There is something wonderfully old-school about climbing into a G-Class. You grab the chunky handle, haul yourself up and shut the door with that reassuring metallic Khatang that sounds like a bank vault sealing shut. That sound alone sets the tone for what follows. Few cars make you feel this secure, this indestructible, and yet, the latest G450d brings with it a new layer of sophistication that makes the experience more complete than ever.
From the outside, it looks exactly as a G should. Mercedes hasn’t dared alter the shape because it knows better than to tamper with an icon. The flat glass, exposed hinges and upright stance are all still there. But beneath the familiar silhouette, there’s a fair bit of new engineering. The 3.0-litre straight-six diesel now gets 48-volt mild hybrid assistance through Mercedes’ ISG2 system. It produces 367bhp and 750Nm of torque, with an added 15kW and 205Nm boost from the integrated starter generator. That’s plenty of punch for something that weighs as much as a small bungalow.
Performance is effortless. The engine fires up quietly and settles into a smooth idle. The nine-speed gearbox goes about its business unobtrusively and the ISG fills in the gaps, so you never feel a pause in power delivery. Flex your right foot and the big G gathers speed in one long, seamless surge. It hits 100kmph in 5.8 seconds, which is astonishing for a body-on-frame SUV of this size, and tops out at 210kmph. But it’s the mid-range torque that really defines the experience. You don’t have to work it hard, you just surf that enormous wave of torque and the car shrugs off everything in its path.
What’s even more impressive is how refined it feels. Mercedes engineers have worked hard to reduce noise and vibration, and you can tell. Wind noise, once a G-Class trademark, has been cut significantly thanks to a new A-pillar design and extra insulation. The suspension setup is softer than before, especially compared to the AMG G63. It now rides with an easy pliancy that makes long journeys genuinely comfortable. Higher profile tyres also play their part, rounding off sharp edges and helping the G glide over bad roads that would have earlier sent a thud through the cabin.
This is easily the most comfortable G-Class yet, and on Indian roads that counts for a lot. The ladder-frame construction still gives away its presence occasionally, but the overall composure is miles ahead of older versions. It feels tied down, planted, and relaxed. In Sport mode, the dampers stiffen, body roll is kept in check, and it feels surprisingly well-balanced for something that could double as a military vehicle. It doesn’t dart into corners like a Cayenne, but it has a reassuring predictability that makes you want to keep driving it.
The hybrid system deserves special mention. It doesn’t try to steal the spotlight but works quietly in the background. The ISG smooths gear changes, assists during acceleration and even allows the G to coast in silence for short distances. The electric assist also powers ancillaries like the air-conditioning compressor during start-stop phases, so refinement levels stay consistently high. Efficiency, too, has improved. Over a mixed route that included city traffic, open highways and some light off-roading, the trip computer showed 10.8kmpl. With a 100-litre tank, you can expect a real-world range of around 900km, which makes this diesel-hybrid combination ideal for long hauls.
Inside, the G450d continues to blend tradition with technology. The seating position is upright and commanding, the windscreen near vertical, and you can still see the corners of the bonnet. The new MBUX infotainment system brings a modern interface with a touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The off-road cockpit display is particularly useful, showing everything from incline angles to a transparent bonnet view. The Burmester 3D sound system is one of the best in the business, filling the cabin with concert-hall clarity. Build quality is outstanding and every switch feels solid, every surface rich.
There’s also more attention to everyday convenience. The Comfort Package brings a sunroof, soft-touch materials and the new metal KEYLESS-GO door handles, which manage to retain the G’s iconic shape while adding modern functionality. The cabin feels luxurious yet robust, like it could handle years of abuse without complaint.
On the road, the G450d feels lighter than it has any right to. It’s about 500kg lighter than the electrified G, and you can feel the difference immediately. The diesel’s weight distribution, the hybrid’s torque fill and the mechanical grip of the 4MATIC system come together beautifully. It feels surefooted and secure without losing that mechanical honesty that defines a proper G-Wagen.
Of course, there are still a few quirks. Rear legroom is only adequate, the boot floor is high and the side-hinged tailgate can be a nuisance in tight parking spaces. But these are compromises you accept because the G’s core DNA remains intact. It’s not trying to be another lifestyle SUV. It’s still an off-roader first, and that authenticity shines through.
There’s always been a sense that the G-Class would one day run out of road. That its old-school engineering would struggle to keep pace with the changing expectations of luxury SUVs. That day hasn’t arrived yet. In fact, Mercedes has shown remarkable commitment to keeping the G relevant without diluting its character. The G450d is proof of that. It blends modern tech and refinement with the kind of mechanical honesty that made the original such a legend. Against all odds, it still feels authentic.
No, the G will never be light on its feet or easy on your wallet. It remains a niche, indulgent purchase, but also one that offers something very few cars can — genuine integrity. It is beautifully engineered, deeply capable, and full of personality. And now, with the electric G580 on one side and the flamboyant AMG G63 on the other, the G450d occupies a space that feels just right. It’s the sensible G, the usable G, and perhaps the one that stays truest to the spirit of the original.
