The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is being joined by its G 400 diesel sibling as the second member of the much-loved ‘G-Wagen’ family in New  Zealand.

Under the bonnet of the G 400 d is the 3.0-litre diesel engine, packing the most power of any diesel in the history of the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. Its workhorse credentials include 243 kW of power and an impressive 700 Nm of torque. 

Features of this standard-setting powerplant include variable valve lift on the exhaust side for better emission control, Formula 1-inspired NANOSLIDE® technology to reduce friction and resist wear, high-tech steel pistons, two-stage turbocharging, and the use of lightweight aluminium for the crankcase and cylinder head. 

Fuel economy is rated at 9.5  L/100 km, while acceleration from zero to 100km/h takes 6.4 seconds. 

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz G 400 d includes a 15-speaker Burmester surround-sound system, electronically adjustable and heated leather front seats.

The G 400 d is underpinned by a ladder-type frame made of  steel up to 3.4 mm thick, which is particularly suited to off-road use. Three differential locks for the all-wheel drive  system ensure that in difficult terrain, the traction of an individual wheel can provide forward motion. Additionally,  selecting low-range (available on the move) increases torque and optimises gear shifts from the nine-speed automatic gearbox for off-road use. 

Suspension with adaptive damping is a standard inclusion on New Zealand-delivered vehicles, adjusting to the driver’s preferred style and compensating for uneven surfaces. The adaptive dampers withstand greater forces than standard passive shock absorbers and also offer improved on-road performance. 

The new Mercedes-Benz G 400 d will retail for $217,100 and is expected to arrive in New Zealand showrooms in July 2021.