efficient G so far". Also, its engine emission levels undercuts
even the regulation limits by Euro 6d (Euro 6 norms for clean diesel engines).
The Mercedes G 350d
will not have any direct rivals in the Indian market, though it can be clubbed
in the same segment as say a Toyota Land Cruiser LC 200. The Mercedes-AMG G 63
is priced at INR 2,18,75,136 (ex-showroom). The simpler and more efficient
Mercedes G 350 d is expected to retail at around INR 1.30 crore (ex-showroom).
