New Mercedes G-Class prototype evaluate: mild-hybrid energy fits the G 450 d

Verdict

We’ll have to attend till we drive the ultimate manufacturing model of the Mercedes G 450 d earlier than giving a full verdict, however early impressions of this pre-production mannequin, with its ISG-assisted six-cylinder diesel engine, impresses with improved efficiency, enhanced economic system and decrease emissions. A revised MBUX consumer interface and driver help package deal brings the Mercedes G-Class into line with the remainder of the maker’s line-up, too.   

Mercedes will refresh the G-Class vary within the coming months, and Auto Categorical has joined the crew creating the automotive because it goes via its final-stage testing. The EQG electrical model will undoubtedly steal the headlines when it arrives, however the firm has additionally been engaged on extra typical petrol and diesel fashions, and as such, we bagged a while driving the brand new G 450 d. 

This automotive is powered by the identical base engine because the outgoing G 400 d, however Mercedes has added an ISG (Built-in Starter Generator) 48-volt mild-hybrid system to the three.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine – boosting not simply efficiency, but additionally economic system. 

Mixed output is round 385bhp, with that ISG including round 20bhp. It’s the torque the place the system makes the largest influence, nevertheless, including round 200Nm to the six-cylinder diesel’s already vital 750Nm.

That’ll undoubtedly lead to a efficiency uplift, which is able to see an enchancment to the 0-62mph time. However with all that torque accessible from as little as 1,350rpm, it’s all-round driveability on and off-road the place the advantages are finest skilled.

Such are the tweaks to the interior friction of the engine, Mercedes has added hill descent management to the driving package deal, because the engine braking in low vary is decreased over the outgoing mannequin. This, added to the inclusion of the ISG, manifest in considerably improved gasoline consumption, with the G 450 d displaying a simple 30mpg+ on the journey laptop throughout our drive – a tangible enchancment over the 25.7mpg WLTP mixed consumption determine for the outgoing automotive. 

Certainly, Mercedes has learnt classes in its improvement of the forthcoming electrical G-Class, which assist it eke out as a lot economic system as potential from the long-lasting, however removed from aerodynamic G-Class. Eager-eyed spotters will discover the A-pillars have an extra moulding on them, whereas the gutter above the windscreen on the roof now options an extra spoiler, aiding aerodynamics, but additionally benefitting inside refinement with a major discount in wind noise on the transfer. Additional to this, the engineers have added some additional insulation materials, too.  

That quietness, allied to finer management from the suspension as a result of some damper tuning on the brand new mannequin, make for a extra snug G-Class driving expertise. The G 450 d will even undertake Mercedes’ newest driver help expertise like lane-keeping help. 

That’s all accessed by way of the brand new MBUX interface, which sees the G-Class lose the turn-and-push controller for a brand new touchpad on the centre console. Inside that infotainment system there are extra driver modes, with a brand new Path choice for mild off-road tracks becoming a member of others together with Particular person, Consolation, Eco, Sport, Sand and Rock. 

With the G 450 d retaining its three locking differentials and low-ratio switch case, this revised G-Class remains to be capable of clamber, crawl and climb like a mountain goat, making it a massively competent, all-round package deal. With capabilities that few will ever actually need, a number of the compromises that after have been a part of which were considerably decreased. The G-Class is extra snug and economical, however simply as mighty because it at all times was.