A New Choice for the G-Class in Japan: The G350d, Why It's Called the 'True G'?

The G-Class, Mercedes-Benz's authentic off-road model born in 1979, has added the "G350d", equipped with a new inline 6-cylinder diesel engine boasting a maximum output of 286PS and a maximum torque of 600N・m. Offering the most affordable price point, the G350d is often referred to as the true essence of the G-Class by many. What exactly are its charms?

The G-Class underwent a major overhaul, including its body frame, in 2018 and debuted at the NAIAS (North American International Auto Show, also known as the Detroit Auto Show) that same year. At the time, phrases like "The G-Class has received a full model change!" were frequently seen in various media outlets and on social media. However, both Mercedes-Benz Japan, the importer, and the parent company Daimler insist that the latest model is a 'refined model'.

With the adoption of a robust ladder frame for the body structure, an exterior that is difficult to distinguish from older models, and the retention of the 'W463' model designation, Mercedes-Benz maintains that it is a product improvement. However, considering the fact that only three parts, namely the door exterior handles, washer nozzles, and rear tire cover, are inherited from the 'previous model' before 2018, it's essentially a play on words. In reality, there's no hesitation in calling it a 'reborn G-Class'.

This test drive vehicle is the first model in the improved W463 series to feature a diesel engine. When it launched in Japan in June 2018, the lineup only included gasoline engine models, such as the "G63" equipped with a 4-liter V8 twin-turbo (M177 type) with a maximum output of 585PS and the "G550" with a 4-liter V8 twin-turbo (M176 type) producing 422PS. However, the G350d emerged later, truly representing the essence of the G-Class. The reason being, even back in 2017, news of the new model's arrival was already circulating, but the G350d reportedly accounted for 70% of G-Class sales. In the latest generation G-Class, renowned for its exceptional performance, what else could one call the diesel model other than its true essence?

To experience firsthand the combination of the 3-liter inline 6-cylinder diesel turbo engine "OM656", also found in models like the "S400d", and the chassis and body that have undergone a full model change-level refinement, we grip the substantial steering wheel and open the door. As soon as you step inside and take a seat, you're greeted by two 12.3-inch wide LCD displays side by side, a far cry from the mud and dirt one might expect. ```