Mercedes locks in diesel G-Class for 2020

MERCEDES-BENZ Australia/Pacific (MBAP) has confirmed that its manic new-generation AMG G63 upper-large SUV will be joined by a more restrained turbo-diesel version in the third quarter of next year.

After soldiering on for decades with a G-Class that could trace its roots all the way back to 1979, Mercedes finally bit the bullet and developed an all-new, second-generation W463 version that launched locally at the end of last year.

With only a fire-breathing G63 variant on sale so far, the German car-maker has confirmed a turbo-diesel version will arrive to provide a more affordable entry point to the range, matching the previous-generation version which had its own oil-burning V6 range-opener.

Which exact engine tune the brand will use is yet to be confirmed, however globally Mercedes offers its OM656 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel in two tunes for the G-Class.

The less powerful of the two is the G350d, which develops 210kW from 3400-4600rpm and 600Nm from 1200-3200rpm, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Completing the sprint from standstill to 100km/h in the 350d takes 7.4 seconds, while fuel consumption on the NEDC combined cycle is rated at 9.6-9.8 litres per 100km.

Meanwhile, the more powerful 400d found in the special Stronger Than Time special-edition found overseas develops 243kW at 3400rpm and 700Nm from 1200-3200rpm, and is also mated to a nine-speed auto.

GoAuto has previously speculated that the G400d may find its way to Australia given the local market’s appetite for increased power.

Fuel consumption in the G400d is identical, however a full second is shaved off the zero-to-100km/h sprint time.

The previous-generation G350 used a bent-six turbo-diesel capable of producing 180kW/600Nm, to go with the more powerful G500 and G63 V8 petrol grades.

MBAP asks $246,970 plus on-roads for the G63, suggesting a turbo-diesel version will likely come in under $200,000.

A number of generational changes were ushered in with the W463 generation, including the adoption of independent front suspension, electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering and a number of more luxurious features on the inside.

Nevertheless, a number of hallmarks of the G-Class were carried over including its boxy styling, ladder-frame chassis, triple locking differentials and low-range transfer case to retain its legendary off-road ability.

Through the first three quarters of the year, MBAP has sold 231 examples of the G63 – a significant lift over the 69 managed to the same point in 2018.