Mercedes-Benz GL350 - Improvement In Economy Over Its Predecessor

Revamped seven-seat off-roader promises fuel economy and refinement gains

The GL has always been a tough sell in the UK. This five-meter-long seven-seater is a closer rival to the Cadillac Escalade than it is to the new Range Rover Sport – a car which, in HSE spec, is destined to share the GL’s near-$90k starting price.

Lane-busting dimensions make the GL a genuine prospect for comfortably seating more than four

The Mercedes’ size is both a blessing and a curse. Lane-busting dimensions make the GL a genuine prospect for comfortably seating more than four; it has a third row of seats and, with a better quality of finish in this revised version, is a more upmarket option than a Toyota Land Cruiser or even an Audi Q7.

But there’s no getting away from all that real estate, and no apology is made for the blunt styling effort. Incredibly, the GL’s gentle overhaul leaves it marginally bigger. The body has been garnished with a new grille and LED-festooned lights, and a negligible 90kg has been trimmed from its 2.5-tonne kerb weight, but otherwise the benefits are mostly found under the bonnet.

At five meters long, there’s no getting away from the GL’s sheer size, but at least it means there’s room to seat seven in comfort

The 255bhp 3.0-liter V6 diesel in the GL350 driven here delivers a 24 per cent improvement in economy over its predecessor. The claimed 38.0mpg combined puts it on an equal footing with the new Range Rover Sport, and while it doesn’t quite match its CO2 emissions (209g/km vs. 199g/km), the Mercedes’ motor is already Euro 6 compliant.

The 255bhp 3.0-liter V6 diesel in the GL350 driven here delivers a 24 per cent improvement in economy over its predecessor.

However, it’s the 457lb ft of torque that makes the GL’s movable feast of big-wheeled bling bearable. Armed with the latest seven-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic gearbox and driving all four wheels (the locking center diff and low-ratio gearing now come as an optional off-road package), this SUV can hit 62mph in a brisk 7.9sec.

More importantly, it does so as quietly as possible. Mercedes has worked hard on the noise, vibration and harshness of the GL, and while its claim of S-class-style refinement can be taken with a pinch of salt, it is suitably hushed and amenable.

Mercedes has worked hard on the noise, vibration and harshness of the GL

Granted, the GL lacks the dynamic charm of Land Rover’s latest product line, but it benefits from the support of its Airmatic air suspension, fidgeting only slightly over Surrey roads. Opt for the optional Active Curve System (which adds lateral stabilizers) and it will even corner with commendably little roll.

Of course, doing so aggressively is out. This is still a 2,455kg car with a 3075mm wheelbase and a habit of making A-roads feel like B-roads and B-roads like bridleways. The only time the GL felt at home was while taking pictures on a runway-wide perimeter road at a test circuit where the MOD used to shake down tanks.

If you can accept the odd breathe-in wince and you really need to seat seven in something off-road capable (or gutsy enough to tow 3500kg), the GL350 makes its case with the moneyed gusto of a 10-gallon hat. Most British buyers, though, probably won’t strain their necks by turning too far from Gaydon’s general direction.