The Mercedes-Benz G400d – the predecessor of the 2025-spec, mild-hybrid G450d – may be outshone by its V8-powered sibling and, recently, all-electric variants of the model, but it’s likely to be the version of the indomitable G-Class that purists prefer.
We like: Ultimate off-road capability, tough as nails build quality, balance of performance and economy, unreal levels of cool.
We don’t like: Ageing infotainment system, not exactly good value for money, is it?
FAST FACTS
- Model: 2024 Mercedes-Benz G400d Schockl Design 45 Edition
- Price: R3 706 052 (when tested, see 2025 G-Class price & specs )
- Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Power/Torque: 243 kW/700 Nm
- 0-100 kph: 6.4 sec (claimed)
- Claimed fuel consumption: 9.6 L/100 km
- Luggage capacity: 667-1 941 litres
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Where does the Mercedes-Benz G400d fit in?
Originally conceived as a military-grade off-road vehicle, the G-Class – now 46 years old – has become an icon of the motoring world. The G-Class remains the only passenger vehicle in Mercedes-Benz’s contemporary lineup that retains a body-on-frame setup. If you’re passionate about off-roading, that configuration should say it all, because the G-Class is an SUV that offers incredible 4×4-ing ability.
Mercedes-Benz SA recently updated its W463-series G-Class line-up by introducing a G450d AMG Line with a mild-hybrid 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel (270 kW/750 Nm, with an additional 15 kW of electric assistance), the all-electric G580 (read our launch review) and an upgraded Mercedes-AMG G63 (now with 430 kW/850 Nm, 15 kW of electric assistance and optional AMG Active Ride Control suspension).
Whoever had the crazy idea of putting a (now mild-hybrid) 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine into the G-Class has probably earned free drinks for the rest of their life… The G63 is as crazy – and cool – as you expect.
For all the tech wizardry of the 2025 line-up, however, the 2024 G400d Schockl Design 45 Edition has all the makings of a modern classic. This variant, which celebrated 45 years of the G-Class and was named after a challenging mountain trail in Graz, Austria, where the model is assembled, is one for the purists.
When it comes to rivals in this price bracket, the G-Class is almost peerless. However, if you want an SUV that broadcasts: “Yes, I have made it”, has plenty of luxury features and can crush tricky off-road situations, there is only a handful of vehicles worth considering. The closest rivals that go toe-to-toe with the ‘Benz in terms of off-road capability and luxury are the Land Rover Defender and Ineos Grenadier .
If those models don’t appeal to you, consider the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Range Rover Sport .
How the Mercedes-Benz G400d fares in terms of…
Performance and Efficiency
Most consumers who purchase a G-Class as an urban luxury vehicle favour the sonorous, if thirsty, biturbo V8-powered G63 (the G580 EQ may eventually challenge the Mercedes-AMG’s popularity, but only in some markets). However, if you’re an adventurer who plans to utilise the G-Class’ substantial off-road ability – in this case, they’d have to be willing to put the dark metallic paintwork in some jeopardy – the turbodiesel-powered 400d (with its generously sidewalled 20-inch 275/50 tyres) fits the bill.
Under the G400d’s clamshell bonnet is a well-proven 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 243 kW and 700 Nm, and all that power is directed to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Yes, those peak outputs look satisfactory, but can they propel a 2.4-tonne SUV with ease?
Oh yes, it can. According to our test equipment, the G400d completed the 0-100 kph sprint in 6.41 sec, which is brisk for a vehicle that has the aerodynamic properties of a shed. Keep the accelerator pedal flat and you’ll run to a top speed of 210 kph, and impressively, without much hint of diesel-engine clatter.
The 9-speed ‘box shifts predictably. Yes, even if there were gearshift paddles on the steering wheel, we felt the car’s powertrain did an excellent job of swapping cogs, so we didn’t feel the need to intervene.
With its 100-litre fuel tank, the G400d’s claimed range is just over 1 000 km (useful to know, if you like overlanding). But whereas most diesel-powered vehicles are reasonably frugal, the ‘Benz is heavy, has permanent 4-wheel drive and has a high drag coefficient, so its engine works hard. During its tenure in our fleet, it indicated an average of 11.7 L/100 km, compared with the claimed figure of 9.6 L/100 km.
Features and Practicality
So, what came standard on the 2024 G400d Schockl Design 45 Edition? For a start, it came finished in either black- or this dark Emerald Green metallic. The dual-tone wheels are 5-twin-spoke 20-inch alloys.
There’s Manufaktur content (exclusive finishes produced by Mercedes-Benz’s vehicle-customisation division) galore, including the Schockl branding on the side sills, spare wheel cover, and door frame.
It may be old-school cool, but inside, the Benz offers myriad luxury-car features. The skateboard-style dashboard features two 12.3-inch screens (for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system).
