Vuyi Mpofu attended the media presentation of the new G-Class and shares a bird’s-eye-view of what the iconic SUV has to offer.
By far the longest-standing passenger car model series built by Mercedes-Benz, the G-Class is the forefather of all SUVs that carry the three-pointed star. It has become the standard against which others are measured in the off-road-vehicle segment: around 80 percent of all the G-Class vehicles ever produced are still in use, testament to its outstanding quality and durability.
The off-roader has shown its versatility in numerous special-purpose versions with the police, fire and rescue services around the world. It is also known the world over as the ‘Popemobile’, with Pope John Paul using a 230 G, painted in mother of pearl with a transparent special body, on numerous trips from 1980.
To mark its 40th anniversary in 2019, Mercedes-Benz had unveiled a range of highlights for G-Class fans, starting with the special STRONGER THAN TIME model – including the exclusive G 400 d, J40 Edition offering the most powerful expansion stage of the efficient inline six-cylinder diesel engine yet.
“41 years ago, the combination of on- and off-road properties was a revolutionary concept. The current G-Class continues this tradition, and forms the basis for its status as an automotive icon,” said Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa. “We are celebrating this milestone with several highlights for our customers and fans. I am convinced that, for the G-Class, it is just the beginning.”
For eternity: Three STRONGER THAN TIME edition
The three STRONGER THAN TIME Editions to mark the anniversary year as a real birthday treat.
The G 400 d offers a combined fuel consumption of 8.9-8.7 l/100 km, an output of 243 kW and an impressive maximum torque of 700 Nm at 1200 to 3200 rpm.
The G 400d comes in AMG Line guise, with flared wheel arches over black 20- inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, AMG design elements in the bumpers and an exterior protective strip, brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering and, The standard-fit Night Package gives the special model darkened lights as well as outside mirrors, a spare wheel ring and design elements in the bumpers in obsidian black and tinted rear windows. Attention to detail is showcased at night: the surround lamp projects the G logo and the lettering ‘STRONGER THAN TIME’ onto the road.
The Mercedes-Benz Editions are available in two looks: traditionalists will be delighted by a variant whose interior is characterised by black nappa leather with golden topstitching as well as trim elements in open-pore black ash. There are several paint and interior options available to those wanting a particularly exclusive G-Class.
Customers can choose from a wide colour palette for the nappa leather on the steering wheel, instrument panel and seats, and for the topstitching and seat belts. For the exterior, 4 paint colours offer a choice for every taste – and the spare wheel ring is now also available in the vehicle colour.
The technical data of the new Mercedes-Benz G 400d is as follows:
| G 400d 4MATIC | ||
| Model/Number of cylinders/Arrangement | Diesel/6 in-line | |
| Displacement | cc | 2925 |
| Rated output, combustion engine | kW/hp at rpm | 243/330 at 3600-4200 |
| Rated torque, combustion engine | Nm at rpm | 700 at 1200-3200 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | s | 6.4 |
| Top speed | km/h | 210 |
| Consumption, combined or weighted | l/100 km | 8.9-8.7 |
| CO2 emissions, combined or weighted | g/km | 235-229 |
We will be better positioned to give an in-depth review of the G 400 d when we get it on test.
Price from:
G 400d 4MATIC: R2 874 000
