Mercedes Brings Diesel G-Wagen To India at Rs 1.5 Crore

• The G 350 d is only available in a single trim.
• Based on a new platform, the second-gen G-Wagen is lighter and more focussed than before.
• The G 350 d is the first non-AMG version of the G-Wagen in India.
• Mercedes has priced the SUV at Rs 1.5 crore (ex-showroom).

Mercedes-Benz has just launched the G 350 d SUV in India at a price of Rs 1.5 crore (ex-showroom, India), bringing the price down for the G-Class in India by Rs 69 lakh. So far only available in the bonkers and physics-defying Mercedes-AMG G 63 version here, the G 350 d is its civilised sibling with a BS6-compliant, 3.0-litre diesel engine. The Mercedes-Benz G 350 d is available in a single trim. For over four decades, the G-Wagen has symbolised the peak of off-roading ability for Mercedes. Short for Gelandewagen -- cross-country vehicle in German -- the big G sits at the apex of the three-pointed star’s long line of SUVs including the GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, and the GLS. It has also acquired a reputation for its opulence in recent years, and is popular as a status symbol among celebrities. Let’s see how much of that G-Class DNA makes its way into this new, comparatively affordable avatar: 

The archetype of boxy SUVs, the latest iteration of the G-Wagen stays close to its roots with respect to styling. Exposed door hinges and door handles, check. Tailgate mounted spare, check. Wing top indicators, check. The new G-Wagen is essentially the same old SUV in new attire and most importantly, an improved and lighter underpinning. It is also the longest standing Mercedes-Benz model series.The G 350 d also happens to be the first-ever non-AMG G-Wagen in India. Mercedes-Benz is leaning more into diesel models as they account for the majority of its sales in India. Differentiating the G 350 from the G 63 are different bumpers, grille, badges and smaller 18-inch wheels as standard. Mercedes will offer a total of six alloy wheel options including upgrades to 19 as well as 20-inch wheels. The SUV is also available with 23 colour options.

A BS6-compliant OM656 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine does all the hustle with the help of 286PS of maximum power and 600Nm of twist. Transmission duties to all four wheels are taken care of by a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Yes, the G 63 is a stupidly fast box but the diesel is no slouch either with a 0-100kmph time of 7.4 seconds (the faster box does it in 4.5 seconds). Mercedes also claims this to be the most efficient G-Class ever.

Adding to its legendary off-road cred are kits such as a low-range gearbox, locking diffs at both axles, and a transfer case and the essentials such as the ESP, traction control, and the dedicated off-road mode. Some notable kit include nine airbags, lane keeping assist, 12.3-inch dual displays, three-zone climate control AC, ambient lighting, a MBUX infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Multibeam LED headlamps (optional) as well as powered and ventilated front seats. Mercedes’ Me connected-car tech is also offered in the G 350 d. This is the first model to be launched since Mercedes introduced this tech in India.

In contrast, the G 350 d is more affordable than the G 63 by Rs 69 lakh. If you don't fancy SUVs that make a whole lot of noise and go like stink, the G 350 d makes sense. A BMW M2 Competition could be yours for Rs 81 lakh (ex-showroom), just saying. There are no rivals to the G 350 d as such but things will change once the Brits bring in the Defender 110.