2011 Mercedes-Benz G Class turbo diesel V6

There is no mistaking the boxy, flat-sided vehicle, whose robust appearance is only matched by the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Land Rover Defender. For many the utilitarian 4WD is a strange offering from the Benz stable that includes such beauties as the SLS AMG and the sleek S-Class sedans.

Mercedes-Benz first introduced the G,Class Wagon in Australia in the 1980s but experienced minimal success. This time round Benz is upbeat that there is a niche in the 4x4 market that the G wagon fits.While its appearance is substantially unchanged, looks can be deceiving, with the bland exterior masking its engineering and technical competence and surprisingly upmarket interior.

Models

Only two G Class wagon models are offered in Australia, both long wheelbase station wagons: the G 350 BlueTEC turbo diesel and the G 55 AMG powered by a V8 supercharged engine developing 373 kW with an impressive peak torque of 700 Nm.

Standard specification includes electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, ESP and three differential locks selectable at the push of a button, alongside the permanent all-wheel drive with off-road ratio and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission (G 350 BlueTEC only).

G 350 BlueTec turbo-diesel

Initial reaction to the G-Class wagon's boxy appearance can be a little underwhelming. While sharing a body similar to that first introduced in 1979, it is obvious that the G-wagon means business. The flat sides are ideal for four wheeling, there are no extrusions to bend and it makes a bold statement that signals off road prowess. On the downside, ergonomics are average at best, there's a flat upright windscreen, and aerodynamics are poor.

The front grille is reminiscent of a Land Rover, with rounded headlights and three-slat grille with large Mercedes-Benz logo in the centre. Side panels are flat with the only relief being protruding wheel arches and some body ribbing. The spare wheel is encased in a solid wheel carrier on the rear of the wagon.

I actually like the G-Class wagon's utilitarian look that contrasts with the often superfluous body shapes found on other luxury 4x4 wagons. It is purposeful, and the largely hand-built body reflects the origins of its design.

A 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine powers the G 350 BlueTEC, developing 155 kW of power at 3400 rpm and a torque of 540 Nm between 1600 and 2400 rpm. BlueTEC is a Mercedes- Benz-developed technology designed to reduce diesel vehicle emissions, especially nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The BlueTEC version of the G-Class uses AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution that is injected into the exhaust-gas stream. This process releases ammonia, which converts up to 80 percent of the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water by a process of reduction in the downstream SCR catalytic converter. An AdBlue filler is integrated with the diesel filler cap, with one full tank of AdBlue lasting between scheduled services.

Like the V6 engine this Mercedes-Benz bristles with technology and standard safety features. There is permanent four-wheel drive, stability control program, Bi-Xenon headlights, three differential locks, heated side mirrors, and ultrasonic reversing aid and reversing camera.

Interior

While outside appearances are all workmanlike, inside there is a clever combination of functional luxury. This is not some hose-out truck, but is pitched as a luxury 4x4. You step up into a commanding driving position into an environment of leather upholstery, top flight Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, media interface for iPod and USB, power windows, ambient lighting, electrically adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats and a rear bench seat.

There is an initial awkwardness about the cabin layout, but after spending some time with the Mercedes-Benz you soon become comfortable with it. Our test vehicle had rich brown leather seats and door inserts, imitation wood appearance surrounds across the dash and centre console and gear shifter.

Front seats were fully power adjustable, heated and comfortable.

There is a narrow centre console, at the perfect height to rest an elbow, and the hand brake is situated on the left-hand side of the centre transmission near the passenger's right knee.

There is individual climate control and power adjustment for tilt and reach steering column. Information centre controls are located on the left side of the steering wheel and audio controls on the right. Some items seem like an afterthought, with the LCD screen for the Comandaps system located low on the dash, necessitating that the driver takes his eyes off the road. Likewise, the location of a 12 volt plug in the passenger footwell is far from convenient.

From the driver's seat there is a commanding driving position, with a decent view over the flat, wide bonnet. Similarly, there are good sized power adjustable door mirrors and the large rear window provides an excellent view out the back. The 6.5-inch LCD screen was equipped with satellite navigation, reversing camera along with selection and controls for CD/DVD player and radio/MP3 inputs.

An option fitted to our vehicle was a steel electric sunroof, which comes as part of a $6900 Premium Package that also includes luxury front seats with ventilation and heating and TV tuner with analogue/digital reception.

The door handles are flush with the door and are a little awkward to readily grasp. There is a fold out cup holder attached to the side of the transmission tunnel in the driver's footwell, which is simply poor design.

Driving

From your commanding driving position the wagon is easy to drive. With 7-speed sequential shift transmission, shifts are smooth and with 550Nm of torque the vehicle pulls well in all gears. It has a maximum speed of 175km/h and a 0-100km/h acceleration of 9.1 seconds.

The turbo-diesel lags a little on ignition, needing a kick to get it moving, but then it fires along. Turn the key over and there is the familiar, but muted, diesel clatter, but once at highway speeds engine noise is near negligible, with just wind and tyre road noise. The ride and handling are surprisingly good, with obvious excellent suspension tuning, with minimal body roll and the long travel suspension absorbed any rough surfaces. Equally there is no steering kickback, making it a pleasant vehicle to drive. Considering this is 2.5 tonnes of 4x4, handling is well sorted, but not in the same class as other luxury competitors, notably Range Rover.

As would be expected from the nature of this vehicle it is good on road, but excellent off road. With a price tag of $161,680 plus on road and dealer costs, it is a lot to ask if four-wheel driving isn't a priority.

The turbo-diesel is the pick of the two models for four-wheel driving, with the G 55 AMG - which we didn't drive - likely to be a more efficient as a road vehicle, and certainly offering brilliant acceleration.

Four-wheel driving

In our brief test we failed to raise a sweat in the 4WD department. Suffice to say that everything we asked of the G-wagon was accomplished with consummate ease.

The 4x4 system is comprehensive and is controlled by three push buttons on the dash, each locking another differential. There is a separate locking front, centre and rear differential, and low range is selected via a toggle switch located behind the 7-speed sequential shift gear lever.

Along with the sophisticated all-wheel drive system, the G-wagon has a specially configured suspension, with precisely engineered rigid axles and long suspension travel. A 50:50 torque distribution between axles is possible. Off road there are few vehicles capable of challenging the G-wagons 4x4 capability.

Standard rubber is Yokohama Geolander H/T 265/60 P18 tyres on 5 twin spoke alloy wheels. The G-Class wagon has a 96-litre fuel tank and a combined fuel consumption of 11.2L/100km. Undoubtedly it's strength lies off road, but as a luxury 4x4 I could learn to live with it.