Mercedes-Benz is all set to launch the G 350 d in India on 16 October. With the launch of the G 350 d variant, the G-Class will finally be more accessible to buyers with comparatively smaller-sized pockets. This cross-country vehicle's entry-level variant will have a much lower price tag, will be powered by a diesel engine and will have a higher fuel economy and range compared to the wilder AMG G 63 variant.
The latest Mercedes G 350 d was introduced in December 2018. It sources its power from a new OM 656 diesel engine. This is a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder unit that is rated to produce 210 kW (286 PS) of maximum power at 3,400-4,600 rpm and 600 Nm of peak torque at 1,200-3,200 rpm. It comes mated to a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. This transmission sends 40% of the drive torque to the front axle and 60% to the rear axle, thanks to the new transfer case which is flange-mounted directly to the transmission. The SUV is capable of crossing the 0-100 km/h line in just 7.4 seconds and can attain a top speed of 199 km/h. Thanks to the OM 656 diesel unit, Mercedes-Benz claims that G 350 d is the "most efficient G so far". Also, its engine emission levels undercuts even the regulation limits by Euro 6d (Euro 6 norms for clean diesel engines).
The Mercedes G 350d will not have any direct rivals in the Indian market, though it can be clubbed in the same segment as say a Toyota Land Cruiser LC 200.
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The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is priced at INR 2,18,75,136 (ex-showroom). The simpler and more efficient Mercedes G 350 d is expected to retail at around INR 1.30 crore (ex-showroom).
[Source: Autocar India]
