Updated Mercedes-Benz G-Class Launched At Rs 2.55 Crore With An India-specific Variant

• Mercedes G-Class launched in India at Rs 2.55 crore (ex-showroom).

• The G 400d trim is further available in two variants: Adventure Edition and AMG Line.

• The new G 400d replaces the older 350d trim sold earlier.

• The Adventure Edition variant has been configured specifically for India.

• Its 3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine produces 330PS and 700Nm - highest for any Mercedes diesel engine ever

• Bookings open for Rs 1.5 lakh, deliveries to commence around October.

Mercedes-Benz India is on a streak of hot launches this year. After launching its most powerful vehicle, the GT 63 S E Performance, and following it with the updated entry-level A-Class range, the German carmaker has now made the highly sought after G-Class SUV available in India. 

Launched at Rs 2.55 crore (ex-showroom), the G-Class is offered in a single G 400d trim, which further has two variant options: Adventure Edition and AMG Line. While the AMG Line variant isn’t unique, the Adventure Edition has been configured especially for the Indian market with unique exterior shades and accessories. Let’s see what’s what:

Design

This isn’t a facelift but rather a minor update, so there aren’t any notable design changes per se. It maintains its high stance and squarish proportions along with its circular LED headlights and the signature rectangular (or oval) tailights that rests just above the rear bumper. 

The AMG Line’s exterior is pretty straightforward, while the demeanour of the Adventure Edition variant stays true to the “Adventure” in its name. You get a serious roof rack, a spare wheel holder along with the full-size spare wheel on the tailgate, and four exclusive exterior shades: G Manufaktur desert sand non-metallic, G Manufaktur vintage blue non-metallic, G Manufaktur travertine beige metallic, and G Manufaktur south sea blue metallic. 

The AMG Line sits on 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, while the Adventure Edition gets 5-spoke 18-inch alloys painted in silver. So admittedly, the looks of and customisations to the Adventure Edition make it more suitable for an adventure-oriented lifestyle, while the AMG Line will look at home–or rather, dominate–in urban conditions. But mind you, that doesn’t mean that the AMG Line is any less proficient when it comes to going off-road.

Cabin

While the cabin layout of the G-Class is unchanged, the AMG Line variant features an ‘Exclusive line interior package’ which makes use of Nappa leather for the upholstery, a silver chrome shade for the air vents; and features like a Burmester surround sound system, sliding sunroof and ambient lighting.

On the other hand, the Adventure Edition gets the standard treatment inside and only packs a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel as an addition.

Powertrain

The G 400d trim of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class packs the most powerful diesel engine to be equipped on any car ever to sport the tri-arrow emblem. 330PS and 700Nm from its 3-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder diesel engine are the highlighting figures of the luxury SUV. It is driven using all the four wheels and the sprint from nought to 100kmph takes 6.4 seconds.

This being a G-Wagon, you can be content even when betting your house on its off-roading capabilities. With a ground clearance of 241mm, approach, departure, and breakover angles are parameters you don’t even need to think about. The 700mm water-wading capacity will let you drive through streams and even shallow lakes, while its special off-roading ‘G Mode’ tweaks the characteristics of the car, allowing for a unhindered march on tricky offroading trails.

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Mercedes-Benz has started taking bookings for the G-Class and you can put your name down for the off-roader with a token amount of Rs 1.5 lakh. Note, though, that you’ll have to wait until October to take it home, or your favourite stomping grounds. Both the trims are priced at Rs 2.55 crore (ex-showroom), so customers can choose the type of G-Wagon that suits their respective lifestyle. There’s also a more powerful AMG-spec petrol powered G-Class for the ones that yearn for even more performance. The G-Class takes on other off-roading luxury SUVs like the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser 300.