AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
BRUCE HUBBARD
At the recent
2012 New York International Auto show Mercedes-Benz showed off many amazing
automobiles including the newest version of the GL. This is the first major
redesign since first being introduced in 2006.
Comfort,
safety, elegance, efficiency - the all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is the
leading luxury full-size SUV according to the Mercedes-Benz people. The new GL
has innovations like standard COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA), Crosswind
Stabilization, self-leveling air suspension and electromechanical steering all
increase active safety. Also new are assistance systems like Active Lane
Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, as well as PARKTRONIC with Active
Parking Assist and the Surround View camera. These systems are a real plus for a luxury SUV.
With Mercedes
performance and ride characteristics both on-road and in rugged terrain, the
GL-Class cradles its occupants with the first-class comfort of a luxurious
sedan. The all-new GL is perfect for large families with ample space for up to
seven passengers, while a host of efficiency measures delivers a substantial
improvement in fuel economy.
The 2013
GL-Class goes on sale in the U.S. in September 2012.
The GL shares some
features with the shorter M-Class.
Its balanced
proportions (length 201.6 inches, width 84.3 inches, height 72.8 inches) and
generous wheelbase (121 inches) reaffirm the on-road comfort of this vehicle.
At the same time, the short overhangs front and rear, as well as substantial
ground clearance are clear indications of its off-road capabilities.
The redesigned
GL still has the familiar shape of the previous model. The roofline just like the body is
close to the previous models. The new design is approximately ½ inch wider.
The typically
high SUV waistline with a distinctive chrome strip, the dynamic sweep of the
character line and the chrome edging around the windows all add to the refined
look of the all-new GL. The standard wheels on the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 are
19-inch twin five-spoke alloys, while the GL550 comes with 21-inch AMG twin
5-spoke wheels. 20-inch 10-spoke alloys are available as options on the GL350
BlueTEC and GL450.
Split LED
taillight clusters feature light guide technology, and a large roof spoiler and
bumper in the modern "wing" design with a large chrome skidplate
complete the impressive exterior.
For GL
customers who value a more sporty, dynamic look, illuminated brushed aluminum
running boards are standard on the GL550 and available as an option for the
GL350 BlueTEC and GL450. Also available for the GL450 is the Appearance package
with 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, illuminated running boards and dual
chrome-tipped exhaust outlets.
The GL has a
dynamic and elegant interior architecture, fine materials and lots of attention
to detail, perfect ergonomics and generous amounts of space - the interior of
the GL-Class conveys Mercedes-Benz's characteristic first-class ambience. Large
trim pieces in fine wood finish, operating controls in silver chrome, and
upholstery in MB-Tex with contrasting stitching reaffirm the overall premium
feel of the GL's interior.
The seating
offers plenty of space for seven in a 2-3-2 layout. Compared with the previous
model, occupants have more shoulder, elbow and headroom on all three seating
rows. Electric operation of the third row is a standard feature. A new option
is the Power EASY-ENTRY system for access to the third seat row. The second-row
bench offers a wide range of positioning options for even more interior versatility,
including rear-seat recline and a 60/40 split for optimizing the luggage area,
which has a load volume ranging from 16 to 94 cubic feet.
The dashboard
design emphasizes the width of the interior. The modern instrument cluster
boasts a premium look-and-feel with two clearly designed and easy-to-read dials
and a large 4.5-inch photo-quality color display between them. The top of the
dashboard is dominated by a large central color screen for the infotainment
system. The operating and display concept is extremely userfriendly, with the
controller now located on the center console. It has a fine metal finish and
offers intuitive and simple operation of infotainment, navigation and
communication systems. Standard equipment includes a multifunction steering
wheel in premium leather with gearshift controls and 12 multi-function buttons.
Beneath the
center armrest with integrated hand support is a large stowage bin and, in
front of it, the controls and switches for functions such as the AIRMATIC air
suspension and the COMAND system. Included here are two cup holders with a
premium wood retractable cover. The dashboard trim elements carry into the door
trim panels, which feature distinctive stitching. The doormounted seat controls
and handle are arranged in typical Mercedes fashion.
For further
improved safety and driver alertness in the new GL-Class there are a wide range
of assistance systems. Standard equipment includes the usual array of stability
control features ESP®, ASR, ABS and the PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant safety
system, and also introduces for the first time as standard COLLISION PREVENTION
ASSIST (CPA) and ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness detection. The radar-based
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST operates at speeds between 20 and 155 mph and recognizes
when the distance to the vehicle in front is decreasing. It can also recognize
stationary objects. If there is an imminent risk of a collision, the system
emits a visual and acoustic warning to alert the driver and prepares Brake
Assist for the most immediate possible braking response, which is initiated as
soon as the driver applies the brakes.
The system
takes into account specific driving conditions such as bumper-tobumper traffic
and adapts accordingly, calculating optimum brake pressure and adjusting it up
or down as the situation changes - i.e. if the vehicle ahead accelerates, or if
the distance to moving and stopping vehicles decreases. It calculates the
precise braking force required to avoid an accident and makes best possible use
of any distance remaining to minimize the risk of impact from the vehicle
behind.
Another
innovation and highlight in the new GL is the standard Crosswind Stabilization
system, which assists the driver with targeted brake impulses in the event of
strong crosswinds to deliver enhanced safety and vehicle control.
The optional
Driver Assistance package includes DISTRONIC PLUS and PRESAFE® brake with
autonomous braking function to optimize safety in certain dangerous situations.
