Introducing the "G 350 BlueTEC" Clean Diesel Model | Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC | Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC

New G 350 BlueTEC Model with Clean Diesel Engine Added

It's more fitting to call it a cross-country model than an SUV,Mercedes-Benz'sG-Classhas been updated with the "G 350 BlueTEC," a model equipped with a clean diesel engine. Furthermore, this model is strategically priced to be the most affordable in the current lineup, with a right-hand drive version featuring a clean diesel engine available for under 10 million yen.

Text by SAKURAI KenichiEvent Photographs by AKIZUKI Shinichiro (OPENERS)

Diesel Engine Model Returns After 23 Years

Since its launch as the "Geländewagen" in 1979, the G-Class has evolved while maintaining its fundamental structure, including its styling and robust ladder-frame chassis, making it a special model of automotive heritage. The only mass-produced vehicles currently available with their basic structures unchanged since their debut are the "G-Class" and Land Rover's "Defender." Both are common in being officially adopted for military use as ultimate off-roaders and in having a dedicated fanbase worldwide.

As you know, the "G-Class" remains a special existence, boasting high popularity as the pinnacle of four-wheel-drive vehicles even 34 years after its debut. However, while the basic framework of the chassis and body remains the same, it continuously evolves with the optimal powertrain and the latest equipment. Despite its unchanged appearance, it embodies 34 years of evolution and is by no means just an old car.

Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC | Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC

The latest model in the "G-Class" lineup, possessing such a strong character and overwhelming off-road performance, is the "G 350 BlueTEC," marking the first introduction of a diesel model to the Japanese market in 23 years.

The powertrain is a 3.0-liter V6 BlueTEC engine, already featured in theE-Classand introduced to Japan, renowned for its powerful performance and high environmental compatibility. Incorporating advanced technologies such as common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors and a VNT (Variable Nozzle Turbo) turbocharger, it produces a maximum output of 211 ps and a peak torque of 540 Nm (55.1 kgm).

The combination of a torque-rich diesel engine and a heavy SUV is naturally a good match, and this engine should effortlessly propel the "G-Class" body, which weighs up to 2.5 tons, to speed.

Similar to the "BlueTEC" in the "E-Class," it employs the "BlueTEC" urea SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) diesel exhaust treatment system, which significantly reduces harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) by injecting urea solution "AdBlue" into the exhaust gas, utilizing its chemical reaction (reduction effect). This achieves excellent environmental performance that complies with Japan's diesel emission regulations, considered the strictest in the world.

The transmission is the 7-speed automatic 7G-TRONIC, similar to other current "BlueTEC" equipped Mercedes models. However, while other models use "DIRECT SELECT" on the steering column selector lever to change shift positions, the "G-Class" exclusively uses a floor-mounted shift lever for all its vehicles. This, along with the hand-lever type parking brake, has been adopted with a focus on operational feel.

Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC | Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC

New G 350 BlueTEC Model with Clean Diesel Engine Added (2)

Strategic Grade Composition

At the press conference,Mercedes-BenzSetsuya Ito, Manager of Product Planning 1 at Mercedes-Benz Japan's Product Planning and Marketing Department, introduced the new "G-Class" by stating, "This marks the reintroduction of a diesel engine to the G-Class after 23 years, and it's a clean diesel engine with the latest environmental performance. Furthermore, the G 350 BlueTEC is a right-hand drive model, a configuration not previously available in the current G-Class lineup. We have also set an attractive price of 9.89 million yen for the vehicle, which comes equipped with advanced safety and comfort features, including the latest millimeter-wave radar-based driver assistance systems."

The fact that a clean diesel engine model is available as a right-hand drive entry model for under 10 million yen is in line with Mercedes-Benz Japan's concept of widely promoting environmental solutions. This is a strategy shared with the hybrid entry model, theS-Class.

The "G 350 BlueTEC" comes standard with radar-based driving assistance systems such as DISTRONIC PLUS and Blind Spot Assist, the "COMMAND system" with HDD navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system, ensuring the same level of safety and comfort as other Mercedes vehicles. Incidentally, the electric sliding sunroof and leather seats (with front and rear seat heating) are available as an option in the "Luxury Package."

With the introduction of the "G 350 BlueTEC," the "G-Class" lineup now includes four models: theG 550, equipped with a 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 387 ps; theG 63 AMG, featuring a 5.5-liter V8 twin-turbo engine producing 544 ps; and theG 65 AMG, equipped with a 6-liter V12 twin-turbo engine producing 612 ps, which is air-freighted to owners one by one. Since the current W463 generation, the "G-Class" has only been manufactured as a left-hand drive model. However, with the introduction of the clean diesel and right-hand drive model, the popularity of the "G-Class" is sure to be reignited.