Just when you thought you’d seen it all, Mercedes-Benz surprises us again. Following the trend of smaller engines in luxury vehicles for the Chinese market, the legendary G-Class, previously known for its powerful V8 engines, now welcomes a new entry-level variant: the G350. For markets accustomed to the robust G500 and high-performance AMG G63, the introduction of a four-cylinder engine in the G-Wagen might seem unexpected, but it’s a strategic move tailored for China’s specific automotive landscape.
Priced starting at 1,429,800 Chinese Yuan, the Mercedes-Benz G350 translates to approximately $208,800 USD based on current exchange rates. To put this into perspective, in the United States, you could purchase an AMG G63 for around $156,450 and still have enough budget remaining to add a Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4Matic, starting at $38,600, potentially even with optional upgrades. This price comparison highlights the premium positioning of the G350 in the Chinese market, even as the entry-level model.
However, it’s crucial to differentiate this gasoline-powered G350 from the European G350d, which utilizes a diesel 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Instead, the China-spec G350 harnesses a surprisingly potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Despite its smaller size, this engine delivers 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 273 pound-feet (370 Newton-meters) of torque. While these figures might seem modest for a vehicle of the G-Class’s stature and weight, they are sufficient to propel the G350 from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a respectable 8.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 118 mph (190 km/h).
This power is efficiently managed through a nine-speed automatic transmission and distributed to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The introduction of the G350 model appears to be primarily aimed at the Chinese market, where taxes on vehicles with larger displacement engines are significantly higher. By downsizing the engine, Mercedes-Benz aims to make the G-Class more accessible to a broader range of customers in China without compromising the vehicle’s core appeal and off-road prowess.
Looking beyond this new engine variant, the future of the G-Wagen remains bright and innovative.
For those curious about the pricing of the V8-powered G-Class models in China, prepare for some sticker shock. The G500 starts at approximately $238,000 USD before options, while the flagship AMG G63 commands a starting price of around $325,500 USD. The previous generation’s V12-powered AMG G65, with its formidable twin-turbo 6.0-liter engine, will not be returning for the current G-Class generation, likely due to both emissions regulations and its ultra-premium price point, even in the Chinese market.
Note: For a comprehensive visual tour of the 2021 Mercedes G350 available in China, explore the complete gallery on AutoHome.com.cn. Please note that our gallery associated with this article showcases the Euro-spec G350d model that debuted in late 2018.
Source: Mercedes-Benz China
