Mercedes-Benz is aiming to send
prospective Range Rover buyers on a dealership detour via its newly launched,
second-gen premium SUV - the GL-class.
Apart from an exclusive price tag, the
GL-class now offers a whisper quiet ride thanks to its NVH qualities (noise,
vibration, harshness) being on par with the S-Class, while also ironing out the
impact of any speed bumps and potholes thanks to its fully load-bearing air
suspension system, dubbed AIRMATIC. The bump-free ride can be enjoyed by up to
seven passengers (2-3-2 seating arrangement).
Engines choices
Diesel fans can opt for the GL 350 BlueTEC
4MATlC, which boasts a 2987 cc turbocharged V6 diesel engine churning out 190
kW at 3600 RPM and 620 Nm of torque between 1600 and 2400 RPM. This sees the
mammoth frame of the SUV reaching 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds onto a
terminal velocity of 220 km/h. This frugal diesel motor uses a claimed 7.4-8
liters per 100 km on a combined-cycle (highway and town driving).
Mercedes-Benz
GL 63
Petrol heads can slide into the driver’s
seat of the mighty GL 63 AMG that is rocketed forward by a 5461 cc
twin-turbocharged V8 that generates 410 kW at 5750 RPM and 760 Nm of
mountain-ascending torque between 2000 and 5000 RPM. The AMG gets you to 100
km/h in under 5 seconds, while its top speed is limited to 250 km/h. All this
performance does mean that this power plant is a little less frugal compared to
the GL 500, at a wallet-emptying 12.3 liters per 100 km on a combined-cycle.
Inside
Mercedes-Benz
Helping drivers stay in control when
venturing far off the beaten track is a wealth of features, including
Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATlC permanent four-wheel drive system. Additional driver
aids include a driving-off assistant, Downhill Speed Regulation as well as a
specialized program setting for off-road driving.
Mercedes-Benz
GL 63 side
To the point
The premium pricing of the GL-class does
mean that you will not see one in every driveway, as the cheapest model, namely
the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATlC comes in at $97,905, whilst our pick of the range –
the GL 63 AMG – sports a price tag that is even more exclusive at $169,175.
Watch out for one the next time you’re overtaken by a blue light brigade on the
highway.
