Yannis

Sales release of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: First class on and off-road from €63,684

Mercedes-Benz is entering the market for luxury sports utility vehicles with the GL-Class. Prices for this premium off-roader with the comfort of a deluxe saloon car start at €63,684 for the GL 320 CDI.

Customers wishing to buy the multi-talented GL, which can optionally seat up to seven people, are now able to place their orders at the company's sales and service outlets. The tried-and-trusted V6 diesel in the GL 320 CDI delivers 165 kW/224 hp, while its ample 510 Newton metres of torque are on tap across a wide range of engine speeds. Despite all this power, the engine only burns 9.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. In the GL 420 CDI, available from €79,460 (incl. VAT at 16%; net price is €68,500), the re-engineered V8 diesel boasts four valves per cylinder and twin turbochargers with variable nozzle turbines and provides highly spirited performance. Its torque peaks at an imposing 700 Newton metres and it generates an output of 225 kW/306 hp. Both diesel units come with a zero-maintenance particulate filter as standard and comply with the stringent EU4 emissions limits. The GL 500 features a newly developed 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine with a rated output of no less than 285 kW/388 hp and costs €85,898 (€74,050 net). In the GL 450 (costing €77,604, net price €66,900) the V8 powerplant from the same engine family has a displacement of 4.6 litres and generates 250 kW/340 hp. All the engines available for the GL-Class are teamed up with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT as standard.

4MATIC – the permanent all-wheel-drive system from Mercedes-Benz – helps to give the GL-Class superior handling dynamics under any conditions. In con-junction with AIRMATIC, the standard-fit air suspension system, plus the precise speed-sensitive steering and ADS, the Adaptive Damping System which also comes as standard, the generously sized GL (wheelbase 3075 mm) is surprisingly agile. The GL not only cuts a good figure on the road, it also shines as a genuine off-roader. The standard-specification Off-Road Pro engineering package, including reduction gearing, manually engageable rear and inter-axle differential locks and extended height adjustment functionality for AIRMATIC, considerably enhances the car's off-road capabilities. All the features designed to improve grip are further supported by 4ETS, the electronic traction system for all-wheel drive.

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Mr. M

Mmm - this will definitely tell us, once and for all, how different European and American tastes are.

Merc1

A GL450 Test Drive from Autocar:











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I think initially this GL may do better than even the ML in the U.S, and most definitely it will do better than the R-Class, though the R is showing some sale life now.

M

Giannis

one word: BIG. but i like it. IMO it has that original SUV style, that most suvs nowadays have lost...

gustavo

Yummi...

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audi_rudy

not my cup of tea but im sure it will do pretty well because of its big size. and multiple engine options

Osnabrueck

I hinged my like or dislike of the GL on its performance and it would seem that Benz has delivered. I'm eager to check one out.

On the other hand - it's a shame that the GL took this long to show itself. With the Q7 and an upsized X5 lurking on the horizon the segment has become extremely crowded. You'd think the overwhelming success of the M would've led to the GL two or three years ago.

Merc1

AutoExpress review of the GL450:



Comfortable inside and imposing to look at, the GL-Class has the measure of its rivals when it comes to space. It's also a re-fined cruiser and not as ponderous around bends as you might think. The Merc is a truly capable machine - although navi-gating a narrow country lane or parking up in a cramped multi-storey will be a test of nerves.


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M

Tycoon

Yeah, from is the keyword there. That car will be sooooo expensive that i don't want even to look on it. No thanks.

Audi4Life

Damn this SUV is really starting to grow on me........what a beuaty