Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz introduced a new entry-level version of the CLS in China, with a small 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and now it’s the G-Wagen’s turn to go down the same route, with a 2.0-liter four-pot.
Named the G350, it packs a 1,991 cc gasoline unit, with 255 HP (258 PS / 190 kW) produced at 5,800 rpm and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque from 1,800 to 4,000 rpm, hooked up to a nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration takes 8.1 seconds, top speed is 118 mph (190 km/h) and it returns the equivalent of mpg 22 US (10.7 l/100 km).
Our Review: 2019 Mercedes-Benz G500 Is Much Improved, But Does It Really Matter?
The official retail price of the entry-level G-Class in the People’s Republic is 1,429,800 yuan, or $208,976 at the current exchange rates. By comparison, the 577 HP and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8-powered AMG G63, which does the nought to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.5 seconds and tops out at 149 mph (240 km/h) when fitted with the optional AMG Driver’s pack, has an MSRP of $156,450 in the United States. So, for the price of one G350 in China, one could buy the AMG G63 and a GLC over here, with the latter starting at under $52,000. Now, if you’re wondering how much the G63 AMG costs in China – which you probably are at this point, it starts from 2,228,800 yuan that comes to around $326,000 at the current exchange rates.
The G350, which will likely remain a China-only affair, features standard rear privacy glass, LED headlights, 18-inch wheels shod in 265/60 tires, MBUX infotainment system, three-zone climate control, power adjustable front seats with memory and heating functions, wood trim, ambient lighting, Burmester premium sound system and others.