The Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC V6 4MATIC, produced from June 2012 to August 2015, represents a significant iteration of the long-wheelbase (W463) G-Class following its 2012 facelift. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the G-Class lineup, it aimed to provide a balance between capability, refinement, and fuel efficiency – a notable consideration for a vehicle renowned for its robust, utilitarian origins. This variant combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 engine with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ permanent all-wheel-drive system, catering to buyers seeking a luxurious and capable off-road vehicle with a more economical engine option than the gasoline-powered G550.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | G-class |
| Generation | G-class Long (W463, facelift 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | G 350 BlueTEC V6 (211 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Start of production | June, 2012 |
| End of production | August, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 13.6 l/100 km (17.3 US mpg, 20.8 UK mpg, 7.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg, 8.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 295 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.8 kg/Hp, 84.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm, 216.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 211 Hp @ 3400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 540 Nm @ 1600-2400 rpm (398.28 lb.-ft. @ 1600-2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | OM 642.886 |
| Engine displacement | 2987 cm3 (182.28 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2495 kg (5500.53 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3200 kg (7054.79 lbs.) |
| Max load | 705 kg (1554.26 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 480 l (16.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2250 l (79.46 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 96 l (25.36 US gal | 21.12 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 15.5 l (4.09 US gal | 3.41 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 200 kg (440.92 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3500 kg (7716.18 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4662 mm (183.54 in.) |
| Width | 1760 mm (69.29 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2055 mm (80.91 in.) |
| Height | 1951 mm (76.81 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm (112.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Front overhang | 783 mm (30.83 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 820 mm (32.28 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 205 mm (8.07 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.54 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 13.6 m (44.62 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 36° |
| Departure angle | 27° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 24° |
| Climb angle | 45° |
| Wading depth | 600 mm (23.62 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the G 350 BlueTEC was the OM 642.886 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine. This engine, a mainstay in many Mercedes-Benz vehicles of the era, featured a common-rail direct injection system, a turbocharger with an intercooler, and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The high compression ratio of 17.7:1 contributed to its efficiency and torque output. The ‘BlueTEC’ designation indicated the inclusion of advanced emissions control technologies, including a particulate filter and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system utilizing AdBlue (diesel exhaust fluid) to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, ensuring compliance with Euro 5 standards. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and efficient gear changes, optimized for both on-road comfort and off-road crawling. This transmission featured a torque converter lock-up clutch to improve fuel economy at cruising speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The G 350 BlueTEC offered a distinctly different driving experience compared to the more powerful G550. While lacking the outright acceleration of its gasoline counterpart, the diesel engine delivered a substantial 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque from as low as 1600 rpm, providing ample pulling power for off-road excursions and effortless highway cruising. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission was well-suited to the engine’s characteristics, offering quick and seamless shifts. The gear ratios were optimized for both fuel efficiency and off-road capability, with a low-range gear selection available for tackling challenging terrain. Compared to manual transmission G-Class models, the automatic offered greater convenience, particularly in urban environments, but some enthusiasts preferred the more direct control of a manual gearbox. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 8.6 seconds, making it adequately quick for most drivers, but not a performance-oriented vehicle.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The G 350 BlueTEC came standard with a generous array of features, reflecting the G-Class’s luxury positioning. Standard equipment typically included leather upholstery, automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, a premium audio system, and a suite of safety features such as ABS, traction control, and multiple airbags. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded leather options, navigation system, parking sensors, and various exterior enhancements. The interior design was functional and robust, with a focus on durability and practicality, though it retained a level of refinement expected from a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. The long-wheelbase configuration provided increased rear passenger legroom compared to the standard-wheelbase G-Class.
Chassis & Braking
The G-Class chassis remained largely unchanged from its original design, retaining a ladder-frame construction for exceptional strength and durability. The suspension consisted of coil springs and rigid axles with trailing arms, providing a comfortable ride both on and off-road. The G 350 BlueTEC featured ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for its weight. The hydraulic power steering offered precise control, though it lacked the feedback of some more modern steering systems. The vehicle’s high ground clearance (205 mm / 8.07 in.) and impressive approach, departure, and ramp-over angles made it exceptionally capable in off-road conditions.
Market Reception & Comparison
The G 350 BlueTEC was generally well-received by critics, who praised its blend of luxury, capability, and improved fuel economy compared to the G550. The diesel engine offered a significant advantage in terms of running costs, particularly for drivers who covered long distances. However, some reviewers noted that the diesel engine lacked the refinement and responsiveness of the gasoline engine. Compared to other luxury SUVs of the time, the G-Class stood out for its unique styling, robust construction, and exceptional off-road performance. Its fuel economy, while improved over the G550, remained relatively high compared to more modern SUVs.
Legacy
The OM 642 engine family, including the version used in the G 350 BlueTEC, has proven to be remarkably durable and reliable. With proper maintenance, these engines can accumulate high mileage without major issues. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission is also generally considered to be a robust unit. In the used car market, the G 350 BlueTEC represents a more affordable entry point into G-Class ownership, offering a compelling combination of luxury, capability, and relative reliability. Its enduring appeal is a testament to the G-Class’s timeless design and legendary off-road prowess. However, potential buyers should be aware of the costs associated with maintaining a vehicle of this complexity, including the potential for expensive repairs to the emissions control system.
