A cut above in power and delivery

The Mercedes Benz G Wagon 450d delivers both on and off-road, Bob Nettleton writes. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

With a powerful six-cylinder turbo diesel and impressive off-road and towing credentials, the Mercedes Benz G Wagon 450d eclipses its two urban and performance-orientated siblings for real off-road adventuring.

This newest variant of the iconic G-Wagon returns to New Zealand, complementing the available all-electric and AMG petrol V8 models. It’s powered by a significantly enhanced version of Merc’s 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel complete with some mild electrification. It’s provided in fairly rudimentary guise with an integrated starter-generator, and a 48-volt on-board electrical system. It chips in to play a hand in delivering serious turbo diesel grunt, with a block-busting 270 kW of power and heaps of heft, and 750 Nm of torque for muscling over demanding terrain.

It faithfully preserves signature G-Class design elements such as its angular silhouette, ladder-frame chassis, and rigid rear axle. Strong customer demand was the catalyst for Mercedes Benz adding the rugged and practical 450d to its New Zealand line up. The model preserves signature G-Class design touches from the iconic G-Class heritage dating back to 1979 such as an angular silhouette, ladder-frame chassis, and rigid rear axle.

The 450d takes the gong for the most affordable G Wagon with prices starting at $215,000. However, prices move north of that figure at quickly once you start ticking a few of the tempting optional features boxes.

SMOOTH DELIVERY

The G 450d has a startling turn of pace for unlikely looking vehicle capable of packing such a potent punch, to rip through the 0-100km dash at a lightning rod-like 5.8 seconds. This is only a second or so slower that it’s all-electric G580 sibling. This combination of power and torque provides strong on-road performance, while retaining the famed G-Class ability to tackle and tame challenging off-road terrain. The test vehicle was smooth and remarkably refined at highway cruising speeds, and supremely comfortable on long trips.

Deep reserves of power were always locked and loaded for effortless overtaking, and to maintain a strong pace on long exacting hill climbs under load. Despite a square upright stance, a less-than-ideal shape for scything through the air, the G wagon does it well, with minimal wind noise at open road speeds. A well-organised and proven 7-speed automatic delivers smooth and accurate gear changes, to deal effectively and efficiently with the many different on and off road scenarios this vehicle will find it self in.

It’s not the most spacious SUV in its class, with design DNA dating back to 1979. However there’s adequate passenger space front and rear. The entire cabin looks and feels tight and narrow. Despite this, none of the vehicle occupants who travelled with me griped about being cramped for space. I suspect they were happy to soak up the enjoyment of travelling G Wagon style.

The G 450d in standard form features 18-inch 5-spoke black light-alloy wheels, multibeam LED headlights and a rear-mounted spare wheel with a cover. It has a host of standard features combing comfort, convenience and safety.

In the convenience corner, there’s smartphone integration, a Burmester® sound system, sunroof and two rear USB ports. Among other inclusions worthy of a mention are a digital radio, MBUX Entertainment, and MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation, for a more intuitive driving experience.

Fitted to the test vehicle was the Manfaktur Exterior Package featuring a sun roof finished in either obsidian black or night black. There are matching bumpers and flared wheel arches, painted in these distinctive finishes.

In standard form the 450 d is fitted with summer tyres; however you can opt for all-terrain tyres as a no-cost option.

The AMG Line package adds next-level cosmetic enhancements, with a silver under-guard, AMG brake calipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering, a silver chrome radiator grille and protective strips with aluminum-look stainless steel door sill panels, including the rear loading sill.

A bunch of functions are masterfully marshalled by the latest iteration of Mercedes MBUX infotainment system, comprising a digital instrument cluster and high-resolution, wide-aspect infotainment display occupying half of the vehicle’s dashboard. It provides the driver with all the necessary data at their fingertips when venturing off-road, including gradient, compass, and tyre pressure monitoring.

CUTTING-EDGE SAFETY

Safety and driver assistance are managed via-cutting edge Mercedes Benz safety systems such as blind spot assist, active distance assist, active steering assist and a driving assistance package. Additional functions include an exit warning, passive person presence reminder, and vehicle protection plus with an anti-theft alarm system.

Built on a traditional ladder-frame platform, the G-Class is equipped with three mechanical differential locks, a low range off-road gear reduction, independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle – all the essentials for taking on seriously tough terrain combat are offered. These include 241mm of ground clearance between the axles, enough to avoid the vehicle snagging its under carriage on rock protrusions or tree stumps. It’s also semi amphibious with a maximum wading depth is 700mm. Interestingly this 150mm less that you get in the G580 electric model.

With just the touch of a button the handling can be adjusted to maximize efficiency and responsiveness. You can toggle between Comfort, Sport and Individual on-road driving programmes, while Trail and Rock off-road driving programmes are at he ready for more confronting terrain.

Difficult terrain is made easy with a switchable low-range, off-road gear reduction, ensuring the best possible torque delivery when the going gets seriously tough, and the need to manually engage the differential locks via switches in the off-road control unit. For a heavy SUV, it’s deftly balanced confidently traversing 45-degree slopes, and threading its way along 35-degree angles. Both the ride and handling on and off-road is everything and you would expect from the legendary G Class.