Purposeful 4x4 catered for by just three carmakers, Merc, Jeep and Suzuki

Ever since Land Rover deserted the ‘proper’ 4WD market, only three manufacturers have flown a more serious flag, states Iain Robertson, which underscores the value of SUVs in some respects but, focussing on the Merc, also narrows the field of choice.

The latest Mercedes-Benz G350d is now available to order, with list prices starting at a king’s ransom of £94,000, before any discounts are offered. It makes the new Jeep Wrangler look cost-effective at half the price, while explaining the remarkable sell-out popularity of Suzuki’s latest bargain basement Jimny, at a whisker off £18,000.



The new G350d is the consummate blend of G-Class styling, complete with visible door hinges and rugged go-anywhere capability. Powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, with an output of 286bhp and a whopping 442lbs ft of torque, it is the most potent diesel engine to have ever been fitted to a G-Class. It can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in a moderate 7.1s and has a top speed of 124 mph. It delivers up to 29.4mpg on the official combined fuel cycle and emits 252g/km of CO2 (dependent on wheel size). 



Merc’s evolutionary newcomer comes as standard with 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels, LED high-performance headlights, electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors, leather seats, 12.3-inch cockpit display and 12.3-inch media display. Ambient interior lighting, with a choice of eight colours, AMG bodystyling, electrically adjustable/heated front seats, with memory function, heated rear seats and a full suite of driver and safety assistance programs that include blind spot assist and active distance cruise control. Keyless-Go start:stop, active lane keeping assist, Thermotronic automatic climate control, with three climate zones, and radiator grille with chrome trim elements complete the package.



In typical Mercedes-Benz form, there is a number of option packages available at significant extra cost.  The Premium package costs £5,995 and comes with Multibeam intelligent light system, adaptive air suspension, Burmester sound system, interior air ionisation, ambient interior lighting, with a choice of 64 colours, sliding sunroof and a parking package with a 360o camera.


The Night package can be added for £1,700 and includes 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels painted in black, with a high-sheen finish, darkened indicators and tail lights, black radiator grille, black exterior mirrors, heat-insulating dark-tinted glass and black spare-wheel ring. The Winter package costs £1,750 and brings a heated windscreen and auxiliary heater with remote control, although a heated steering wheel is available in conjunction with the Winter package for an additional £275. The Rear Seat Entertainment package is available for £2,995 and comprises two 10-inch touchscreen displays, a digital TV tuner, integral media player and Internet access.




To be fair to Suzuki, the much-valued tiddler in this specialist trio, in SZ5 trim, there is not much to be desired. The same applies to the returning Jeep, which we are testing imminently. While it is sad that Land Rover has still not presented its replacement for the much-loved Defender, we are informed that it should be along later this year, the company’s much-heralded problems notwithstanding.

FCD Summary

If your desire is for the most capable 4x4s available, your choice is presently limited to the three brands mentioned but the new Merc G350d is a welcome addition for hardened (and wealthy) enthusiasts.

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