2021 Mercedes G400d - School run Gangster
Discussion
It's been a while since i've owned a car. I sold my E63s after 4 fantastic years, and 70k miles) of ownership - (see here https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... ) and got by with a Tesla Model 3 company car until the beginning of this year, to concentrate on ploughing all my time and money into a house refurb.
I feel i constantly set my self a target when it comes to cars and trying to experience my all time 'wants' when circumstances allow. I lusted after an R32, then a C63, then an E63s, and now at 33 i've managed to scratch the all time itch of a G Class. Or wagon, as the cool kids call it.
After the E63s, i felt i have 'done' the fast car thing for a bit. Not to discredit the car list, i considered everything from an M3 Touring, to a facelift E63s, a GT63s and a few others. I just kept coming back to the G Class as a car i just needed to experience.
I love the way it looks. It is so unapologetic in how its styled, the 'on purpose' exterior hinges, huge bonnet indicators, huge door latches that need slamming, the boxy looks. I and from what i've gathered, many people love it and appreciate it. However, as the design hasn't actually developed all that much in 40 years, there are plenty of people that aren't a fan of how it looks or just don't get it, which is fair enough.
My mileage can vary quite drastically with work and social life, but i still had no preference over a G400d, or a G63. Similar, but actually very different cars. I test drove them back to back, my 2021 G400d, with a 2019 G63 with a few more miles, which brought them almost on par in terms of money. I'm never a fan of performance SUVs anyway, but the 4.0 AMG V8 is fantastic so i needed to try it. I Just didnt gel with how it felt in the G Class. Plenty of fire power and noise, but it never felt comfortable or something i could do big miles in. Dare i say it was just a bit too much and demanding attention even when it wasnt needed. The G400d, with its more subdued looks, smaller wheels, and an absolute corker of a diesel, suited the car a lot more. It had an ample amount of torque for full time wafting and enough fire power for basically anything and delivers respectable economy. It was, and is the right car if you're considering one of these.
The engine is a gem - its a 2.9 Straight 6 - 330bhp & 500lb ft torque mated to the usual 9 speed Mercedes gearbox which is silky smooth, and engine wise it feels extremely quiet inside thanks to the sound deadening and double glazing these cars have. My journeys are usually easily 30 to 60 miles per day most weeks with some longer stuff inbetween, so it returns an easy 33mpg+ and between 600-700 miles to a tank on longer journeys which i think is very respectable for something shaped like a warehouse on wheels. Although the car is very torquey, it never encourages you to drive fast - it never feels right. So its usually sat at 60 ish mph for most of its longer journeys.
Interior wise, its actually not as big as you'd expect. The front is very similar to an E Class, but the rear is small - between a C and E class i'd say. I'm 6ft and can fit in the back fine but i wouldn't call it long distance comfortable.
Spec wise, as its an AMG Line and a Premium Plus car, it has the Burmiester system which is brilliant, Nappa leather, the G Manufaktur wood inserts, and night package to blacken some exterior bits. I'm never a fan of black on black, and told myself when i bought it I'd be removing the tints and re diamond cutting the wheels - but truth be told it suits the G and i really like it.
No real plans for now other than driving and enjoying. Cant believe im saying it, but im really enjoying diesel ownership - must be the last 14 months spent in a Tesla.
[url]
|https://forums-
images.pistonheads.com/260346/202405295858298[/url]
I feel i constantly set my self a target when it comes to cars and trying to experience my all time 'wants' when circumstances allow. I lusted after an R32, then a C63, then an E63s, and now at 33 i've managed to scratch the all time itch of a G Class. Or wagon, as the cool kids call it.
After the E63s, i felt i have 'done' the fast car thing for a bit. Not to discredit the car list, i considered everything from an M3 Touring, to a facelift E63s, a GT63s and a few others. I just kept coming back to the G Class as a car i just needed to experience.
