The G450d G-Wagon finally went off-road and it’s way tougher than its pavement princess reputation

The G-Wagon G450d brings its diesel power into off-road terrain and produces an immediate shift from its usual road presence.

The test puts the G-Class through steep climbs, loose soil and long corrugated sections.

The result is the product of years of evolution and refinement for a car that is effectively 45 years old.

The full run offers a clear look at how the vehicle behaves when surfaces become unpredictable.

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Inside the G-Wagon’s off-road run

The G-Class story starts with its military roots in the late 1970s, and that origin still shapes the G450d.

The ladder-frame chassis returns in a modernised form, maintaining rigidity that benefits both on-road stability and off-road articulation.

It sits under a body that keeps the iconic flat-sided silhouette and upright glass, features that were originally functional but now define the G-Wagon’s identity.

Despite its luxury status, the core layout still feels built for rough ground.

Inside the cabin, the G450d blends comfort with the rugged nature of its exterior.

Twin 12.3-inch digital displays, open-pore walnut trim, ambient lighting, heated front seats and a Burmester 3D sound system bring the modern luxury expected at this price point.

The driving position remains upright, with a clear view over the square bonnet.

Even in low-speed technical sections, the visibility helps with identifying ruts, rocks and breakover points.

The steering column adjusts electrically, and the mix of leather, metal switchgear and traditional grab handles gives a sense of weight and purpose.

It feels premium, but not fragile.

The G450d also adds a more refined diesel engine than the older G400d.

The 3.0-litre inline-six works with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that smooths out low-speed inputs and reduces diesel chatter during start-up and crawling.

On regular roads, the result is a calm, straightforward drive with little noise and steady power delivery.

The nine-speed automatic transmission helps keep the diesel engine in its torque band, and the combination feels well matched to daily use.

It is easy to see why many G-Wagons spend most of their time on sealed roads.

Off-road modes give the G450d a different personality.

The system includes settings for loose gravel, rocks and deep ruts, each adjusting throttle response, traction intervention and suspension calibration.

Locking centre, rear and front differentials provide extra support when traction drops, and switching between them is simple.

In practice, these systems work quietly in the background.

Even when I entered a deep cut in the track where one wheel lifted off the ground, the G-Wagon regained grip without drama.

The chassis stayed steady during diagonal flex, and the drivetrain made use of the diesel torque to climb out without hesitation.

What the new diesel G-Wagon brings to the trail

Steep inclines on loose soil highlight the benefit of the diesel engine’s low-rpm torque.

The G-Wagon climbs gradually and without relying on excessive wheel speed.

The ladder-frame chassis distributes force effectively, keeping the body stable even as the ground angle shifts.

The upright glass provides clear visibility toward the top of the slope, supporting precise placement.

Descents on irregular surfaces reveal equally measured behaviour.

Brake response remains consistent, and engine compression works with the gearbox to manage speed.

The vehicle avoids sudden weight transfer and maintains grip across uneven patches.

Stability through these sections demonstrates how the suspension and frame cooperate to control vertical and lateral movement.

On faster, uneven terrain, the G450d settles into a consistent rhythm.

The suspension moves through hard ridges and softer sand without unpredictable rebound.

Steering retains accuracy despite surface changes, and body control remains composed.

Repeated passes over mixed terrain produce similar outcomes, reinforcing the platform’s predictable handling.

Side slopes and deep ruts toward the latter stages of the course require careful balance.

The G-Class structure keeps the centre of the vehicle stable, reducing lean and maintaining traction.

Diesel torque supports controlled movement through narrow channels and uneven wheel placement.

With diff locks engaged, the drivetrain restores grip smoothly and avoids sudden jolts.

Across the full route of climbs, descents, ruts and open sections, the G450d maintains consistent performance.

The combination of ladder-frame architecture, diesel power and luxury cabin features gives the vehicle a dual character: competent on-road and reliably capable off-road.

The result reflects both the long history of the G-Class and the updates introduced in the latest generation.

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