Oil-burning G-Wagen returns Down Under

THE G-Wagen will be offered in Australia with a diesel engine once more, after Mercedes-Benz pulled the oil-burning G 400d from the market back in 2022, and the new G 450 d variant lands with more power and a lower price tag.

While the retired G 400 d came in at nearly $250,000, all things said and done, the gruntier, modernised G 450 d can be had for $214,900 plus on-road costs.

That also makes it $35,000 cheaper than the electric G 580 with EQ Technology ($249,900), which until now was the entry-level model for the range that tops out with the fire-breathing AMG G 63 4Matic ($368,400).

Buyers wanting a powertrain that won’t require shares in petroleum stocks – because the stonking turbo V8 in the AMG sips a claimed 14.7l/100km, if you’re one of the few owners who doesn’t floor it everywhere – the G 450 d presents a compelling true-to-heritage option.

Since its debut in 1979, the G-Class has always been offered with an array of diesel engines, including four-pots, inline sixes, V6s, V8s, and even a five-cylinder option.

In recent years, the only combustion-engine choice has been the 430kW twin turbocharged V8 in the exorbitantly expensive AMG G63, leaving a gap for fans of the original G-Class models that were genuine workhorses, and somewhat affordable.

The newly arrived G 450 d fills the void, powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine with an integrated starter-generator, delivering 270kW/750Nm (up 27kW/50Nm on the G 400 d).

It isn’t slow either, reaching triple figures in 5.8 seconds, but it will also return a claimed fuel use of 8.7l/100km – or roughly half that of its agro AMG twin.

All the classic G Wagen traits remain, like the ladder-frame chassis, solid rear axle and three locking differentials, but it also gets the modern fare of its electric and V8-powered siblings.

The G 450 d rides on 18-inch wheels, which is better for off-roaders than the standard 19-inch wheels on the G 400 d, and it also gets multibeam LED headlights, but other than that it’s the same proven G Wagen package as the old runner.

Inside, a wood trim finish is flanked by a 12.3-inch multimedia screen and identically-sized instrument cluster, with all the usual wireless charging, smartphone connectivity and premium features like MBUX augmented reality navigation.

An OFFROAD cockpit system displays relevant data on the multimedia and driver screens when venturing off the beaten track, like gradient, tilt, and differential status.

Of course, for owners with cash to burn, Mercedes-Benz offers a range of packages but none appear to be strictly off-road focused and instead offer styling, technology and luxury upgrades.

The G 450 d is now available at Mercedes-Benz dealers across Australia, offering a significantly lower entry point for fans of the iconic nameplate.