allianceautore
June 24, 2025
We get the question all the time: “You spend all day sourcing, building, driving, and advising people on G Wagons… but what do YOU actually drive? In this episode, we finally reveal the build that the expert chose for himself. Is it a face-lifted W463 like a ’92 300GE? Maybe it’s a street-tuned G55 AMG Kompressor pushing serious horsepower. Or could it be a modernized G550, locked and loaded for Colorado trails?
What does a G-Wagen expert drive every day? At Alliance Auto Care, we work on G-Wagens across every generation—from 460s to 463As—and we knew our shop truck had to represent the future of the platform while still holding true to the G-Class legacy.
Introducing our daily driver: a 2021 Mercedes-Benz G400d Turbo Diesel, chassis code 463A. This isn’t your typical G550 or G63—it’s a rare Euro-spec diesel G400, completely emissions-compliant in the U.S. and titled here in Colorado.
Why the G400d? As diesel enthusiasts and G-Wagen specialists, we wanted a vehicle that was efficient, forward-thinking, and capable of handling both daily use and deep platform development. This truck is equipped with:
Turbo diesel engine (330hp, upgraded to 480hp)
Switch Pros accessory controller
Hutchinson beadlock wheels
GOI no-drill roof rack (we were the prototype test truck)
Baja Designs lighting system
Lift springs + larger tires
NO factory sunroof or running boards—by design
Even with all the upgrades, it remains surprisingly refined. With 18–19 MPG in town and high 20s on the freeway, it’s hard to believe you’re in a nearly 5,800 lb G-Wagen. The diesel powertrain is smooth, quiet, and exceptionally clean—there’s almost no smoke, smell, or cabin noise.
Inside, it’s modestly spec’d: base seating, Switch Pros touch panel, and factory cupholders (finally!). And yes, your “big dumb cups” fit in the doors—thoughtful, indeed.
That said, it’s not without quirks. The lane-departure system aggressively brakes to correct your path, which can be more jarring than helpful. And although this new chassis is incredibly refined for road use, the older solid-axle G-Wagens outperform the 463A in rugged off-road conditions due to thinner control arms, lighter suspension components, and a smaller steering rack.
We’re addressing that with our own custom bumpers, sliders, suspension solutions, and tubular control arms—because that’s what we do. Our goal is to help push the 463A platform further for everyday owners and serious overlanders alike.
Whether you’re 99% on-road or dreaming of a custom diesel G-Wagen build, we can help you import, title, and upgrade a G400d or other global G-Wagen variants.
Get in touch with Joe Gocher and the team at Alliance Auto Care—we’ll get your truck squared away the right way.
Welcome to Alliance Auto Care, where quality auto care meets convenience. We specialize in servicing European and high-end vehicles, including Porsche, Audi, Land Rover, BMW, Lexus, G Wagons and Mercedes.
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