I love the way it looks. It is so unapologetic in how its styled, the 'on purpose' exterior hinges, huge bonnet indicators, huge door latches that need slamming, the boxy looks. I and from what i've gathered, many people love it and appreciate it. However, as the design hasn't actually developed all that much in 40 years, there are plenty of people that aren't a fan of how it looks or just don't get it, which is fair enough.
My mileage can vary quite drastically with work and social life, but i still had no preference over a G400d, or a G63. Similar, but actually very different cars. I test drove them back to back, my 2021 G400d, with a 2019 G63 with a few more miles, which brought them almost on par in terms of money. I'm never a fan of performance SUVs anyway, but the 4.0 AMG V8 is fantastic so i needed to try it. I Just didnt gel with how it felt in the G Class. Plenty of fire power and noise, but it never felt comfortable or something i could do big miles in. Dare i say it was just a bit too much and demanding attention even when it wasnt needed. The G400d, with its more subdued looks, smaller wheels, and an absolute corker of a diesel, suited the car a lot more. It had an ample amount of torque for full time wafting and enough fire power for basically anything and delivers respectable economy. It was, and is the right car if you're considering one of these.
The engine is a gem - its a 2.9 Straight 6 - 330bhp & 500lb ft torque mated to the usual 9 speed Mercedes gearbox which is silky smooth, and engine wise it feels extremely quiet inside thanks to the sound deadening and double glazing these cars have. My journeys are usually easily 30 to 60 miles per day most weeks with some longer stuff inbetween, so it returns an easy 33mpg+ and between 600-700 miles to a tank on longer journeys which i think is very respectable for something shaped like a warehouse on wheels. Although the car is very torquey, it never encourages you to drive fast - it never feels right. So its usually sat at 60 ish mph for most of its longer journeys.
Interior wise, its actually not as big as you'd expect. The front is very similar to an E Class, but the rear is small - between a C and E class i'd say. I'm 6ft and can fit in the back fine but i wouldn't call it long distance comfortable.
Spec wise, as its an AMG Line and a Premium Plus car, it has the Burmiester system which is brilliant, Nappa leather, the G Manufaktur wood inserts, and night package to blacken some exterior bits. I'm never a fan of black on black, and told myself when i bought it I'd be removing the tints and re diamond cutting the wheels - but truth be told it suits the G and i really like it.
No real plans for now other than driving and enjoying. Cant believe im saying it, but im really enjoying diesel ownership - must be the last 14 months spent in a Tesla.
[url]
images.pistonheads.com/260346/202405295858298[/url]
Edited by irfan1712 on Wednesday 29th May 16:33
I used to own a Kleeman tuned G55 many many moons ago.
Just look at the luxury they now have!
Enjoy in good health mate.
Just a quick note, on of my favourite things to do in it was to blip the throttle when stationary just a little and feel how much it went from side on the suspension, hopefully they still do that!
Just look at the luxury they now have!
Enjoy in good health mate.
Just a quick note, on of my favourite things to do in it was to blip the throttle when stationary just a little and feel how much it went from side on the suspension, hopefully they still do that!
Havent updated this in a while. Still very much loving G ownership.. every drive always feels special.
The car wasnt with me for a good 4 weeks at one point. Some of the exterior trims were bizarrely peeling away from the bodywork. It was clear they had been restuck down at some point. Transpires the car was fully PPF'd before i bought it - which would explain how it was in such good condition. However, main dealers dont like selling used cars with PPF or wraps, as its not something they can honour as part of the used car warranty so it gets removed when taken into stock. This likely meant the trims had to be removed and restuck on hence them trying to come back off again - new trims and fixings sorted by the main dealer and their like new.
The car also developed a shudder under breaking which was getting worse. The dealer couldnt pin point if this was warped disc(s) or something else, so they changed all discs, pads, and fitted 4 brand new hubs free of charge.
During this time they gave me a brand new (200 mile!) A45s to use while the car had this work being done. What an absolute riot of a car and something id actually consider as a second car it is that epic, the 4cyl is not to be sniffed at. Shout out to Mercedes Doncaster too - fantastic service and couldn't do enough for me.
