Mercedes-Benz G 400d diesel finally touches down
'Entry-level' G-Wagen variant arrives with gob-smacking price tag as AMG G 63 cops $30K price hikeA more affordable version of the new-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class is almost here, with pricing for the Mercedes-Benz G 400d diesel announced ahead of first deliveries in July.
But anyone expecting a bargain-basement diesel-powered version of the reborn G-Wagen, which has been in hot demand since the new G 63 arrived in August 2018, should cool their heels.
Like the latest Land Rover Defender, which ranges in price between $71,500 and more than $200,000 for the freshly revealed P525 flagship with supercharged V8, even the ‘entry-level’ version of the born-again German off-road icon will remain out of reach for most.
Priced from $233,900 before on-road costs, the Mercedes-Benz G 400d will be positioned below the range-topping Mercedes-AMG G 63 flagship, which continues to attract a 12-month waiting list.
The G 63 was first launched here at $247,000 and most recently priced at $259,235 before a $30,000-plus price hike this week took its price to a mammoth $289,900 plus ORCs for 2021.
Among other price increases announced today (March 1), the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d now costs $126,200 (up $2165) and the bigger GLS 400d is now priced at $155,800 – $2865 more than before.
The new Mercedes-Benz G 400d is powered by the same 243kW/700Nm 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder turbo-diesel as the GLE and GLS 400d.
However, in the G-Class it will cost you a cool $107,700 and $78,100 extra respectively.
First introduced in the S-Class in 2017, the new OM656 straight-six oil-burner is billed as the most powerful Mercedes-Benz diesel ever.
In the G 400d, it consumes 9.5L/100km on the combined cycle (versus 13.1L/100km for the 430kW/850Nm 4.0-litre biturbo V8-powered G 63) and accelerates the big ladder-frame G-Class to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds (G 63: 4.5sec).
The beefy 3.0-litre turbo-diesel is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission with dual-ranger transfer case and full-time four-wheel drive, while three differential locks bring plenty of off-road ability.
Australian-spec G 400d models will come standard with adaptive dampers, a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, Nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats and three-zone climate control.
Eight-spoke 19-inch light alloy wheels are also standard, as are Multibeam LED headlights, a glass sunroof, digital radio, smartphone mirroring, navigation and dual 12.3-inch digital displays.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G 400d will also be compatible with the Mercedes me Connect app, allowing owners to use their phone for various vehicle functions.
On the outside, the ‘cheaper’ G 400d is fitted with a Stainless Steel Package that includes an exterior protective strip with black insert, side running boards and spare wheel cover, as well as chrome elements around the grille, dark tinted rear glass and metallic paint.
The extensive standard safety and drive-assist suite extends to autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, park assist, traffic sign recognition, a 360-degree camera and more.
How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class cost?
400d – $233,900
G 63 AMG – $289,900
* Prices exclude on-road costs
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