There’s a new G-Class that looks very similar to the old one. However, Mercedes has made a few changes under the hood, most notably the inline-six engine that replaces the V8 in the G550. In Europe, the diesel engine remains and produces even more power. That’s a pleasant surprise considering how strict emissions regulations are in the EU.
While pictures aren’t available, the old G400d will be retired to make way for the G450d. It uses an evolution of the 3.0-liter, inline-six turbodiesel engine that’s tuned to produce 362 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. That gives it a 36 hp and 37 lb-ft advantage over its predecessor. Additionally, the new diesel engine has a mild-hybrid setup with an electric motor that produces 20 hp and 148 lb-ft (albeit temporarily).
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While the pre-facelift Mercedes G400d went from 0 to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds, its successor takes just 5.8 seconds. Top speed remains unchanged at 130 mph. The non-American G-Wagen variant has about 140 lb-ft more torque than the G550 but is down 81 hp. The new G450d is only about half a second slower in the sprint than the G550.
Mercedes isn’t done refreshing the G-Class yet, as an all-electric variant is due later this year, likely without the “EQ” branding. In China, the venerable off-roader is also sold with a four-cylinder gasoline engine as the G350 with just 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid variant doesn’t appear to be on the agenda, though most other Mercedes models can be had with a PHEV setup.
