G*UP

A DIESEL POWERTRAIN ADDS PRACTICALITY TO MERCEDES-BENZ AUSTRALIA'S G-CLASS LINE UP

- MATT RAUDONIKIS

Mercedes-Benz Australia has reinstated a diesel-powered G-Class wagon to its lineup of G-Wagen models.

The new G450d joins the popular AMG G63 and all-electric G580 in the exclusive stable of premium off-roaders.

The G450d lands with a starting MRLP of $214,900, but that figure soon climbs once you add on-road costs or tick any of the Mercedes-Benz option packs.

Optional packs include the MANUFAKTUR Exterior Package at $4100 (MRLP), which adds paint finishes in either Obsidian Black or Night Black Magno, with matching bumpers and flared wheel arches; the Interior Comfort Package ($8500 MRLP) brings a heated windscreen, heated steering wheel and heated armrests for the driver and front passenger, while rear occupants benefit from the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System featuring two fully integrated 11.6-inch displays connected to the main multimedia platform; and the PROFESSIONAL Exterior Package ($15,900 MRLP) adds roof luggage rack and a spare wheel cover in body colour with a stainless-steel ring.

Then there's the AMG Luxury Package ($18,000 MRLP) that adds silver under-tray protection, AMG brake calipers, a silver chrome radiator grille and protective strips with aluminium-look inserts, illuminated stainless-steel door sills, stainless-steel rear loading-sill protection and AMG-branded floor mats to add detail to the cabin. Inside, a multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, black microfibre roof liner, ionisation of interior air and a leather-trimmed upper dashboard reinforce the premium focus. Completing the package are 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and side running boards for easier entry.

Finally, there's the Night Package ($5600 MRLP) - available only with the AMG Luxury Package - or the Superior Line Interior Plus Package ($14,200 MRLP), also available exclusively with the AMG Luxury Package.