Mercedes-Benz G450d review, first drive: More torque, more polish, same G-Class soul

Mercedes-Benz has updated the diesel G-Wagon with the new G450d. The changes focus on more refinement, comfort and capability without altering the SUV's core character.

In Short

• Mercedes-Benz keeps the boxy design largely unchanged with minor exterior updates
• The cabin mixes off-road cues with luxury and latest MBUX tech
• Its diesel-six gains mild-hybrid assistance, delivering stronger low-end performance everywhere

Few cars carry history the way the Mercedes-Benz G-Class does. Fewer still manage to wear that history so visibly. One glance at that upright stance, the flat panels, the exposed hinges, and you know exactly what you are looking at. What is remarkable is how little it has changed since 1979. Born as a military machine, the G-Class was engineered to be robust, dependable, and uncompromising. Luxury was never the priority. Yet over four decades, it has evolved into a symbol of opulence and desirability without ever letting go of its original brief. That balance is not easy to achieve, and even harder to maintain. It must be said, Mercedes-Benz puts a whole new meaning to thinking inside the box.

In India, the diesel variants have always felt like the more sensible expression of the G. Visually, Mercedes-Benz has resisted the temptation to overstyle the G. The updates are minimal. A revised grille, updated steering wheel and subtle tweaks to the bumpers. There are new 20-inch AMG wheels to add to that list as well. Moreover, there are three different flavours of this legendary SUV – G450d, G580, which is electric and costs Rs 20 lakh more than the former and full-fat AMG G 63, which retails at Rs 3.74 crore (ex-showroom). In fact, the G450d is only available on the AMG Line and has a sticker price of Rs 2.90 crore (ex-showroom). Step inside, and the sense of occasion is immediate.

The door still shuts with that familiar, reassuring heft, and the locking mechanism still sounds like a well-oiled old school rifle being reloaded. You climb up rather than step in, settling into a high, commanding driving position that gives you a clear view of the road ahead and the edges of that flat bonnet. The cabin continues to blend rugged cues with modern luxury. The grab handle on the passenger side is a nod to its off-road roots, while the dual 12.3-inch screens are running the latest MBUX NTG7 software with nifty features like augmented reality navigation.

Out on the road, the G450d begins to reveal the extent of its evolution. The first few kilometres in city traffic are telling. Despite its size and proportions, it does not feel as intimidating as it looks. The steering has weight, but it is consistent and predictable, albeit on the heavier side. The upright seating position helps place the car with confidence. That said, it does not disguise its dimensions entirely. Narrow roads and tight parking spaces still require effort and patience. This is not an SUV you hustle through traffic. It prefers a more measured approach. The engine is where the most meaningful change lies. The move from the G400d to the G450d brings with it more power and, more importantly, a greater sense of refinement.

The 3.0-litre OM656 inline six-cylinder engine now gets a 48V mild hybrid system, and churns out 367bhp, which is 37bhp more, and 750Nm of torque, which is 50Nm more. The aforementioned mild-hybrid provides an extra 20bhp of boost as well. It even gets to 100kmph faster from a standstill, but still has the same top speed as earlier. The 9-speed automatic is also carried over from earlier. The big, burly diesel delivers its performance in a manner that feels both effortless and controlled. There is a strong surge from low revs, and the power builds in a linear, predictable fashion. You do not need to push it hard to make progress.

On the highway, this translates into a relaxed, confident cruising ability. The G settles into a steady rhythm, covering long distances with minimal effort. There is considerable wind noise, an inevitable consequence of its shape, and handling will never be like that of monocoque construction, but it is commendable nonetheless. For a body-on-frame SUV, the G450d feels more composed over uneven surfaces than before. If the plan is to take the G450d off-road, its roots are a constant reminder that it will not get stuck in any situation. With three locking differentials and a full-time four-wheel drive system, it remains one of the most capable off-roaders on sale today.

The transition from the G400d to the G450d, then, is defined by subtlety. It is not about dramatic changes or headline-grabbing features. It is about improving the fundamentals: a more refined engine, better ride quality, and a slightly more polished overall experience. Of course, these improvements come at a cost, almost about Rs 35 lakh more than the original selling price of the 400d at launch, back in 2023.

This inevitably raises questions about value. But the G-Class has never been about value in the conventional sense. It is about presence, heritage, and the unique experience it offers. In a segment that is increasingly defined by similarity, the G450d continues to stand apart.

Verdict:

The Mercedes-Benz G450d refines an already iconic formula without altering its core identity. It feels more polished, more usable, and slightly more comfortable than the G400d, while retaining the character that defines the G-Class. It is not without compromises, particularly in urban environments where its size can be challenging. It is also expensive, even by luxury SUV standards. Yet, none of that feels out of place here. The G450d is not designed to be rational. It is designed to be desirable. And by staying true to its roots while remaining larger than life, it continues to be a real G.

Competition: Toyota Land Cruiser GR-S

Engine: 3.3-litre, V6, turbo-diesel

Power: 308bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: Rs 2.25 crore

Specifications (Mercedes-Benz G450d AMG Line):

Engine: 2,989cc, in-line 6-cylinder diesel

Power: 387bhp

Torque: 750Nm

Gearbox: 9-speed AT

Wheelbase: 2,890mm

LxHxW: 4,825x2,187x1,973mm

Fuel tank: 100 litres

0-100kmph: 5.8 seconds

Top speed: 210kmph

Price: Rs 2.90 crore (ex-showroom)

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