New Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Unveiled

[Variance]

First Class On and Off the Road

Mercedes-Benz is to unveil a new highlight in the luxury Sport Utility Vehicle market segment: the GL-Class. The seven-seater premium off-roader offers excellent handling both on and off-road and pampers occupants with its extremely spacious accommodation and the comfort of a luxury saloon. The GL-Class sets another milestone with PRE-SAFE®, the comprehensive safety concept, a first in this market segment.

With its poised, assured presence, the GL-Class leaves you in no doubt about its aspirations to conquer this competitive market segment. The distinctive design idiom exudes power and exclusivity. Calm body surfaces, powerful, wedge-shaped features and striking details give the impression the luxury off-roader is surging forward even when stationary. The spacious body (length 5088 mm, width 1920 mm, height 1840 mm) is beautifully proportioned.

Superlative comfort whatever the conditions

The welcoming interior with its top-quality materials provides passengers with that feel-good atmosphere as only Mercedes knows how, with more than ample space for up to seven passengers. The GL-Class offers superb comfort on board - whether you’re just popping into town, cruising hundreds of kilometres or negotiating rough terrain. Occupants still enjoy good freedom of movement even on the two full-sized individual seats in the third row of seats. The distance to the middle row of seats is 815 mm, with 979 mm headroom for passengers. If you need fewer seats, the rear individual seats can be stowed electrically at the push of a button, either individually or in tandem to provide a completely flat load surface. In the five-seater version, luggage compartment capacity is 1240 litres – an impressive benchmark value in the class. The GL-Class can provide up to 2300 litres of load capacity, with the load compartment measuring 2128 mm in length. In line with the wide range of applications handled by the versatile all-rounder, the THERMATIC automatic climate control system fitted as standard in the GL 320 CDI provides consistent temperature for all seven seats both in the depths of winter and on those sweltering summer days. The versions with V8 engines such as the GL 420 CDI, GL 450 and GL 500 come with the standard-fit multi-zone THERMOTRONIC system, which offers even more climatic comfort. Other standard-fit convenience and comfort appointments include ARTICO man-made leather upholstery combinations, electrically adjustable front seats and a fixed rear glass roof above the third row of seats.

Intelligent solutions promote excellent safety

The GL-Class makes full use of the advantages of its unitised body, combining optimum strength with intelligent lightweight steel design. The result is excellent passive safety that is far superior to comparable models with a ladder-type frame. Combined with the front and rear deformation zones, the high-strength occupant cell forms an efficient base for the occupant protection systems that include:

-Adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger

-Sidebags in the front, and in the middle row of seats as an option

-Windowbags across all three rows of seats from the A to the D-pillar

-NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger as an option

-3-point seat belts on all seven seats

Seat-belt tensioners and adaptive belt-force limiters for the driver and front passenger, seat-belt tensioners and single-stage belt-force limiters on the outer seats in the middle row

With the optionally available PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system, a world first in this market segment, Mercedes-Benz has raised safety to an even higher level. The system's most striking feature: passive and active safety systems are networked with each other. PRE-SAFE® utilises the sensors in the dynamic handling control systems such as ABS, BAS (Brake Assist) and ESP® and optimises the protective function of the passive safety components in potential accident situations. The GL-Class also takes the often neglected issue of pedestrian protection to a new level. The front section includes precisely defined ample crumple space between the body and the major assemblies underneath. In conjunction with impact zones that are designed to yield, this design provides a high degree of protection both for pedestrians and cyclists.


The GL-Class meets all the requirements of a state-of-the-art, luxury SUV, or even redefines them on a higher level. Yet the hallmark Mercedes off-roader genes such as superlative robustness, ruggedness and long-term durability have not been compromised. It is not for nothing that the model designation echoes the legendary precursor of all Mercedes-Benz off-road vehicles – the G-Class. The evergreen off-roader is now entering its 26th year of production and will continue to be marketed alongside the new GL-Class.

Outstanding handling on and off-road

4MATIC – the permanent four-wheel drive from Mercedes-Benz – provides the GL-Class with superior handling whatever the conditions. Together with the standard-fit AIRMATIC air suspension, the precise speed-sensitive power steering and the ADS Adaptive Damper System also fitted as standard, the imposing GL-Class (wheelbase 3075 mm) handles impressively. Handling when pulling a trailer is no less impressive thanks to the ESP® component TSA (Trailer Stability Assist). TSA defuses critical driving situations involving a trailer before they become dangerous by precisely applying the brakes, while AIRMATIC provides fully automatic level adjustment.

