2026 Mercedes-Benz G450d review
It’s the must-have accessory any self respecting A-lister would never been seen without and now a cut-price version is coming to Australia.
The G-Wagen has always been one of those cars I assumed was more sizzle than steak, a rolling status symbol for people whose idea of “off-road” is the valet driveway at a five-star hotel.
But the new Mercedes-Benz G450d has forced a moment of self-reflection.
Born in 1979 as a rugged military vehicle, the G-Class has evolved into the world’s most recognisable luxury SUV.
Since then it has become the car of choice for some of the world’s biggest names including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kim Kardashian, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mike Tyson and Drake.
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And while it’s still pricey – comfortably north of $200,000 – the G450d might be the closest thing we’ll ever get to a “bargain” G-Wagen.
It undercuts both the wild AMG G63 (around $390,000 drive-away) and the electric G580 (around $263,000 drive-away), making it the cheapest way into G-Wagen ownership right now, at around $228,400 drive-away.
That price makes it even slip below the old diesel G400d.
And you get a substantial amount of kit.
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Inside, the G450d keeps things premium without getting too fancy.
You get leather trim, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, electric steering column adjustment, ambient lighting and beautifully finished open-pore walnut wood.
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Unfortunately, ventilated seats don’t make the cut at this trim level, which feels like a miss, but most people will cope.
The interior boasts twin 12.3-inch infotainment and driver displays, complete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, digital radio, and augmented-reality navigation.
The cabin continues its premium experience with three-zone climate control and an 18-speaker 3D sound system for an immersive audio experience.
There is also a dedicated off-road cockpit that displays real-time coordinates, incline data, and multiple cameras, including a 360-degree view.
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On the outside, the G450d features sleek LED headlights, a sunroof and 18-inch summer tyres, though customers can opt for All-Terrain tyres at no additional cost.
And for those daring enough to take the G450d off-road, there is the “Professional Exterior Package”, which includes a spare wheel holder and a roof luggage rack.
On the road, the G450d feels reassuringly solid. The steering is heavier than your average SUV’s, but yet again, this isn’t your average SUV, and it becomes second nature after a few minutes behind the wheel.
Independent front suspension brings a level of control older G-Wagens could only dream about, and while the ride is firm, it’s far from uncomfortable.
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel, paired with mild-hybrid assistance, is genuinely impressive. It’s smooth, quiet and surprisingly quick, delivering 270kW and a massive 750Nm of torque.
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The 0–100km/h sprint takes 5.8 seconds, making it the slowest of the G580 (4.7 seconds) and the AMG G 63 (4.4 seconds).
Though still plenty fast enough for everyday errands.
There are a variety of driving modes to choose from in the G450d, which ultimately change the vehicle’s suspension, weight transfer, and acceleration sensitivity.
But it’s when you leave the bitumen that the G450d really comes alive.
With dedicated off-road driving modes, its ladder frame, three locking differentials, low range and its 241mm of ground clearance, it maintains an almost unfair level of stability off-road.
While our testing didn’t cover the most challenging tracks, the drive on some heavily eroded tracks and steep rocky climbs truly highlighted its remarkable capabilities.
It doesn’t claw or scramble. Instead, it calmly and quietly walks through the toughest terrain, a feat made possible by its three locking diffs and Low Range.
As a diesel-powered G-Class, the G450d feels more aligned with the original purpose of this icon: capability first, spectacle second. Yes, the price is firmly in luxury territory, but what you’re paying for is real engineering, genuine build quality and a silhouette that continues to define the segment.
And even if it never sees the muddy trail or a gravel country track, the G450d carries a depth and durability that make the G-Class feel truly special on the road.
Originally published as 2026 Mercedes-Benz G450d review
