Which Mercedes-Benz G-Class is better: diesel or petrol?

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class was originally developed as a military vehicle but was later introduced in civilian form in 1979. Over the years new models were introduced and recently Mercedes-Benz executed a complete update but retained the original styling cues while incorporating modern technology throughout the SUV.

 

Related: Mercedes-AMG G63 review

 

Although the Geländewagen retains its rugged exterior styling, the interior has evolved into one of the most premia to be offered by the German automaker. At the customer's request, Mercedes-Benz will not only fit a 12.3-inch screen where the traditional instrument cluster is featured but another one for the comprehensive infotainment system. Considering that variants of the G-Class still serve military units in places all around the globe, for the civilian offerings to be sought after by fashionistas might seem out of character but certainly is not.

 

The figures

It is not a rare occurrence for manufacturers to limit the variants on offer in specific regions. While there are plenty of contributing factors at play for this to happen, in most cases it is as simple as the automaker recognizing which derivatives have been the most popular historically. This seems to be the case when we look at the G-Class range on offer locally. 

For those wanting to purchase a G-Class for its utilitarian capabilities, the G400d will serve them well. However, for those that want additional performance and added swagger, the Mercedes-AMG G63 might be the one to opt for. For this comparison, we will be comparing all the engine options available globally.

	G350d	G400d	G500 / G550	G63 AMG
Engine	2.9-litre, turbocharged, inline-6, diesel	2.9-litre, turbocharged, inline-6, diesel	4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, V8, petrol	4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, V8, petrol
Transmission	9-speed automatic 9G-TRONIC	9-speed automatic 9G-TRONIC	9-speed automatic 9G-TRONIC	9-speed automatic AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G
Power	210 kW	243 kW	310 kW	430 kW
Torque	600 Nm	700 Nm	610 Nm	850 Nm
0-100 km/h	7.4s	6.4s	5.9s	4.5s
Top speed	199 km/h	210 km/h	210 km/h	220 km/h (Opt: 240 km/h)
Fuel consumption	9.6 L / 100 km	9.6 L / 100 km	11.5 L / 100 km	12.1 L / 100 km
Locally available	No	Yes	No	Yes

 

Verdict

As we compare the G-Class variants side by side, it becomes clear as to why the G400d and G63 AMG models are popular in South Africa. Although the G400d shares the same engine as the G350d, it sees a dramatic increase in performance with an added 100 Nm of torque. What is even more impressive is how the smaller diesel engine compares with the larger V8 found in the G500.

While returning a more frugal fuel consumption figure, the G400d nearly provides the same amount of performance as its petrol counterpart. But if this was a game of top trumps the G63 AMG would have easily claimed the top spot. This comparison confirms then that Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG are offering us the two best options in the range.

So as alluded to earlier, if you are looking to make an impression while retaining the utilitarian factor of a G-Class, the 400d model will do the job with ease. If you are happy to be in the city while exuding status, the G63 AMG is most certainly the one for you but you will be making an impression with your bank manager, and not in a good way. 

 

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