Special off-road features such as Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), hill-start assist and off-road ABS assist the GL-Class driver off road. The Off-Road Pro engineering package, standard on all ECE models, means the GL-Class can also handle the most extreme off-road terrain. This includes a two-speed transfer case with a low range ratio and 100 percent differential locks for the transfer case and the rear axle. The modified AIRMATIC air suspension, designed specifically for the more demanding conditions, increases the ground clearance to a maximum of 307 millimetres where required, and raises the fording depth to 600 millimetres.

Majestic drive systems: new V6 and V8 engines

The ultra-modern engine line-up in all GL-Class models provides superlative drive comfort and compelling performance coupled with superior fuel consumption figures compared with other vehicles in the class. Alongside the 165-kW/224-hp V6 engine in the GL 320 CDI, the range of diesel models includes the new-generation high-performance V8 diesel in the GL 420 CDI, which now has an output of 225 kW/ 306 hp and maximum torque of 700 Nm. Both diesel-powered versions undercut the EU 4 limits and feature a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. In addition to the newly developed 5.5-litre, 285-kW/388-hp engine in the GL 500, launched earlier in the new S-Class, the second unit in this ultra-modern V8 family of engines is celebrating its world premiere in the GL-Class. In the GL 450 the 4.6-litre engine develops 250 kW/340 hp. Both engines also fulfil the stringent EU 4 limits (USA: LEV II standard).

All GL-Class engine variants come with the standard-fit 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT. Excellent performance and low fuel consumption result not just from the perfect combination of ultra-modern engines with 7G-TRONIC and the friction-optimised powertrain. Another important factor is the comparatively low gross vehicle weight thanks to the unitised body and the excellent aerodynamics (Cd 0.37) for such a large vehicle.

Success story from state-of-the-art production facilities

“Mercedes Quality – Made in America” has established itself as the company’s new trademark on the other side of the Atlantic and illustrates the success story of the DaimlerChrysler plant in Tuscaloosa/Alabama. The birthplace of the GL-Class started production in 1997 as the first Mercedes-Benz plant outside Europe. Around 600 million US dollars have been invested since 2001 in expanding and constantly modernising the plant; overall the company has invested around 1 billion US dollars. Following the extension of the Tuscaloosa plant in May 2005, its theoretical annual production capacity for all model series stands at 160,000 units. The new GL-Class is now the third model series to be built here, alongside the M-Class and the R-Class.

The world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will take place at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January 2006. U.S. customers will be the first to savour the delights of the new trendsetter in the spring; European customers will have to wait until September 2006 for a taste of the versatile off-roader.

The GL-Class will arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2006. Engine line-up, standard specifications and pricing for Australia will be announced closer to the vehicle’s arrival in Australia.





















Link: http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2051208.005

[Drew Dowdell]

Woohoo.... uhm... we were to understand there would be punch and pie?

[Flybrian]

and raises the fording depth to 600 millimetres.

I totally see this thing fording through a two-foot creek.

Good God, Mercedes! How many car lines do you need? Seriously. You're going through the alphabet quicker than the hurricanes.

Quantity-over-Quality. Like None Other.

[CSpec]

I'll take the old one, please.

[pow]

What in the name of all that's holy is Mercedes thinking? Am I right in saying that the GL's sole purpose in life is to be a blatant competitor to the Escalade? Admittedly, Merc did raise the technical bar for this segment with the Pre-Safe, Cd 0.37 aerodynamics, 7-speed, etc. Edited December 9, 2005 by empowah

[Drew Dowdell]

is it just me or do the HVAC controls have a particularly chrysler look to them...?

[sciguy_0504]

The rear 3/4 looks like a mix of Pilot, Highlander and Grand Cherokee. I don't like it, it's not needed and it will just cause more problems for MB. That interior is definately not up to par design-wise. The Escalade's is better.

[Nick]

I see some Grand Cherokee in this (specifically the pic where it is towing the car). I also see a lot of Lexu GX in it too. More or less in the front portion I think is where I see it. The interior doesn;'t wow me. I mean, it looks ok, but the dash area seems to leave something to be desired.

[Flybrian]

Yes. Dare I say the JGC's interior looks just as well if the wheel were wood-trimmed with chrome appliques?

[sciguy_0504]

That's a stretch, fly.

[Flybrian]

I realize it is, but now much of a stretch in terms of that location alone? The dashboard and center stack used to be the hallmarks of high-end European makes, something that set them apart from all others.

Sure, the Mercedes is better, but how much better? $30,000 better? I expect that to be the price differential at least between it and something like the Grand Cherokee.

