Mercedes G-Class G450d: Details Of The Engine We Can’t Have In America

Summary

• The 2025 Mercedes G-Class G450d gets a performance upgrade with more power and torque.
• Europe receives enhanced diesel efficiency with the new G450d model boasting impressive torque.
• Off-roading capabilities improve with redesigned systems, introducing three off-road modes and the innovative Off-Road Cockpit feature.

Mercedes has quietly rolled out updates to the latest Mercedes G-Class, though they might not catch your eye at first glance. This can be said to be because the fully electric G-Class is still a while away. Notably, the G550 model from the German automaker no longer features a V-8 engine; instead, it’s equipped with a hybrid inline-six. Across the pond in Europe, the diesel engine hasn’t faded just yet; on the contrary, it has undergone a power boost. This might come as a surprise to some, given the increasingly stricter emission regulations in Europe in recent years.

The previous G400d had stopped production to make room for the new G450d. This latest model retains the basic foundation of the previous diesel platform, but now incorporates a mild hybrid system. While this particular model isn’t available in the United States, let’s delve into what the new G450d brings to the table.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Mercedes-Benz.

Introducing the Enhanced Diesel Engine In The New G450d

The latest iteration of the G450d showcases noticeable improvements, particularly in its diesel engine performance. With a displacement of 3.0 liters, this updated platform delivers an impressive increase in power and torque compared to its predecessor, the G400d. It outputs an additional 36 horsepower and 40 pound-feet more torque than its predecessor. What sets it apart is its incorporation of a 48-volt electrical system, contributing an extra 20 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, albeit in short bursts. Nevertheless, this enhancement is quite remarkable.

Europeans Benefit From Enhanced Diesel Performance

According to details from the Mercedes configurator, the new G450d platform promises robust and sharp performance, featuring a healthy output of 362 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque from its 2,989-cc engine. Notably, peak torque is accessible within the range of 1,350 to 2,800 RPM. Similar to its gasoline counterpart, the G450d utilizes a nine-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter, a factor that enables this gigantic SUV to achieve commendable fuel efficiency.

As per Mercedes’ claims based on the WLTP’s combined cycle test, the new G450d has impressive fuel economy figures, reaching 23.5 MPG in a city setting and over 27 MPG on the highway (26 MPG combined). In comparison, the old G40d models have a combined fuel economy of 24 MPG, making them less efficient and less powerful.

G45d Engine Specifications

Mercedes Kept The G-Wagon True To Its Roots With Precise Exterior Updates

The G-class is mostly known for its boxy and sharp looks, something that has hardly changed since the model’s conception back in 1979. Despite the bold and tough design philosophy, Mercedes has integrated aerodynamic elements into the chassis. Aerodynamics and G-Class have certainly never been in the same sentence before the new G45d.

The New G-Class Features Aerodynamic Exterior Elements

Mercedes has gone the extra mile to improve the drag coefficient of their flagship SUV. They have re-designed the A-pillars, updated the front grille, and changed the shape of the bumpers. On top of this, the G-wagon receives a discrete spoiler on the edge of the roof that helps with both the fuel economy and wind noise. Real-world numbers have not been revealed, but an educated guess tells us that the G-class will be a bit more fuel-efficient than the current model.

Mercedes Freshes Up Their Classic Design

The G-class now features multibeam LED headlights along with a fresher spare wheel ring that now contains a stainless steel ring. The SUV rolls out of the factory with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, but customers are given six options to choose from, all ranging from 18 to 20 inches. The manufacturer also added a new color to the configurator that is exclusive to the G-Class, Twilight Blue Metallic. You can further customize your luxury SUV with the Professional Package, AMG Line Package, and Night Package.

2025 G45d Exterior Measurements

The G450d Has Plenty Of Off-Roading Equipment

The off-road systems have now been redesigned to withstand even harsher conditions and, as a result, the 2025 G-Class arrives with pitch stabilization and adaptive adjustable damping as standard. Though the SUV has been refined to be a smooth and potent driver on-road, there are also off-road focused modes that enable the SUV to become a vigorous off-roading machine. There are three off-road modes available from the factory, these being Rock, Trail, and Sand.

The New G450d Combines Old-School Engineering With Latest Tech

A new feature has been implemented into the new G-Class that will change the off-roading game forever. It is called the Off-Road Cockpit, a new off-road control unit that displays the most relevant information directly to the driver via smart displays. This includes information such as the compass, altitude, vehicle positioning, steering angle, tire pressure, and finally, the status of the differential locks in real-time.

These are essential features for those who are taking their off-roading seriously. Mercedes also adds the Transparent Hood function, which utilizes the vehicle’s 360-degree camera to give the passengers a virtual view of exactly what is in front or around the sides of your vehicle, in real-time. This allows the driver to spot any obstacles that might be hiding underneath or ahead of the vehicle, making trail-blazing a breeze.

Luxurious Interior Gets Subtle Upgrades

Just like with the exterior, the changes that have come inside the G-Class are somewhat hard to spot. The main stand-out feature of the new interior is the new infotainment system. Mercedes finally decided to replace the old Command system in favor of the latest MBUX tech. This consists of two 12.3-inch displays that dominate the cockpit. One of these screens serves as an information cluster, while the other provides infotainment for all the other passengers.

As for the sound system, a Dolby Atoms Burnermester 3D Surround Sound System comes as standard. 2025 also sees an available MBUX High-End rear seat system for the rear passengers.

The G-Class Luxury Did Not Get Lost In Translation

Even though we have seen various upgrades regarding the G-Class over the years, its interior remains the same familiar and comforting place. The same HVAC vents and differential lock panel illuminate the interior. Mercedes has now introduced new interior colors for the G-wagon, now having beige/black and Catalana two-tonne leather added as an option.

For keen customizers, there is now an Exclusive Interior Package Plus option that adds Nappa leather and multicolor to the seats along with other interior elements. Mercedes also pointed out that the interior of the new G-Class now features even more insulation and sound-damping materials than before. This, combined with the small roof spoiler, should provide a quiet ride.

Features that come as standard with the new G-Class G450d

• Augmented reality (navigation)
• Hot and cold cupholders
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Wireless charging
• 64-color ambient lighting
• Keyless entry and start