Mercedes Benz G 450d Review: The Diesel G Class That Mixes Old School Toughness With New Tech

At a time when diesel engines are under pressure in many metros, Mercedes Benz has brought back a high output diesel to the G Class range in India. The G 450d now sits alongside the wild AMG G 63 and the all electric G 580, completing the local lineup. It is the most attainable G by ex showroom price, starting at about Rs 2.9 crore, yet it promises the same vault like build, body on frame toughness, and triple locking differentials that define the legend. This review explains what has changed with the facelift, how the 3.0 litre straight six diesel performs, what you gain with new tech like the 12.3 inch touchscreen, Off Road Cockpit and Transparent Bonnet, and where the G 450d still compromises in comfort, price, and ownership practicality.

Design and Engineering: Boxy Brute With Subtle Aero Tweaks

The G Class received a light facelift intended to reduce wind noise and improve aero flow. You will spot smoothed A pillars and minor trim changes if you look closely, but the overall silhouette remains proudly upright and imposing. The G 450d sold here gets AMG Line trim as standard which brings a 4 slat chrome grille, silver and chrome bumper accents, twin 5 spoke 20 inch alloys, and a chrome finish on the rear spare wheel cover. Usual blacks, whites, silvers and a few bolder shades like blue, green, and Rubellite red metallic are on the paint chart.

Underneath, the engineering is nothing like Mercedes monocoque SUVs. The G rides on a body on frame chassis, uses a rigid rear axle, and fits three mechanical locking differentials. This recipe is central to its real world off road prowess where articulation, underbody protection, and traction control calibration matter more than on road lap times.

Key Takeaways: Quick Summary

Cabin Experience: High Set, Solid, And Now Far Easier To Use

Step up is significant since the floor is high and ground clearance is 241 mm. The side step is essential and the climb rewards you with a commanding view over a shallow dash and upright glasshouse. The sense of solidity starts with the heavy door, the rifle bolt clack of the locks, and the thunk on shut that owners adore.

The facelift brings an AMG style steering wheel, a simplified center console with all off road buttons grouped together between the center vents, and finally a proper touchscreen. Older Gs relied more on hard keys and a rotary controller, so the jump to a 12.3 inch touch unit fundamentally improves day to day use. The steering touch pads look classy but can be fussy to operate on the move.

Front seats are generously padded, supportive, and offer ventilation, heating, power adjustment, and massage. Rear space is adequate rather than vast. The high cushion and smaller door aperture make ingress a little awkward for chauffeur use, and you do not get the sheer rear legroom that the exterior size suggests. The backrest reclines but the bench does not slide. Boot volume is useful for airport runs, yet the side hinged tailgate is heavy and the loading lip is tall.

Features and Safety: Big Screen, Big Cameras, Big Data

The 12.3 inch touchscreen is slick, responsive, and hosts a set of cameras that are among the best in any 4×4. The 360 degree view is crisp and the Transparent Bonnet mode stitches feeds to show the virtual view under the front axle, which is fantastic on rocky trails and blind crests. Augmented reality navigation overlays directional arrows on a live camera feed to reduce missed turns in dense traffic. Off Road Cockpit displays real time information that enthusiasts will love such as differential lock status, suspension travel, tire pressures and temperatures, satellite map position, and more. Digital dials are also 12.3 inches and offer an Off Road display theme.

Convenience additions include keyless entry that keeps the classic grab handle design intact, Nappa leather, three zone climate control, cooling and massage for the front seats, heated rear bench, a Burmester 3D surround system, and 64 color ambient lighting. Safety kit covers 9 airbags, ABS, stability aids, hill start and descent control, plus ADAS features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise. In Indian traffic, AEB can be over eager, so many drivers may prefer to use the full suite primarily on highways.

Powertrain and Performance: Quiet Force With A Mild Hybrid Assist

The familiar 3.0 litre straight six diesel now delivers 367 hp and a stout 750 Nm. Earlier G 350d and G 400d versions made 286 hp and 600 Nm, and 330 hp and 700 Nm respectively, so this is the strongest diesel G yet. The 48V mild hybrid system provides a light torque fill under acceleration and keeps the AC compressor running during idle stop start. In city driving the engine rarely goes past 2,500 rpm. There is ample reserve thrust and a gentle hum at cruise. Prod it hard and you get a robust surge around 3,000 rpm with a civil but purposeful growl. Mercedes claims 5.8 seconds to 100 kph. Independent timing yielded 6.79 seconds which is still rapid for a 2.5 tonne ladder frame SUV.

Efficiency and Range: Manage Expectations

Even with mild hybrid tech you should not expect magic. Real world figures land in high single digits. The upside is the 100 litre tank which delivers far more touring range than a single charge of the electric G 580 in comparable use. For buyers who road trip to remote locations, the diesel G remains the pragmatic pick.

Ride and Handling: Better Than Before, Still An Off Road First SUV

With the facelift, Mercedes reworked the suspension tune. The G 450d now rides with less hop over speed breakers and broken patches. At higher speeds it is more settled than before, though a monocoque luxury SUV still feels more tied down and more fluent on fast expressways. Steering response and confidence are improved enough to call it same day delivery capable across long distances, yet the G remains in its element when speeds are low and the terrain is rough. With lockers engaged, low range selected, and the electronics managing wheel slip, the G 450d climbs, wades, and crawls with remarkable precision.

Price, Rivals, And Value: Heart Over Head

At roughly Rs 2.9 crore ex showroom, the G 450d is expensive by any rational measure. Alternatives exist. A Toyota Land Cruiser 300 costs about Rs 2.1 crore and a Lexus LX 500d is closer to the G in price, both offering plush body on frame comfort with imposing presence. Monocoque luxury SUVs at similar money are quieter and more spacious in the second row. There is also the policy cloud around diesels in select cities with 10 year registration caps that can affect resale. The AMG G 63, meanwhile, holds value exceptionally well because of its cult appeal.

Yet logic is rarely the reason people buy a G. If you want a G, you probably want the look, the feel, the door shut, and the go anywhere attitude. The 450d gives you that character with a calmer soundtrack and better range than the AMG V8 and more touring practicality than the EV. For many, that balance is exactly the sweet spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What engine does the G 450d use and how fast is it

A 2,989 cc inline six turbo diesel with 48V mild hybrid assist that produces 367 hp and 750 Nm. Mercedes claims 0 to 100 kph in 5.8 seconds. A tested run returned 6.79 seconds.

2. What makes the G 450d special off road

Ladder frame construction, 4×4 with low range, and three lockable differentials. Suspension articulation and precise traction control tuning give it exceptional ability on rocks, sand, and snow.

3. What are the key new features inside

A 12.3 inch touchscreen, 12.3 inch digital cluster, Transparent Bonnet camera view, AR navigation, Off Road Cockpit, keyless entry, Burmester 3D audio, and massaging front seats.

4. How comfortable is the rear seat

Comfortable for adults but access is high and legroom is only reasonable given the exterior size. The G is better enjoyed from the front seats.

5. Should I worry about diesel regulations and resale

In some cities, diesel registration has a 10 year cap which can affect resale. If this is a concern, discuss local policies with your dealer and consider expected holding period before purchasing.

Official site

https://www.mercedes-benz.co.in

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