Mercedes-Benz G-Class is the company’s most iconic vehicle. The only thing that’s missing is a smaller, more efficient powertrain.
Well, now there’s a new variant called the G350d to take care of that. This model comes with the new OM 656 diesel engine.
The characteristics of the top-notch engine include the stepped-bowl combustion process, two-stage exhaust turbocharging as well as the use of CAMTRONIC variable valve timing. This heats up the exhaust system without driving up fuel consumption. The further advanced NANOSLIDE® cylinder wall coating also reduces friction losses in the piston/cylinder wall system and reduces fuel consumption.
The new in-line six-cylinder diesel makes the icon the most efficient “G” so far. It produces an output of 286 hp and with a peak torque of 600 Newton metres between 1200 and 3200 rpm is as powerful as never before.
In ECO drive mode, the gliding function helps to save additional fuel. When the driver’s foot leaves the accelerator pedal, the transmission’s clutch disengages. This reduces the engine speed to idling level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine while coasting. The G-Class “glides”, using its own, current kinetic energy for a certain distance. It rolls for a measurably longer distance than when coasting. This results in further fuel savings. The clutch is re-engaged as soon as the driver operates the accelerator or brake pedal.
Partly due to the new quiet and harmonious diesel engine, the G-Class is extremely comfortable, even on long distances. When driving, the exhaust system and the engine, which is also willing to rev at higher engine speeds, produce much less noise and vibrations in the interior. To reduce engine noise, the engine mounts of the diesel engine are actively controlled for the first time. At speeds below 5 km/h, they are set to soft to optimally dampen the transfer of torsional vibrations to the ladder-type frame at low engine speeds. At higher engine speeds, the two engine mounts are automatically made stiffer, which has positive effects on the vibrational comfort and the driving dynamics.
For the transmission of power, the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with torque converter was specifically adapted to meet the needs of the off-road icon. The developers used a dedicated software application to shorten the shift and response times of the 9-speed transmission and make the G-Class seem even more lively. The wide transmission ratio not only makes driving quieter and more comfortable especially at low engine speeds, it simultaneously also contributes to reducing fuel consumption. Especially in first gear, the off-roader responds to accelerator pedal commands noticeably better, which customers will appreciate especially when pulling away from a traffic light, for example. The “G” is now also significantly more agile during brief sprints under partial load.
The new transfer case is flange-mounted directly to the 9G-TRONIC. It is designed to send 40 percent of the drive torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear axle. This configuration particularly benefits the handling characteristics on the road. The permanent all-wheel drive ensures maximum traction. However, the “G” would not be a “G” if it did not have even more in store. The low-range off-road reduction gear considerably increases torque at the drive wheels, which e.g. makes very difficult terrain negotiable.
