Mercedes' Affordable G-Class, the G 350 d, Is Coming To India Tomorrow (UPDATE)

UPDATE - Mercedes-Benz has launched the G 350 d at Rs 1.50 crore (ex-showroom) in India. 

• The G 350 d is expected to be priced at around Rs 1.50 crore (ex-showroom India).
• It will be the first non-AMG diesel variant of the G-Class in India.
• The G 350 d will be powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine that develops 286PS and 600Nm.
• Off-road equipment includes a low-range gearbox, locking differentials and transfer case.

Dreamt of buying a G-Class but felt the G63 AMG too wild? Well, Mercedes-Benz is all set to launch the G 350 d in India, a new toned down diesel variant of the mental SUV. This is the first time an oil burner is being offered in the G-Class in the country. The engine in question will be a BS6-compliant, 3.0-litre engine that’s found in other Mercs such as the S-Class (S 350 d) and E-Class (E 350 d). The G 350 d is also the first non-AMG G-Class in India and is expected to be priced at around Rs 1.5 crore (ex-showroom). 

Under the hood, the G 350 d will come with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel unit that develops 286PS of power and 600Nm of torque. Being an off-roader, power is transferred to all four wheels via a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The G 350 d doesn’t disappoint in terms of performance and does the 0-100kmph run in 7.4 seconds.

But the G-Class is not a performance machine. It’s more suited for taking the rough stuff and the G 350 d doesn’t skimp in this regard. Off-road equipment includes a low-range gearbox, locking differentials at either axle, and a transfer case that’s capable of sending power to either corners in case you encounter anything tricky. Then there’s the ESP, traction control, and the off-road mode that comes to your rescue as well. 

This is the first non-AMG G Class in India. That means there’ll be some toning down of sporty elements. Visually, the G 350 d is that boxy upright SUV we used to draw in school. Elements such as round headlamps, squared-off wheel arches, and spare wheel on the boot have been retained. However, the grille is not AMG specific but a normal three-slat unit. Then there are those wheels that now have a chunkier profile and an elegant design. And before you ask us, ventilated discs with the red brake callipers are not present here. 

The interior of the G 350 d hasn’t been toned down. It is that same luxurious interior found in the G63 AMG. However, the swathe of carbon fibre found in the sportier variant is likely to be replaced by brushed wood or aluminium while the flat-bottom steering wheel will be replaced by a normal unit. Expected equipment in the G 350 d includes digital dials, a MBUX infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, sunroof, ambient lighting, keyless entry as well as powered and ventilated front seats. We expect the Mercedes Me connected-car tech to be available as well. 

Prices for the G 350 d are expected to start from around Rs 1.5 crore (ex-showroom). In this range, the G 350 will be cheaper than its sportier sibling by a whole Rs 69 lakh. Being a niche SUV in India, the G-Class doesn’t have any particular rivals. In terms of off-road capability, it might have to face the Land Rover Defender that’s slated to launch in India soon. 

Stay tuned to ZigWheels for the launch report as well as a comprehensive first drive review of the G 350 d. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz is working on the Maybach of SUVs that’s slated for a global unveil soon. Watch this space for updates.