Mercedes G450d India Launch: Rs 2.90 Cr Diesel G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G450d Launched in India: Rs 2.90 Crore Diesel G-Class with Exclusive Mild-Hybrid Power

Mercedes-Benz India has rolled out the highly anticipated Mercedes G450d India on October 14, 2025, enriching the iconic G-Class lineup with a sophisticated diesel variant priced at Rs 2.90 crore (ex-showroom). This addition marks the first mild-hybrid diesel in the G-Class family, blending the model's legendary off-road prowess with electrified efficiency and refined performance. Limited to just 50 units in the initial batch, the G450d caters to discerning buyers seeking exclusivity in the luxury SUV segment, where the G-Class continues to dominate as a symbol of uncompromised adventure and opulence.

The launch expands the G-Class powertrain portfolio to include petrol, diesel, and upcoming electric options, reflecting Mercedes' commitment to diverse electrification strategies amid India's evolving emission standards. At its heart, the G450d integrates a 3.0-litre inline-six turbodiesel with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivering seamless torque and reduced emissions without sacrificing the raw character that defines the "G."

With deliveries commencing next month, the G450d positions itself Rs 20 lakh above the G400d, justifying the premium through enhanced tech and subtle styling cues. This move aligns with Mercedes' "Electrified Luxury" vision, targeting 15% EV/PHEV sales in India by 2026, while honoring the G-Wagon's 45-year heritage as the ultimate status icon.

Powertrain Excellence: Mild-Hybrid Diesel Meets G-Class Grit

The Mercedes G450d specs revolve around a potent 3.0-litre OM656 inline-six turbodiesel, augmented by a 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid setup for instantaneous torque fill and regenerative braking. This synergy yields 362 bhp at 3,600 rpm and a class-leading 750 Nm from 1,350-2,800 rpm, with the starter-generator adding a 20 bhp/205 Nm surge during overtakes. Mated to a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic, power distributes via permanent all-wheel drive with low-range transfer case, enabling a 0-100 kmph burst in 5.8 seconds and a governed top speed of 210 kmph.

Fuel efficiency improves to 12.2 kmpl (ARAI), a 10% gain over the G400d, thanks to the hybrid's sailing function that decouples the engine at steady speeds. Off-road, three locking differentials-front, center, rear-plus 4ETS electronic traction ensure 100% gradient climbs and 70 cm wading depth. Adaptive damping adjusts from Comfort to Sport, while the ladder-frame chassis absorbs 241 mm ground clearance over ruts.

Compared to the V8 G63 (585 bhp, Rs 2.55 crore), the G450d offers diesel economy for long hauls, appealing to India's 70% diesel SUV preference. The mild-hybrid not only cuts CO2 by 15 g/km but qualifies for green number plates in select cities.

Styling Refinements: Subtle Updates Enhancing Iconic Presence

The G-Class diesel launch India introduces nuanced exterior tweaks that amplify its boxy charisma without altering the timeless silhouette. A revised front grille with four horizontal chrome slats-echoing the G63's aggression-pairs with redesigned LED headlights featuring daytime running lights in a light-bar motif. New A-pillar trims reduce wind noise, while bumpers with integrated fog lamps and skid plates bolster approach angles to 31 degrees.

At the rear, a subtle roof spoiler aids aerodynamics, and the tailgate-mounted spare wheel remains, now with a locking mechanism. The G450d rolls on 20-inch AMG cross-spoke alloys in obsidian black, shod with 275/60R20 all-terrain tires for 205 mm ramp-over. Color options span 10 hues, including exclusive Patagonia Red and Hyper Blue, with optional Manufaktur customizations.

These changes shave drag coefficient to 0.53 from 0.55, marginally improving highway stability. For urban elites, the G450d's presence-3.89m wheelbase, 2.2-tonne heft-commands respect, rivaling the Toyota Land Cruiser's stature but with Mercedes finesse.

Luxury Cockpit: MBUX NTG7 and Opulent G450d Interior

Step inside the Mercedes G450d interior, and the redesigned off-road cockpit greets with Nappa leather in black or classic grey, accented by open-pore walnut trim and illuminated door sills. The dual 12.3-inch screens-driver display and central touchscreen-run the latest MBUX NTG7 OS, supporting voice commands in eight languages, augmented reality navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

ThermaTronic four-zone climate, heated/ventilated/massaging seats for five, and a Burmester 3D sound system with Dolby Atmos (15 speakers, 1,450W) elevate sensory immersion. Ambient lighting in 64 colors syncs with drive modes, while the crystal shifter and nappa-leather dash exude tactility. Cargo holds 667 litres, expanding to 1,941 with seats folded, with tie-downs for gear.

• Infotainment: MBUX NTG7 with AR HUD
• Audio: Burmester High-End 3D
• Seating: Multicontour with massage
• Storage: 62-litre frunk equivalent
• Tech: Wireless charging, 5G connectivity

Versus the Range Rover's minimalist dash, the G450d's analog gauges with digital overlays blend nostalgia and futurism, scoring high on luxury indices.

Off-Road Supremacy: Unmatched Capabilities in the G450d

True to its G-Class off road capabilities, the G450d conquers extremes with portal axles, rigid axles, and 35-degree approach/30-degree departure angles. Three diffs lock for 100% traction on 45-degree slopes, while 700 mm fording and 241 mm clearance handle monsoons or deserts. Adaptive suspension raises 50 mm off-road, lowering for garages.

Trail mode uses cameras for 360-view, transparent hood, and off-road menu displaying pitch/roll. Torque vectoring distributes power precisely, outperforming the Jeep Wrangler's 44-degree approach with superior tech. Towing maxes 3,500 kg, with trailer stability assist.

In India, where 60% luxury SUV sales skew off-road aspirational, the G450d's credentials-proven in Dakar rallies-elevate it beyond urban haulers like the BMW X7.

Exclusive Allocation: 50 Units and G-Class Lineup Expansion

The Mercedes G450d limited edition rollout limits India to 50 units initially, fostering urgency among waitlists averaging 12 months. This scarcity mirrors the G63's cult following, with resale premiums hitting 20%.

The broader G-Class now spans G400d (Rs 2.70 crore), G450d, G63 (Rs 2.55 crore petrol), and EQG electric (2026 preview). Mercedes targets 1,200 annual sales, up 15% YoY, via 50 dealerships.

Rivals and Value Proposition: G450d in India's Luxury Landscape

Against the Rs 2.84 crore Land Rover Defender Octa, the G450d offers hybrid efficiency; vs. Rs 3.10 crore Range Rover SV, superior off-road metrics. Ownership includes five-year maintenance, with service at 10,000 km.

The G450d's Rs 2.90 crore tag delivers 90% of G63 thrills at 85% cost, appealing to diesel loyalists amid EV transitions.

Future Horizons: Electrification and G-Class Legacy

As Mercedes eyes 50% electrified sales by 2030, the G450d bridges to the 2026 EQG with 400 km range. JLR's Pune plant expands for hybrids, while Mercedes invests Rs 1,000 crore in Chakan.

The G-Class, born 1979 as military Geländewagen, evolves yet endures, with 300,000 units sold globally yearly. The G450d cements its throne, blending diesel soul with hybrid smarts for India's roads.