The Mercedes G-Class has long been more of a luxury liner than a farm worker. With the Professional version that we have tested, it returns to the mud.
To test the Mercedes G 350 Professional in its element, we head to a circuit where extreme off-roaders are often tested, an hour outside of Vienna.
Only the engine of the G 350 d is modest
This Mercedes does not carry the denomination 500, nor AMG: but a very modest 350 d with 286 hp. Two observations must be made. First: the basic G costs just over 100,000 euros. Modesty is something else. And second: At the end of the year, the 350 ceases to be manufactured.
But not only the choice of a diesel engine shows that this G-Class sees itself as a worker and not as a luxury car. It’s the equipment that makes the difference: because for an almost ridiculous €1,785 this G comes with the Professional package and, with its deep-tread AT tyres, protective grilles in front of the headlights and massive underride protection, it begs to be included in the illustrious (and shrinking) circle of pure off-roaders.
Of course, the overall design is unmistakable, even if it looks like the new G was injected with steroids in Stuttgart. The same can be said for the engine: it’s the smallest in the range, but that doesn’t stop it from throwing out a mind-blowing 600Nm, and it growls as confidently in the forest as the largest deer during the bellowing.
No terrain is too difficult for the G Professional
I suck air out of the tires, the skinny ATs suddenly quite flat, they greedily bite into mud and muck with their 18-inch wheels, which are almost modest for a G-Class, he climbs the steep sections in anger, weaves his way through the undergrowth and slides unscrupulously over stones and tree stumps in the shallows, wallows almost sensually in puddles up to “the knees”.
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The fact that the dirt is as thick on the paint as the breading on a schnitzel is more of a compliment than a negative, because this car is built to get dirty.
Mercedes leaves the others behind
Where ruts are too deep for a HiLux and slopes too steep for a Defender, the Professional rides on like nothing happened.
After having a blast, I go back to Inflate the air, clean the bodywork, remove dirt from the headlights and glide home down the freeway comfortably, even in some luxury. Only the new G-Class allows itself to be so crude and refined at the same time.
Factors to decide the purchase
It’s amazing what the Model G can do off-road. The diesel is refined, the technology is first class. The Professional Line also takes up the offroad charm of the original models. Pure fun!
conclusion
The best
Offroad capabilities, on-road comfort, design, classic flavor
Worst
The expected: the price is only for a few
