Mercedes has expanded the line-up with an entry-level, diesel-powered model named G350d. Available since June with two V8 gasoline powertrains, the new G-Class finally gets a diesel engine that will be both the cheapest and most economical variant in the current lineup. This diesel-driven Merc won’t be traveling abroad, leaving American buyers with the 416-horsepower G 550 as the entry-point.
The G350d receives a 2.9-liter straight-six engine turbocharged to provide 286 horsepower between 3,400 and 4,600 rpm and 442 pound-feet of torque from 1,200 to 3,200 rpm. The six-cylinder spins the four wheels linked to the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission, the Euro 6d-TEMP-compliant six-cylinder diesel averages 9.8-9.6 liters/100 km (28.8-29.4 mpg UK) and 259-252 g/km CO2 — according to NEDC. Mercedes quotes a zero-to-60-mph time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of about 124 mph. Mercedes-Benz says the new engine will set new standards in the G-Class as far as performance is concerned, both on and off the road.
Standard features include leather seats, Artico man-made leather trim covering the instrument panel, open-pore wood accents, Dynamic Select drive mode selector, Active Braking Assist, and other driver assistance systems. Pricing isn’t available yet, but order banks for the G 350 d will open in January. Production vehicles are slated to arrive at dealerships in the spring. Discover Opulent Club on Apple News.