Mercedes-Benz G450d | Photo Credit: Ishaan Jaiswal

You know you’re driving something truly special when your car turns into the neighbourhood’s main attraction. The kind where kids from nearby buildings gather in the parking lot just to watch it roll in and settle into a slot. That’s the G-Class effect, a phenomenon that transcends car culture.

Now in India, Mercedes-Benz has introduced the new G450d, priced at ₹2.90 crore (ex-showroom). Few designs in the automotive world have aged as gracefully — or as stubbornly — as the G-Class. Its silhouette has remained practically unchanged for over four decades. At first glance, you might not notice that the G450d is a new model at all. The updates are subtle; a slightly revised bumper, a fresh A-pillar cladding, new grille detailing and a roof-edge spoiler. The boxy stance, the upright windshield and exposed door hinges remain untouched. The squared-off proportions, 241-mm ground clearance and near-vertical sides give it the kind of road presence few cars can rival.

Get inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that blends modern luxury with industrial honesty. The G450d’s interior hasn’t strayed far from tradition and that’s a good thing. The dash still sports a prominent grab handle ahead of the front passenger — a nod to its utilitarian roots — but nearly every surface is now wrapped in soft Nappa leather, punctuated by real metal trim and solid-feeling switches.

in the details

Twin 12.3-inch displays stretch across the dashboard — one for the instrument cluster, one for infotainment — all running the latest MBUX software. The digital graphics may be new, but the tactile experience is delightfully old-school. You still get chunky buttons and rotary controls that click with mechanical precision.

Space, however, remains the one area where the G-Wagen’s design betrays its military origins. Despite its imposing exterior dimensions, rear-seat space isn’t as generous as you might expect. The seats are comfortable and supportive, but legroom feels slightly tight compared to, say, a GLS.

And then there’s that sound, the satisfying ‘thunk’ of the doors closing, like a bank vault sealing shut. Even the central locking mechanism sounds like a rifle being loaded. It’s one of those small, visceral details that remind you the G-Class is a machine built to endure. Mercedes has equipped the G450d with a Burmester surround sound system with Dolby Atmos and it’s nothing short of spectacular.

Under the hood lies a 3.0-litre inline-six diesel engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system with a total output of 362 bhp and 76.47 kg-m, with an extra 20 bhp available from the integrated starter-generator (ISG) during hard acceleration. That translates to a 0-100-kph sprint in just 5.8 seconds — astonishing for something that tips the scales at over 2.5 tonnes. Power is sent to all four wheels via Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, and the shifts are as smooth as silk.

Despite its size and weight, the G450d feels surprisingly composed. The steering is light at low speeds, firming up nicely as you pick up pace. You sit high, towering over traffic, with a panoramic view of the road ahead — it’s a confidence-inspiring feeling few vehicles can match. And when the road gets rough, you simply keep going. Potholes, diversions, gravel — the G450d doesn’t flinch.

Of course, no G-Class review would be complete without mentioning its off-road credentials. The G450d packs three differential locks, a low-range transfer case and adaptive damping, making it one of the most capable luxury SUVs on the planet. The torque comes in thick and steady, allowing you to crawl over obstacles with minimal throttle input. On a light off-road course during our shoot, the G felt unstoppable. It simply walked out of ruts and inclines that would make most crossovers whimper.

And yet, it does all of this in absolute comfort. Even with the suspension articulating and wheels digging into the terrain, the cabin remains calm and composed. On tarmac, the G450d rides with a poise that defies its architecture. Yes, there’s body roll — you can’t cheat physics — but it’s tightly controlled. The adaptive dampers do a brilliant job of ironing out imperfections, and even at high speeds, the G feels planted and predictable.

At city speeds, the steering is light enough for easy manoeuvrability, though you’re always aware of its size. Out on the highway, it settles into a relaxed rhythm, stable and supremely confident. It’s not the kind of car you fling into corners, but it’s one you can drive all day without fatigue.

After nearly five decades of evolution, the G still stays true to its roots — a symbol of enduring design and engineering mastery. The new G450d only strengthens that legacy, proving once again that while time changes everything, the G-Class remains stronger than time itself.

© Motoring World

Published on October 31, 2025