Back to basics. Yes, the Mercedes G-Class Professional is back, in G 350 d guise with a striking exterior and optionally available Professional Off-Road package.
Making its debut as a purpose-built cross-country vehicle for robust off-road use in 1979, the G‑Class has been further developed into the luxurious all-rounder. With the new G 350 d Professional the Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer now once again has a cross-country vehicle in its portfolio.
Visually, the G 350 d Professional comes across as a robust off-roader capable of mastering any challenge. Its purist design is characterised by the matt black radiator grille and the black painted light-alloy wheels in 5‑spoke design. All-terrain tyres in size 265/70 R 16 ensure perfect traction even for harsh off-road use.
Under the bonnet we find the updated V6 diesel engine with 2987 cc of displacement 180 kW/245 hp, 33% more than the outgoing G 300 CDI Professional. Fuel consumption is now 15.4 percent lower, rated at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres, the equivalent to CO2 emissions of 261 g/km. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission combines excellent ride comfort and contemporary efficiency.
Like all the other G‑Class models the G 350 d Professional also benefits from the sturdy ladder-type frame body, permanent all-wheel drive with off-road ratio and three electrically selectable, 100‑percent differential locks. The Professional outperforms its technical basis, the G 350 d, off the beaten track in various disciplines.
Thanks to its modified suspension, which provide it with an additional 10 millimetres of ground clearance (245 instead of 235 millimetres), it takes difficult terrain in its stride. The angle of approach/departure of 36 degrees and 39 degrees respectively (G 350 d: 30/30 degrees) ensures mobility even under extreme conditions. A steel front bumper with preparation for a cable winch is available as an option.
Thanks to the payload of 592 kilograms, the G 350 d Professional is also ideally prepared for challenging transport tasks. It is likewise ideally suited as a towing vehicle thanks to a towing capacity of up to 3200 kilograms. The optional Professional Off-Road package includes a protective grille for the front bi-xenon headlamps; a protective grille is also available for the indicators as a further option. This package also includes the load compartment in wood finish and the preparation for a hands-free system. A roof rack with ladder further enhances the capabilities of the G 350 d Professional, side running boards on the left and right enhancing practicality and enable objects to be lashed easily to the roof rack.
The sales release for the G 350 d Professional starts on 1 June; the market launch begins in September 2016. The price is €79,968 (incl. 19% VAT for Germany).
