New Mercedes GL gets more power
Mercedes-benz’s new SUV model is impressive
The all-new Mercedes-Benz seven-passenger 2013 GLClass SUV has grown substantially. The American-made GL is longer (23 millimetres), wider (153 mm) and taller (11 mm) than the outgoing model.
The exterior treatment is reminiscent of the previous model’s with the most noticeable change being the more muscular side stampings and flared wheel arches at the rear. LEDs have been incorporated into the vehicle’s exterior lights. Up front, active bi-xenon lamps are included. Much of the GL’s styling appears derived from the recently redesigned mid-sized M-Class.
The latest GL offers more power under the hood as well. The entry-level GL 350 comes with the latest 3.0-litre Bluetec diesel engine, which produces 240 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque (an increase of 40 hp and 50 lb-ft of torque). The GL 450 and GL 550 models sport a new 4.7L twin-turbocharged gasoline engine. Its power output varies according to the engine tuning — 362 hp/406 lb-ft and 429 hp/516 lb-ft, respectively. All engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that sees duty on the smaller ML-Class.
Mercedes says that fuel consumption on European models has dropped by 20 per cent on average across the model range. Credit the addition of direct injection on the gasoline engines, an engine stop/start function (not yet available in Canada), improved aerodynamics and the inclusion of electro-mechanical steering. Another reason is surely the reduction in weight by as much as 90 kilograms on the base GL 350.
The new GL 350 and GL 450 come standard with 4Matic allwheel drive, electronic stability control (ESP), Collision Prevention Assist, Adaptive Brake Assist (which boosts brake pressure when a collision is imminent), Crosswind Assist, Pre-Safe (which prepares the vehicle for a collision) and Parktronic with Active Park Assist. This automatically finds a spot large enough for the GL, then helps the driver park it. There’s also a rear-view camera, adaptive high-beam assist and Attention Assist, which warns the driver if he or she begins to nod off. The top-line GL 550 adds active suspension damping as well as Passive Blind Spot and Lane Keep Assist (all optional on the GL 350/GL 450). Other noteworthy options include adaptive cruise control, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. The last option actively steers the GL back into its lane should the driver wander.
Inside, the layout is another carry-over from the M-Class introduced last year. A seven-inch display sits atop the centre stack, which houses the buttons and controls for audio/entertainment and vehicle system functions. Mercedes includes the latest version of its multi-function COMMAND control system on the GL. The rotating wheel controls most of the vehicle’s dynamic settings. An optional hard drive-based navigation system (standard on the GL 550) is also controlled through this interface.
Everyone on board is treated to first-class accommodations. Well, perhaps the third-row seats should be branded “premium economy,” because it’s still a squeeze to get back there and legroom is limited. Visually, Mercedes has not skimped on the interior layout and design of the GL. One might even assume that the premium Benz SUV comes with tailored leather seating. Interestingly, the 350 and 450 models are fitted with a faux leather material called Artico and a two-zone climate control system. Thankfully, full leather seating is standard on the GL 550, as is a better threezone climate control system — a bonus for those third-row riders.
Naturally, given the exterior dimensions, there is ample interior space. With all three rows of seating in place, the rear cargo area provides 10.4 cubic feet of storage. Lowering the powered third-row seats provides 24 cu. ft. of flat-floored cargo room. The secondrow seats can be tumbled forward for more room and a total storage capacity of 1,280 cu. ft.
The GL remains a plush, upscale people hauler. Interior noise is virtually non-existent on both the diesel and gas-powered models. Straight-line acceleration is markedly improved over the pre- vious generation with the zeroto-100- kilometres-an-hour mark being set at 8.8 seconds for the GL 350, 6.8 seconds for the GL 450 and a mind-boggling 5.6 seconds for the GL 550. Braking remains acceptable for a vehicle of this size and weight.
The balance of comfort and performance was better than expected. The GL 550 with active suspension damping did feel noticeably sportier in handling.
Off-road capabilities have also been improved, especially given the standard air suspension’s ability to provide 250 millimetres of ground clearance when needed. However, target buyers are more likely to be jumping mall curbs rather than rock crawling.
Previous buyers of the GL have appreciated its seven-passenger seating, the diesel engine availability and its highway cruising road manners. Buyers of the new model should not be disappointed with any of its improvements nor its continued ability to demonstrate just how much car payment they are able to shoulder.
The GL 350 starts at $73,700, the GL 450 at $75,900 and the GL 550 at $95,900.