You're right, though, in that the Escalade has this beat. The GL's main advantages seem to be in the offroading areas and an extra gear in the transmission case. But again...worth the price differential?

[Northstar]

The first thing I thought of when I saw it was Grand Cherokee. I'm not impressed at all, and the center stack and console don't come together well at all, there's a sizeable gap there. The Escalade's not only looks much better, but the console and stack flow well together.

[pow]

Well actually, the interior looks identical to the ML's, which also isn't impressive. Don't the GC and ML share a platform?

[KaliRover]

Not that bad... but it's something that I'd expect from an Asian automaker, not a German one (Design wise).

[Croc]

WOW!! This is what the new M-Class should have looked like!! I want one.......

[balthazar]

I thought Dodge truck & Jeep were the prime non-car makes at DCX; what is mercedes up to for trucks/SUVs- like 7?? Someone do a listing: number of Dodge cars vs. trucks and mercedes cars vs. trucks; who has a higher percentage of truck/ SUVs?

[BrewSwillis]

I thought Dodge truck & Jeep were the prime non-car makes at DCX; what is mercedes up to for trucks/SUVs- like 7?? Someone do a listing: number of Dodge cars vs. trucks and mercedes cars vs. trucks; who has a higher percentage of truck/ SUVs?

[post="55691"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Mercedes has 3 SUV's if you count the old G-wagon (which I think is still in production), and one crossover (not a truck). They have a ton of cars if you count the little cars in Europe.

I doubt people are going to cross shop this GL with the Escalade. The GL is a status symbol, and the people who would buy one wouldn't be caught dead driving an Escalade. I would compare the GL to a Range Rover before the Escalade.

[titan]

It's a good looking SUV, and one worth of sitting on top MB's SUV line. It looks very hawt in black, and I love the interior. The exterior's okay, but it doesn't floor you like the Escalade when you first see it (though I like the MB's rear a little better). As far as the interior, it's in keeping with the new MB interior design theme in all of it's cars. Nothing wrong with that; it looks fine. I'm happy to say that I think the Escalade's interior blows it away, and that's what counts. In a direct comparison, I think the Esalade trumps both this and the Range Rover.

[SingleStylish]

I am calling GM the winner for the first time EVER!!!! Edited December 9, 2005 by SingleStylish

[CSpec]

The M/G do have better door panels than the Escalade, and I like the electronic shifter, but overall the Escalade is superior.

[Polish_Kris]

What's the point of the M class and the R class then?

[BrewSwillis]

What's the point of the M class and the R class then?

[post="55787"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Cheaper. One is a crossover with carlike handling.

[Hudson]

Mercedes has 3 SUV's if you count the old G-wagon (which I think is still in production), and one crossover (not a truck).  They have a ton of cars if you count the little cars in Europe.

The Gelandewagen is still in production and will continue in production through the end of the decade.

The only model Mercedes-Benz doesn't sell in the US is the A-Class. All of the rest are offered in the US.

[sciguy_0504]

Didn't even notice the dull Escalade doors. Get some wood on there like the Lucerne has and get rid of that random silver spot in front of the passenger! I'm going with the Caddy, too. Wow...a GM interior that pretty much beats a Benz.

[BrewSwillis]

The Gelandewagen is still in production and will continue in production through the end of the decade.

The only model Mercedes-Benz doesn't sell in the US is the A-Class. All of the rest are offered in the US.

[post="55864"][/post]

Tell me where I can get one of these then:

[Flybrian]

Tell me where I can get one of these then:

[post="55889"][/post]

Its rumored that is coming here at some point, so don't count that out yet...

I wouldn't be surprised since Mercedes is all about dillution of its brand nowadays.

[OCcarnut]

Well, this vehicle would not normally have been on my shopping list, but thanks to recent decisions at Land Rover (Ford) about who their desired customer is, or more specifically who their desired customer isn't, this vehicle is NOW on my shopping list along with the Escalade (which looks better anyway) and my Rover will go back at lease end...I don't care what the Owner Loyalty bonus is.

[bobo]

The front of the passenger compartment does appear to be identical to the ML, which got a huge upgrade in the redesign. The ML lost the useless third row seats, so this is now the mommy-wagon version. The R-Class is lower and has slightly less off-road capabilities. I find the R-Class to be ugly inside and out. This thing looks decent.

[Hudson]

Tell me where I can get one of these then:

You're right...the B-Class (a larger derivative of the A-Class) is not offered in the US, yet. But it's expected.

[Polish_Kris]

Tell me where I can get one of these then:

[post="55889"][/post]

Canada...

Me and Ted already drove one, nice ride...