2020 Mercedes-Benz G350d Launched – 3.0-Turbo Diesel, 286hp, 600Nm, RM1-Million

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is widely considered as the mac-daddy of SUVs, arguably one of the most desirable off-roaders available on the market. With its bold design going through few changes between its original debut in 1979, the G-Wagen is loved by almost-all and is considered to be something of a pop-culture icon. 

However, locally, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class was only available as a full-bore AMG63 model, with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. For those who believe that cars like the G-Wagen ought to double-down on its versatility, the petrol-V8 mill was never the best engine for such purposes – and now, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has addressed the call for more versatility. The G-Class is now available as a G350d, which sticks a proper turbodiesel mill up front for maximum capability. 

The new OM656 engine increases the performance of the G-Class while reducing consumption, without compromising the noise characteristics of the thing. Notable points of the OM656 mill include the stepped-bowl combustion process, two-stage exhaust turbocharging, as well as the use of CAMTRONIC variable valve timing. This heats up the exhaust system without impacting fuel consumption. Pair that to the Nanoslide coating on the cylinder walls, and it results in a diesel mill that’s about as smooth as an oiler is ever going to get. 

The 3.0-litre inline-6 mill prepares the G-Class for any adventure. Paired to a 9G-tronic automatic transmission, the G350d can rocket from rest to 100km/h in a sprightly 7.4-seconds before going on to a top speed of 199km/h.

For the transmission of power, the 9-speed torque-converter auto was adapted specifically to meet the needs of the G-Wagen. The developers used a dedicated software application to shorten the shift and response times, making the G-Class more reactive. The wide spread of ratios also help to make driving more comfortable and quiet, while still being able to respond swiftly to prods of the pedal. Especially in first-gear, the G-Class responds to commands noticeably better, which owners will appreciate when pulling away from traffic lights, for example. 

The transfer case is mounted directly to the transmission, and is designed to send 40% of the power to the front with 60% sent to the rear. This is particularly beneficial on the road – permanent all-wheel drive ensures maximum traction on-road. That said, the G can also vary power more considerably during off-road applications thanks to the built-in G-mode.

The G350d is offered locally with the AMG Night Package, which throws in 20-inch AMG alloys, smoked headlights/taillights and indicators, and the exterior protective strip features a black pinstripe. You also get grille louvres, spare-wheel ring, and bumper trim elements finished in obsidian black. This is offset by the standard Stainless Steel Package, comprising of high-quality running boards, a stainless-steel wheel cover (with black 3-pointed star), door sills, and load sills. 

The cabin is finished with the Exclusive interior pack, with combines high-quality equipment items like a leather-covered instrument panel, a DINAMICA microfibre roof liner in black, and a frameless interior rear-view mirror. The cabin features dual widescreens for both instrumentation as well as multimedia, powered by a standard Mercedes-Benz infotainment system. The infotainment system offers navigation and smartphone mirroring as standard, as well as a configurable instrument cluster design. 

Safety-wise, the G350d is pretty well equipped. You get the Driving Assistance Package, which means you get adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and autonomous emergency braking. Of course, you’d expect this at this price point.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz G350d is available at showrooms now from RM999,888, inclusive of the SST deduction as part of the PENJANA economic stimulus program. All new 350d models will be sold with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s comprehensive 4-year warranty, and the current prices will be valid until December 31st 2020. 

GALLERY: 2020 Mercedes-Benz G350d