It’s daunting, at first, I don’t disagree. But after I was done surveying the surroundings and devising the path to point it at, feeding in the power at an odd angle, with the Mercedes G 350 d tilted left, right front wheel in the air, windscreen full of blue sky, is an unnerving feeling. Until, of course, the left rear plops, gives a little wiggle and mini-slide as it digs in and finds the spot, hooks in and starts to trundle forward with unbelievable ease, simply going about its business as usual. As it begins to roll forward, there’s a see-saw moment and the front right finds footing, digs in, and makes its way forward. These aren’t off-road tyres, mind you ― the AMG Line 20-inch wheels with 275/50s find traction in places I’d never have imagined they would. It’s all fun and frolic after that. Confidence builds and I’m raring to try new challenges and seemingly insurmountable odds that will be taken care of by the potent low-revving diesel power, the low-range multiplying the torque into a crawl that easily rivals a toddler hell-bent on conquering new lands on all fours the first time they get a feel for four-point traction.
There’s no real car-buying logic applicable. You buy a G-Wagen because you want a G-Wagen. It’s that simple. It’s not a brain-based choice as much as one from the heart. If the significant other argues, it’s as good as driving a safe on wheels that can seat five and carry family luggage with ease, with the most enormous speed-breakers and car-breaking potholes not even worthy of a second glance. Its composure is as commendable as its weight is evident. Seated high, waves of torque on tap, and what looks like a de-badged AMG flat-bottom steering wheel with modern controls, all make the world and the chaos outside seem trivial. Trucks and buses notice you and give way, purely out of fear; especially when it’s covered in mud until the rear windows on a B-road heading back into town.
The new engine is also extremely efficient and meets modern emission norms; one that’s designed to comply with future norms, including RDE or Real-world Driving Emissions. All relevant components for emission reduction are installed for faster and maximum effectiveness of the catalytic converter and the DPF (diesel particulate filter). The combustion process is aided by high-pressure direct injection with a multi-path EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) making for better fuel economy and significantly lower emissions. Furthermore, the stepped-bowl combustion process, two-stage exhaust turbocharging, and variable valve timing help heat up the exhaust system without increasing fuel consumption. This, together with the proximity of the set-up to the engine, insulated for low heat loss, provide ideal operating temperatures for the emission control system which uses SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and an Ammonia Slip Catalyst. It’s a clean car. Before I forget, the G 350 d returns 12 kilometres to the litre on the open road (in “Eco” mode) and about eight everywhere else. This matches the rated WLTP figures, too. The cycle CO2 is listed as up to 288 g/km. This is partially down to the integrated “Gliding” mode that disengages the transmission clutch for friction-free coasting.
The Mercedes G 350 d can do a nine-second sprint from zero to 100. Yes, there is a “Sport” drive mode, too. Its 2.5-tonne bulk means it’s not going to impress under braking, but behaved very composed when stopping from 80 km/h to zero in 34 metres and taking less than three seconds to do it! The G 350 d has a very float-y ride all the time, thanks to the air suspension, and it feels posh. The cabin is well-appointed and the finish is excellent. It surprises with its capability across all surfaces and, at Rs 1.50 crore (ex-showroom, base) plus another 10-odd per cent for the “magno” paint and “Night Pack”, it’s far from cheap. But for those who truly want it ― and not a Wrangler, Defender or even a Range Rover Sport ― it’s here for the taking. I’ll wrap up with a line from Behemoth’s track “Conquer All” — “I am many! Among so very few”.
Schöckl Proven?
Barrelling down a mountain at 70 km/h with no real road in sight is part of the test that the G-Wagen goes through fresh out of its creation at Graz in Austria. Don’t let the road tyres fool you; it’s far more capable than many give it credit for at first glance. The ride height, low-range mode, individual differential locks, the approach, breakover and departure angles, and the wading depth — should the need arise — all contribute to its impeccable form, poise and performance across pretty much all surfaces.
Need to Know – Mercedes-Benz G 350 d
Price: Rs 1.50 crore (ex-showroom)
Engine: 2,925 cc, in-line six, turbo-diesel
Max Power: 286 hp @ 3,400-4,600 rpm
Max Torque: 600 Nm @ 1,200-3,200 rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Suspension: Double wishbone front, four-link rigid axle with Panhard rod rear, air springs
Weight: 2,489 kg
Ground Clearance: 241 mm
Approach Angle: 31°
Ramp Breakover Angle: 26°
Departure Angle: 30°
Side Slope Angle: 35°
Wading Depth: 700 mm