Although i enjoyed my 4 weeks in the A45s (it was nice to have so much performance at your fingertips) i was defo glad to get back into the G. The high up position, the super soft seats, the wafty suspension - sign im getting old or that the A45 really is pretty unforgiving in the comfort department. The small fuel tank also got on my nerves towards the end.
The other thing that becomes more apparent with the G is just how tall it is - Driving a RR Sport last week felt like i was driving an estate car, and when i use the van, a Transporter, it also feels a lot closer to the ground than the G.
So trawling the various auction houses looking for parts i dont need, as you do.. i came across some Genuine wheels from a G63. I Didnt want to turn this into a G63 replica nor did i plan on changing the wheels, but i must admit these suit the G so much better in my opinion. Thier 22'' and forged so i'd say almost lighter than the 20'' wheels i took off, which i was never a total fan of as i hate gloss black wheels. These are in satin black so less bling, but yes its still black on black with black tints - something i tried not to do with this car but it just suits the G down to the ground.
Drug lord or not, i love it.
Size comparison next to the identical wheels on the A45 in 19'
They haven't effected comfort or tyre noise at all (still a meaty profile on a 295/45/22). I will say it feels less blamongey when steering - it turns nicer and feels more planted.
No plans for anyother parts now - the only difference between this and a G63 is the front bumper on the 63 is a bit deeper, along with the blingey grille which im not sure im a fan of so im happy how the car looks now.
Have been debating a tentbox XL for up top - i keep chickening out as im not sure i'll get the useage out of it!
The car wasnt with me for a good 4 weeks at one point. Some of the exterior trims were bizarrely peeling away from the bodywork. It was clear they had been restuck down at some point. Transpires the car was fully PPF'd before i bought it - which would explain how it was in such good condition. However, main dealers dont like selling used cars with PPF or wraps, as its not something they can honour as part of the used car warranty so it gets removed when taken into stock. This likely meant the trims had to be removed and restuck on hence them trying to come back off again - new trims and fixings sorted by the main dealer and their like new.
The car also developed a shudder under breaking which was getting worse. The dealer couldnt pin point if this was warped disc(s) or something else, so they changed all discs, pads, and fitted 4 brand new hubs free of charge.
During this time they gave me a brand new (200 mile!) A45s to use while the car had this work being done. What an absolute riot of a car and something id actually consider as a second car it is that epic, the 4cyl is not to be sniffed at. Shout out to Mercedes Doncaster too - fantastic service and couldn't do enough for me.
Although i enjoyed my 4 weeks in the A45s (it was nice to have so much performance at your fingertips) i was defo glad to get back into the G. The high up position, the super soft seats, the wafty suspension - sign im getting old or that the A45 really is pretty unforgiving in the comfort department. The small fuel tank also got on my nerves towards the end.
The other thing that becomes more apparent with the G is just how tall it is - Driving a RR Sport last week felt like i was driving an estate car, and when i use the van, a Transporter, it also feels a lot closer to the ground than the G.
So trawling the various auction houses looking for parts i dont need, as you do.. i came across some Genuine wheels from a G63. I Didnt want to turn this into a G63 replica nor did i plan on changing the wheels, but i must admit these suit the G so much better in my opinion. Thier 22'' and forged so i'd say almost lighter than the 20'' wheels i took off, which i was never a total fan of as i hate gloss black wheels. These are in satin black so less bling, but yes its still black on black with black tints - something i tried not to do with this car but it just suits the G down to the ground.
Drug lord or not, i love it.
Size comparison next to the identical wheels on the A45 in 19'
They haven't effected comfort or tyre noise at all (still a meaty profile on a 295/45/22). I will say it feels less blamongey when steering - it turns nicer and feels more planted.
No plans for anyother parts now - the only difference between this and a G63 is the front bumper on the 63 is a bit deeper, along with the blingey grille which im not sure im a fan of so im happy how the car looks now.
Have been debating a tentbox XL for up top - i keep chickening out as im not sure i'll get the useage out of it!
