Mercedes-Benz G-Class G400d 2021 UK Review

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What is this?

The continuing popularity of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is rooted in its blend of powerful off-road utility and extravagant luxury. Basically, it’s the perfect choice if you want a vehicle capable of traversing a post-apocalyptic wasteland that can give you a relaxing back massage while doing so.

The second generation G-Class (or G-Wagon, if you prefer) was launched in 2018 with the G350d and topping the range, the slightly crazy Mercedes-AMG G 63. The new G400d effectively replaced the G350d in the UK line as such Entry level model in domain. Of course, entry level is a relative term here: the G-Wagon’s blend of luxury and capability comes at a price: the cheapest G400d will set you back £98,525, and an AMG Line Premium Plus test car costs £115,995. However, this advantageously reduces the starting price of £153,995 for the 577bhp G63.

We tested the G400d in 2019 when the powertrain wasn’t confirmed for the UK market, but this is our first experience of it on UK roads. The diesel is a more tuned version of the turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder unit used by the 350d. Using a multi-channel exhaust gas recirculation system and variable valve lift control, the G400d is tuned to deliver 326 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, up from the G350d’s 282 horsepower and 443 pound-feet.

How does it look?

The G350d delivered a really solid performance, but given the hefty 2.5-tonne G-Class, the extra power is welcome. Power delivery is impressively smooth and quiet at low and high speeds, and the nine-speed automatic gearbox matches perfectly with the engine’s power map. It is able to make a smooth and easy progression that contrasts with the car’s size and mass.

Not that you’ll forget the G400d’s sheer size when you’re behind the wheel. This is, unusually, a large car, and he would find it difficult to fit on some of the smaller British roads. Fortunately, its classic boxy design means visibility is excellent, and a range of Mercedes driver assistance features make driving surprisingly easy.

We’ve only had limited ability to test the G400d’s off-road ability, but from our previous G-Class experiences there’s no doubting its ability. The automatic box offers low-range gearing and three differential locks as standard, and the combination of ladder frame construction, 20-inch wheels and an advanced suspension system (double wishbone in the front, multi-link in the rear) provides incredible capability.

Once you grapple with the G400d’s massive doors to climb from the inside, the cabin is a purely luxurious experience, especially in the look of the AMG Line Premium Plus. The excellent infotainment system and digital dashboard are a welcome dose of modern technology in the retro design, the interior feels totally worthy of a £100,000 car and the audio system is excellent.

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