Always liked the G-Class? But never had an account balance big enough to justify buying a Rs 2.19 crore, completely bonkers SUV? Well, your sulking days are almost up. Mercedes-Benz India has announced that on October 16, 2019, it will launch the G 350 d. If you do not know what that means, it is the entry-level derivative of the mighty G-Class. Those who like joining the dots will have done so. But those who couldn’t be bothered, get this – the new variant will share its engine with the S 350 d.

Propulsion for the G 350 d comes from the combination of a 2.9-litre, turbo-diesel engine, which produces 282hp/600Nm, and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The permanent all-wheel-drive system ensures that almost none of the available power goes to waste. Performance figures? Really? For a G-Class? Alright, then. The G 350 d can sprint to 100kmph from nothing in 7.4 seconds and reach 199kmph at full stretch. If you are not into all that, here’s a comfier fact for you – Mercedes-Benz claims that this version is the most efficient (in terms of fuel economy) “G” so far.

Presently, it is unclear in which trim line will the G 350 d arrive in India. It could very well be the AMG Line. And since we do not know that for sure, listing the standard features is difficult. Whatever it may be, the SUV will still get leather upholstery, multi-drive model, Active Braking Assist, LED headlamps, electric seats, three-zone climate control, ambient lighting and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Expected price? Well, that should fall between Rs 1-1.25 crore. Take the average of that price range, and the final figure should be approximately half of what the G 63 demands. More importantly, it will fall in the same range as the Range Rover Sport and the Porsche Cayenne. The G 350 d sounds much more enticing now, doesn’t it!