Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz
introduced a new entry-level version of the CLS in China, with a small
1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and now it’s the G-Wagen’s turn to go down the
same route, with a 2.0-liter four-pot.
Named the G350, it packs a 1,991 cc
gasoline unit, with 255 HP produced at 5,800 rpm and 370 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 4,000 rpm, hooked up to a nine-speed
automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The 0-100 km/h acceleration takes 8.1 seconds, top speed is 190 km/h and it returns
the equivalent of mpg 22 US (10.7 l/100 km).
The official retail price of the
entry-level G-Class in the People’s Republic is 1,429,800 yuan, or US$ 208,976. By comparison, the 577 HP and 850 Nm 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8-powered AMG G63, which does the nought to 96
km/h in 4.5 seconds and tops out at 240 km/h when fitted with the
optional AMG Driver’s pack, has an MSRP of US$ 156,450 in the United States. So,
for the price of one G350 in China, one could buy the AMG G63 and a GLC over
here, with the latter starting at under US$ 52,000. Now, if you’re wondering how
much the G63 AMG costs in China – which you probably are at this point, it
starts from 2,228,800 yuan that comes to around US$ 326,000.
The G350, which will likely remain a
China-only affair, features standard rear privacy glass, LED headlights,
18-inch wheels shod in 265/60 tires, MBUX infotainment system, three-zone
climate control, power adjustable front seats with memory and heating
functions, wood trim, ambient lighting, Burmester premium sound system and
others.
