The Mercedes-Benz G-class Long (W463) 350 GD Turbo 4MATIC Automatic, produced from March 1992 to September 1993, represents a specific iteration of the iconic G-Wagen. This variant, positioned as a robust and capable off-road vehicle, offered a blend of diesel efficiency and respectable performance for its time. It was part of the W463 series, the first generation of G-Wagens to be widely available to the public, having initially been developed for military use. The “Long” designation indicates an extended wheelbase compared to the standard G-Wagen, providing increased interior space and stability. This 350 GD Turbo model served as a mid-range offering within the G-class lineup, slotting between the less powerful naturally aspirated diesel models and the more expensive and performance-oriented gasoline variants.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | G-class |
| Generation | G-class Long (W463) |
| Type | 350 GD Turbo (136 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic |
| Start of production | March, 1992 |
| End of production | September, 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.5 l/100 km (17.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 145 km/h (90.1 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 16.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 4600 rpm |
| Torque | 305 Nm @ 1800 rpm (224.96 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | OM 603.972 |
| Engine displacement | 3449 cm3 (210.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.4 mm (3.64 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 22:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2240 kg (4938.35 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2950 kg (6503.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 710 kg (1565.28 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 96 l (25.36 US gal | 21.12 UK gal) |
| Length | 4635 mm (182.48 in.) |
| Width | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Height | 1936 mm (76.22 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm (112.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Rear track | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Drivetrain | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 205/80 R 16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6 J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 350 GD Turbo is the OM 603.972, a 3.5-liter inline-six cylinder diesel engine. This engine utilizes precombustion chamber injection, a system common in Mercedes-Benz diesels of the era, known for its relatively quiet operation and good combustion efficiency. The addition of a turbocharger significantly boosted power output compared to naturally aspirated versions of the same engine. The turbocharger, coupled with intercooling, allowed Mercedes to extract 136 horsepower at 4600 rpm and 305 Nm (224.96 lb-ft) of torque at a low 1800 rpm. This torque curve was particularly well-suited for off-road driving and towing. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The four-speed automatic transmission, a robust unit designed to handle the engine’s torque, provided smooth shifts, but wasn’t known for its rapid acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 350 GD Turbo Automatic offered a comfortable, albeit not particularly quick, driving experience. The automatic transmission prioritized smooth operation over sporty responsiveness. Acceleration to 60 mph took around 15.2 seconds, and top speed was limited to 145 km/h (90.1 mph). The high torque output, however, made it capable of tackling challenging terrain and hauling loads with relative ease. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the 350 GD Turbo, the automatic sacrificed some responsiveness, but gained in convenience. Against the more powerful gasoline-powered G-Wagens, the 350 GD Turbo offered significantly better fuel economy, but lacked the outright performance. The long wheelbase contributed to a more stable ride on paved roads, but slightly reduced maneuverability in tight off-road situations.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 350 GD Turbo Automatic typically came equipped with a relatively basic, yet functional, interior. Standard features included cloth upholstery, manually adjustable seats, and a simple dashboard layout. Power windows and central locking were often optional extras. Air conditioning was also a popular option, particularly for vehicles sold in warmer climates. The exterior trim was typically understated, reflecting the G-Wagen’s utilitarian origins. Available options included a sunroof, upgraded sound system, and various exterior accessories such as roof racks and auxiliary lighting.
Chassis & Braking
The G-class chassis is renowned for its exceptional strength and off-road capability. The 350 GD Turbo utilized a ladder-frame chassis, providing a solid foundation for the vehicle. Suspension consisted of coil springs and rigid axles with trailing arms, offering substantial wheel articulation for navigating uneven terrain. Braking was accomplished via disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. While adequate for the vehicle’s weight and performance, the rear drum brakes were a point of criticism compared to the all-disc setups found on some higher-end G-Wagen models. Hydraulic power steering assisted with maneuverability, although the steering feel was known to be somewhat heavy.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 350 GD Turbo Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics as a capable and reliable off-road vehicle. Its fuel efficiency, particularly compared to the gasoline-powered G-Wagens, was a significant selling point. However, the automatic transmission was sometimes criticized for its lack of responsiveness. Compared to the 300 GD (naturally aspirated diesel), the 350 GD Turbo offered a noticeable performance improvement. Against the 360 GE (gasoline engine), the 350 GD Turbo provided better fuel economy and torque, but less overall power. The G-Wagen’s high price tag limited its appeal to a niche market of buyers seeking a rugged and luxurious off-road vehicle.
Legacy
The OM 603 engine family, including the 603.972 found in the 350 GD Turbo, is known for its durability and longevity. Well-maintained examples of this powertrain can still be found operating reliably today. The 350 GD Turbo Automatic has become a sought-after model among G-Wagen enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate its blend of classic styling, diesel efficiency, and off-road capability. In the used car market, these vehicles command a premium due to their rarity and iconic status. While maintenance can be expensive due to the vehicle’s age and complexity, the 350 GD Turbo remains a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s engineering prowess and the enduring appeal of the G-Wagen.
