Merc GL350 is practical allrounder
The Mercedes GL63 AMG is something of an anachronism – an offroader that doesn’t go offroad. Try bundu bashing with those low-profile tyres and you’ll see what I mean.
For a more “sensible” choice in the Mercedes GL range, look no further than the GL350 Bluetec 4Matic. It’s a genuine all-rounder GL that’s equally adept on tar and dirt and which throws good fuel economy into the bargain.
Bluetec is Mercedes’ name for diesel engines with emissions-reducing technology, in particular nitrogen oxide (NOx), and requires an occasional refill of a liquid called AdBlue.
The factory-claimed fuel consumption is 7.5 litres per 100km and although this isn’t realistically attainable in real-world driving, the 9.4 litres per 100km achieved by our test vehicle was still very decent for a hefty 2.5 ton seven-seater with all-wheel drive.
The 3-litre V6 turbodiesel is not limp-wristed in the performance department either, and its 190kW and 620Nm outputs ensure effortless cruiseability. It’s a torquey powerplant with loads of lag-free muscle and a useful 220km/h top speed, and while it comes nowhere close to the accelerative thrust of the GL63 AMG, its ability to cover the 0-100km/h sprint in just 7.9 sec- onds is a laudable feat for a dieselpowered SUV.
What stands out is the silent and silky nature of that power delivery, as if the engine runs on single-malt whisky instead of diesel. The all-round refinement compares with the S-Class sedan, and so too the luxurious fit and finish in the spacious cabin.
Basically the GL is a Mercedes S-Class on stilts.
The adaptive air suspension de- livers a pillowy ride, but stiffens up in the corners to ensure that this elephant handles more like a leopard.
Off the tar, the GL350 Bluetec gives a very good account of itself. Along with permanent all-wheel drive it has an On&Offroad package that offers height-adjustable air suspension up to a 306mm ground clearance, six drive programs, a centre differential lock, low range, under-body protection, and offroad-adapted ABS brakes and stability control.
It means you can tease this Benz through more or less any obstacle course that takes your fancy; this is a hardcore offroader with a useful 23 degree breakover angle, 600mm wading depth, and high-profile 275/55 R19 tyres.
The 100-litre fuel tank ensures long distances between fill-ups in remote locations, but the lack of a full-sized spare wheel (there’s only a spacesaver) can cause some angst on an offroad expedition.
One innovation in the new GL is the standard Crosswind Assist which supports the driver with deliberate braking action when there are strong crosswinds, thus increasing the feeling of safety.
One extra-cost option I’d specify in this extra-large hefalump is the Active-Park assistant, which steers the GL automatically into the best possible position for parking.
The GL350 Bluetec is a relative bargain too. At R975 377, it’s the only sub-million-buck MercedesBenz GL you can buy.