Also standard is a sliding sunroof, a Burmester audio system, 64-colour ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera system and, as you would expect in a R3-million-plus SUV, an exceptional level of fit-and-finish.
The quilted panels on the doors are classy too, but the seating arrangement was our favourite element. The heated-, cooled-, and electrically adjustable front seats (with massage function) offer plush comfort.
To reiterate, at this price point, consumers demand the best trim materials, finishes and features, which the G-Class simply delivers. It may be a body-on-frame “utility vehicle”, but luxury and comfort are the order of the day, even if its cabin isn’t quite as stylish as those of Benz’s on-road-biased unibody SUVs.
With a wheelbase of 2 890 mm, the G400d’s interior space is not as plentiful as in most conventional large luxury SUVs, but the G-Class’ height means there’s no shortage of headroom. Tall adults can sit comfortably in the rear, and clever indents on the backs of the front seats free up extra knee room.
We’ve criticised the build quality of high-end Mercedes-Benz models in the past, but in our recent reviews of the Mercedes-Benz E220d AMG Line and Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance , we’ve seen notable improvements in that regard. The build quality of the G400d Schockl Design 45 Edition, which, like its G-Class brethren, was assembled by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, was also impressive.
Issues? Well, there was just one. If you want the full MBUX infotainment with “Hey, Mercedes” digital assistant experience, you will have to opt for a 2025-spec G-Class variant. This G400d’s infotainment system, which is based on the brand’s previous-gen Comand setup, feels comparatively outdated.
Ride and Handling
You know the G-Class is a serious vehicle when you open and close its doors. There’s a military-grade “click-clack” when you open the ‘Benz’s door, and you have to give it a bit of a slam to close it properly.
As far as ride comfort is concerned, if you demand to be transported in cosseted luxury, it’d be better to opt for a Mercedes- B enz GLS , because the G400d doesn’t waft or float along in a plush, super-pliant manner. Also, if you require accurate, precise steering that offers good feedback, rather look elsewhere.
The GLS and even the GLE ‘s tillers offer better balances of ease-of-use and engagement. The G400d’s steering setup, by contrast, is slow, but the upside is that you don’t need to constantly “work the ‘wheel”.
That being said, for a vehicle that rides on a ladder-frame platform (as bakkies do), the ride quality is surprisingly good and there’s none of that jiggling about that you’ll encounter in something like a Land Cruiser 300 – we have the adaptive dampers to thank for that! And, don’t even think about pitching the G400d into corners: the body roll is substantial; enthusiastic cornering falls outside the G-Class’ skillset.
With 30.9-degree approach and 29.9-degree departure angles, 241 mm of ground clearance, a low-range transfer case and 3 differentials, the Mercedes-Benz G400d has formidable off-road capability.
While we didn’t test it this time around for fear of damaging those eye-catching alloys and scratching the special paint finish, we’ve reviewed a W463-series G-Class on a few occasions; each time it exceeded our expectations – and by some margin. If you manage to get this G-Class stuck, well, that’s on you.
Read/watch our 2021 Mercedes-Benz G400d Stronger Than Time review
Price and After-sales support
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz G400d Schockl Design 45 Edition retailed for R3 706 052 (when new), which included a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. Its successor, the G450d AMG Line costs R3 557 169 (May 2025) and it is offered with the same after-sales backup.
Search for a new/used Mercedes-Benz G-Class listed for sale on Cars.co.za
See also: Mercedes-Benz G-Class Specs & Prices in South Africa
Verdict
Getting behind the ‘wheel of another “Gelandewagen” reminded us of just how over-engineered these vehicles are – most consumers are unlikely to ever use a (non-AMG) G-Class to its full potential. It should be no surprise that the G-Class has been enlisted by mountain rescue services and border patrol around the world – it is THAT capable. All the while, it has become a cultural icon, as well as a symbol for wealth.
The introduction of an all-electric variant and mild-hybrid tech to the 2025 G-Class line-up underlines the fact that the overwhelming majority of the model’s clientele are well-heeled luxury car buyers who hardly ever venture off-road. We can’t criticise Benz for further optimising its product for that market.
Yet the G400d, although not a stripped-out (no-frills) off-road vehicle by any means, will appeal to those who DO enjoy challenging off-road jaunts (and even overlanding) from time to time. Its trusty turbodiesel engine will help to limit visits to the pumps and, as a utility vehicle, it’s better-balanced than its siblings. We have yet to test the mild-hybrid G450d , but expect the same will apply to the G400d’s successor.
If you’re in the enviable position that allows you to purchase a G-Class variant, we have no hesitation in recommending what’s easily 1 of the world’s ultimate vehicles, both in terms of image and capability.
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