Edited by irfan1712 on Friday 23 August 12:58
Avenicus said:
They have the G400d at Mercedes World as the off road experience cars if anyone wants a go and see what they can do
Incredibly impressive off road. The articulation of the axles is always something I like to challenge when parking in places I probably shouldn’t. Defo want to take it for a green lane trek through mid wales if time allows. small update on ownership.
Still loving the G. It had a major 'B' service last month at the tune of £1100 - the (3) diffs had their oil replaced, brake fluid change, and the usual oil service. Still think its eye watering for what it is but thats main dealer costs for you. Call me tight but Mercedes Swansea wouldnt even fill my Adblue up because it was low - paying over a grand for a service wouldnt have been that much of a cost kick in for them surely, i know LR do this for free.
anyways. New rear tyres @ £330 each also - decided to stick with the Pirelli Scoprion Zero's as their the OEM fitment for the G63 wheels.
Lastly - coming up to a year ownership soonish and i havent done the mileage i thought i would thanks to the use of another car. This has started to make me think if its time to change to a G63. I keep an eye on these most weeks anyway (like the autotrader saddo that i am) and im seeing prices dropping on the G class' thanks to the new 2025 model now released - so its something il be watching closely to see if i can make the shift work.
Still loving the G as it is though and would happily keep it forever anyway. As car guy's we always say that though, dont we.
I went to see the new Land Rover Defender Octa today. (It's not worth £163k in my eyes - but very impressive either way). At the dealership i decided to join a Ferrari Purosangue - first one i've seen. Looked tiny next to mine but a great looking car in the flesh. Amusing how two modern suvs go about design and aesthetics in veyr different ways.
just to touch on changing cars from the G - i actually have no idea other than a G63 what i'd consider. I do miss a bit of fire power so a DBX 707 looked nice but the values are still plummeting. There is no other SUV that is unique in any way shape or form like a G class, other than a Urus , DBX or Purosangue really. i'll just drive and enjoy and whats meant to be will be.
i have a week in June pencilled in for a Eurotrip to the Swiss Alps - hoping the G is still here to do that, otherwise the replacement would have to be really special (and comfy / practical!) to fill its place.
Still loving the G. It had a major 'B' service last month at the tune of £1100 - the (3) diffs had their oil replaced, brake fluid change, and the usual oil service. Still think its eye watering for what it is but thats main dealer costs for you. Call me tight but Mercedes Swansea wouldnt even fill my Adblue up because it was low - paying over a grand for a service wouldnt have been that much of a cost kick in for them surely, i know LR do this for free.
anyways. New rear tyres @ £330 each also - decided to stick with the Pirelli Scoprion Zero's as their the OEM fitment for the G63 wheels.
Lastly - coming up to a year ownership soonish and i havent done the mileage i thought i would thanks to the use of another car. This has started to make me think if its time to change to a G63. I keep an eye on these most weeks anyway (like the autotrader saddo that i am) and im seeing prices dropping on the G class' thanks to the new 2025 model now released - so its something il be watching closely to see if i can make the shift work.
Still loving the G as it is though and would happily keep it forever anyway. As car guy's we always say that though, dont we.
I went to see the new Land Rover Defender Octa today. (It's not worth £163k in my eyes - but very impressive either way). At the dealership i decided to join a Ferrari Purosangue - first one i've seen. Looked tiny next to mine but a great looking car in the flesh. Amusing how two modern suvs go about design and aesthetics in veyr different ways.
just to touch on changing cars from the G - i actually have no idea other than a G63 what i'd consider. I do miss a bit of fire power so a DBX 707 looked nice but the values are still plummeting. There is no other SUV that is unique in any way shape or form like a G class, other than a Urus , DBX or Purosangue really. i'll just drive and enjoy and whats meant to be will be.
i have a week in June pencilled in for a Eurotrip to the Swiss Alps - hoping the G is still here to do that, otherwise the replacement would have to be really special (and comfy / practical!) to fill its place.
Edited by irfan1712 on Wednesday 19th March 21:57
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