The battle for supremacy in India's luxury SUV segment intensifies as two automotive titans go head-to-head. The Mercedes-Benz G450d and Toyota Land Cruiser 300 represent the pinnacle of off-road capability combined with premium comfort, but which one deserves your investment?
Price Showdown: Value vs Prestige
When it comes to pricing, these German and Japanese contenders occupy different territories. The Mercedes-Benz G450d commands a premium position with an ex-showroom price of approximately ₹2.55 crore, positioning itself as the ultimate luxury statement. Meanwhile, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 offers a slightly more accessible entry point at around ₹2.10 crore ex-showroom, presenting compelling value for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Engine Battle: Power & Performance
Under the hood, both vehicles showcase engineering excellence with distinct approaches to power delivery:
Mercedes-Benz G450d Engine
The German marvel features a 2,925cc inline-6 diesel engine that generates 362 bhp of raw power and an impressive 750 Nm of torque. This powerplant combines sophisticated engineering with brute force, ensuring both highway dominance and off-road prowess.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Powerhouse
Toyota's offering packs a 3,443cc twin-turbo V6 diesel engine producing 304 bhp and 700 Nm of torque. While slightly lower on paper, Toyota's legendary reliability and proven performance make it a formidable contender in real-world conditions.
Dimensions & Presence: Size Matters
Both SUVs command attention on the road, but their dimensions tell different stories:
- Mercedes G450d: Measures 4,866 mm in length, 1,931 mm in width, and 1,975 mm in height with a 2,890 mm wheelbase
- Toyota Land Cruiser: Stretches to 4,985 mm length, 1,980 mm width, and 1,945 mm height with a 2,850 mm wheelbase
The Land Cruiser's longer and wider footprint gives it a more substantial road presence, while the Mercedes maintains its iconic boxy silhouette that has defined the G-Wagon legacy.
Transmission & Drivetrain
Both vehicles feature sophisticated 4WD systems, but with different transmission philosophies. The Mercedes employs a 9-speed automatic gearbox, while the Toyota utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission. Each system has been meticulously tuned to handle everything from urban commuting to extreme off-road adventures.
Seating & Practicality
The seating configuration reveals their target audiences. The Mercedes G450d opts for a 5-seater layout, focusing on premium comfort for all occupants. In contrast, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 offers both 5-seater and 7-seater options, catering to families and those requiring additional passenger capacity.
Verdict: Which Luxury SUV Should You Choose?
Choose the Mercedes G450d if: You prioritize brand prestige, cutting-edge technology, and that iconic G-Wagon presence that turns heads everywhere. The slightly higher power output and torque figures make it an exhilarating drive.
Opt for the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 if: You value legendary reliability, proven off-road capability, and practical features like optional third-row seating. The significant price advantage also makes it an intelligent choice for savvy luxury buyers.
Both vehicles represent the absolute best in their class, but your final decision will ultimately depend on whether you prefer German engineering excellence or Japanese reliability heritage. Test drive both to experience how these differences translate to real-world driving pleasure.
