Automotive

​Mercedes expands G-Wagen line with high-efficiency diesel G 350 D

​Mercedes expands G-Wagen line with high-efficiency diesel G 350 D
The Mercedes-Benz G 350 D uses a six-cylinder 2.9-liter diesel engine tuned for efficiency, power and quiet comfort
The Mercedes-Benz G 350 D uses a six-cylinder 2.9-liter diesel engine tuned for efficiency, power and quiet comfort
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Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: diesel power comes to the new G-Class
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Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: diesel power comes to the new G-Class
Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: 286 horsepower, 600 Nm
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Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: 286 horsepower, 600 Nm 
The Mercedes-Benz G 350 D uses a six-cylinder 2.9-liter diesel engine tuned for efficiency, power and quiet comfort
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The Mercedes-Benz G 350 D uses a six-cylinder 2.9-liter diesel engine tuned for efficiency, power and quiet comfort
Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: goes some 20 percent further on a tank than the G 500 gasoline car
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Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: goes some 20 percent further on a tank than the G 500 gasoline car
Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: everyone's favourite 4WD fashion accessory gets a high-efficiency diesel option
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Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: everyone's favourite 4WD fashion accessory gets a high-efficiency diesel option
Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: highly capable off road, but primarily used to look gangsta around town
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Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: highly capable off road, but primarily used to look gangsta around town
Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: 24 mpg out of a giant box shape isn't bad at all
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Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: 24 mpg out of a giant box shape isn't bad at all
Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: dash and interior
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Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: dash and interior
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Highly capable off-road wagon or the 4WD equivalent of a Gucci handbag; however you view the Mercedes G-Class, the updated model is now available with a grunty 2.9-liter six-cylinder turbo diesel engine that takes you some 20 percent farther per gallon than the gasoline-powered G 500.

The new OM 656 diesel engine in the G 350 D is designed for efficiency, power and a quiet, comfy drive while meeting emissions standards into the future. In the name of efficiency, it recruits variable valve timing, two-stage exhaust turbocharging, a stepped-bowl combustion process and Nanoslide low-friction cylinder coatings.

When you lift your foot off the gas to coast, the 9G-Tronic auto transmission effectively engages the clutch so you're more or less coasting in neutral instead of wasting revs. The result is a combined-cycle NEDC fuel consumption rating of 9.8 to 9.6 l/100km (24 to 24.5 mpg) compared to the G 500's 12.1 to 11.5 l/100km (19.4 to 20.4 mpg).

Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: everyone's favourite 4WD fashion accessory gets a high-efficiency diesel option
Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: everyone's favourite 4WD fashion accessory gets a high-efficiency diesel option

In addition to catalytic converters and multi-path exhaust gas recirculation, the OM 656 engine also features an Adblue aqueous urea solution that feeds into the exhaust and turns up to 80 percent of the car's nitrous oxide emissions into water and nitrogen. You can fill it up easily at a service station when the Adblue runs low.

Part of the slightly agricultural feel of a diesel motor can make itself apparent at the lights, where they rattle and shake considerably more than the average gasoline motor. To combat this, Mercedes has introduced active engine mounts, which soften off below walking speeds, then firm right up when the engine is revving. What remarkable hoops the auto industry is willing to jump through to mitigate the annoying side effects of combustion engines.

Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: dash and interior
Mercedes-Benz G 350 D: dash and interior

The diesel G will make a reasonably modest 286 hp, but a healthy peak torque of 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) that's available between 1,200 and 3,200 rpm.

And we'll leave you with a beautiful nugget from the press release, which claims the new G 350 D is "as powerful and superior as never before." There's a Christmas head-scratcher for you.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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2 comments
2 comments
guzmanchinky
I have a Sprinter RV and I cannot believe how much torque it produces from such a small engine, so if I bought one of these ugly Kardashian boxes it would be the diesel. But I have a friend with one who calls it the worst handling, wind noisiest, roughest truck he's ever had. And if you don't regularly use it off road I just don't see the point. Get a GLS550 and a Wrangler for the weekend...
ChairmanLMAO
well in canada - alberta actually where we are producing diesel - the price is near double that of gas. it should really be way efficient by jove!