Mercedes-Benz G400d 2021: entry-level G-Wagon coming to Australia

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Mercedes-Benz has announced the 2021 G400d large SUV will join the G-Wagon family in Australia, sitting under the blunt and brutally effective Mercedes-AMG G63.

The G400d is set to arrive in Australia in June with a price of $233,900 (before on-roads), making it significantly cheaper than the Mercedes-AMG G63 at $289,900 (before on-roads).

Mercedes-Benz has fitted a more sensible three-litre turbodiesel straight-six in the G400d making 243kW of power and 700Nm of torque, which is almost as much torque as the Mercedes-AMG G63 that develops 430kW/850Nm from its twin-turbo four-litre V8. 

The G400d’s engine is hooked up to a nine-speed torque-converter automatic, with a low range mode to send even more torque to the all-wheel-drive system. 

The all-wheel-drive system is equipped with a locking differential at each axle and within the transfer case for added traction, while the ladder-frame chassis means that G400d is built for a serious thrashing when the opportunity arises.

Adaptive dampers are also fitted as standard on the Australian-delivered G400ds, which should make it a more flexible beast on and off the bitumen. 

The G400d has a ride height of 241mm and wading depth of 700mm, with approach, break-over and departure angles of  30.9, 25.7 and 29.9 degrees respectively – figures that are respectable but not quite on par with dedicated off roaders such as the incoming Ford Bronco.

The G-Glass has always carved out a niche with a combination of imposing looks matched with a plush interior – and the G400d is no exception.

As standard, the G400d comes with electronically adjustable and heated leather front seats, a Nappa leather steering wheel, LED headlights, three-zone climate control and a sunroof. 

Mercedes-Benz has dressed the entry-level G-Class with 19-inch, eight-spoke alloy wheels along with black side running boards and spare wheel cover. A trailer hitch also comes pre-installed to make use of the 3.5 tonnes of braked towing capacity.  

To make things easier off road, a 360-degree camera and a suite of sensors have been fitted to measure useful facts like body angle, altitude and wheel angle.

More conventional tech such as a pair of 12.3-inch screens is fitted with inbuilt navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The G-Class was crash tested quite recently in 2019 with ANCAP giving it a five-star rating. Safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

Mercedes-Benz/AMG G-Class 2021: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Mercedes-Benz G400d: $233,900
• Mercedes-AMG G63: $289,900