The package also comes with Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot
Assist. The Parking Assist package for the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 features
PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist for automatic maneuvering in and out of
parallel parking spots, plus the new surround view camera. It uses image data
from four cameras at the front and rear of the vehicle and in the exterior
mirror casings to calculate a bird's eye view of the vehicle and its
surroundings, and shows this and other perspectives on the large COMAND
display. Also available for the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 is the Lighting
package, which includes Bi-xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination &
Corner Illuminating Lamps, a headlamp cleaning system and Adaptive Highbeam
Assist. The equipment in the Parking Assist and Lighting packages is standard
for the GL550.
Together with
the "electronic crumple zones" provided by the assistance systems and
the intelligent bodyshell design, the passive occupant protection systems
provide the highest possible level of protection. Adaptive, two-stage airbags
for driver and front seat passenger, driver side knee airbag, front & rear
side airbags and window curtain airbags across all three seating rows are all
standard equipment, while all seven seats are fitted with three-point safety
belts. Pyrotechnic pre-tensioners, constant belt force limiters and
electrically reversible pre-tensioners are all standard on the front seats,
while the outboard seats on the middle row and the individual third-row seats
are fitted with pre-tensioners and single-stage belt force limiters.
All three of
the engines in the new GL lineup deliver outstanding performance paired with
excellent efficiency.
Model
|
cyl.
|
cm3
|
hp @ rpm
|
lb-ft @ rpm
|
0-60
mph (s) |
top speed
mph |
GL350
BlueTEC |
6 turbo
|
2,987
|
240 @ 3,600
|
455 @
1,600-2,400 |
8.3 (est.)
|
130
|
GL450
|
8 turbo
|
4,663
|
362 @
5,000-6000 |
406 @
1,500-4,000 |
6.2 (est.)
|
130
|
GL550
|
8 turbo
|
4,663
|
429 @ 5,250
|
516 @
1,800-3,500 |
5.5 (est.)
|
130
|
The
extensively re-engineered V6 under the hood of the new GL350 BlueTEC generates
240 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque, marking an increase of 30 hp and 55 lb-ft over
the outgoing model. SCR technology and AdBlue® injection place it well within
emissions requirements across all 50 states. Supremely fuel efficient, it
offers astonishing range on a single tank, paired with excellent pulling power
from very low revs.
The twin-turbo
direct-injection V8 motor in the best-selling GL450 is an outstanding
combination of performance and efficiency. With 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque,
it offers 27 hp and 67 lb-ft more than its predecessor. This added power and
higher peak torque delivered over a wider rev range deliver all the
prerequisites for relaxed long-distance cruising, as well as the versatility
and responsiveness to deal with a wide variety of day-to-day activities.
At the top of
the list, the GL550 now comes with a direct-injection twin-turbo 429 hp engine
with a mighty 516 lb-ft of peak torque. While the extra 47 hp brings even more
performance to this supremely refined full-size SUV, it is the added 125 lb-ft
of peak torque that truly make themselves felt, in terms of off the line
performance and the ability of the GL550 to handle heavy loads with ease.
Alongside state-of-the-art engine technology, all three engines are equipped
with extensive efficiency measures like direct-injection and paired with the
new seven-speed automatic transmission. Intelligent alternator management keeps
fuel consumption down, as does the electromechanical steering, the optimized
belt drive with decoupler, the intelligent demand-based control of all
auxiliary equipment and pumps. A key feature of the GL350 BlueTEC is also the
SCR exhaust system optimized for airflow and back pressure.
The front and
rear suspension links, as well as the hood and fenders are made from
lightweight and tough aluminum alloy. Further weight reduction was achieved
with the new acoustic front windshield, the magnesium transverse mount
supporting the dashboard, the BlueTEC system with SCR technology and components
such as the new electromechanical steering, electric parking brake, polymer
engine mounts and the aluminum brake servo unit. These weight reduction
measures increase the agility of the full-size SUV while at the same time
reducing fuel consumption.
Relaxed, safe
driving under all possible conditions both on-road and off-road is one of the
strengths of the new GL-Class. NVH characteristics (Noise, Vibration and
Harshness) are particularly impressive and on par with the S-Class. The
foundation for the high comfort level is the extremely stiff bodyshell, an
optimized driveline, improved chassis, aeroacoustic refinement and the
intelligent application of new kinds of insulation. Excellent agility, dynamic
onroad handling and outstanding off-road capabilities have long been among the
benefits of the GL-Class. Standard equipment includes the AIRMATIC full air
suspension system with self-leveling function. AIRMATIC delivers outstanding
comfort paired with considerably improved stability. It compensates for all
manner of driving conditions with features such as crosswind stabilization and
the self-leveling function. The optional Active Curve System works at the front
and rear axles with active anti-roll bars to compensate for body roll during
cornering, delivering a considerable boost to agility and driver involvement.
Added stability, further improved comfort and enhanced off-road capabilities
are further attributes of the Active Curve System.
The GL is also
superbly equipped for trips off of the asphalt. In addition to 4MATIC permanent
all-wheel drive, standard equipment includes a hill start assistant, and
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR). The On- and Off-Road package, available as an
option for the GL450 and GL550, enhances handling and safety with six programs,
delivering optimum driveline control across the most diverse conditions on the
road and on rugged terrain. On the hardware side, the On- and Off-Road package
incorporates a skidplate, a two-stage transfer case with reduction gearing, a
longitudinal differential lock and expanded AIRMATIC functions that deliver
ground clearance of 12 inches and a wading depth of 23.6 inches.
Extensive
standard equipment, individual equipment packages and an attractive range of
paint finishes and premium interior appointments define the look of the new
GL-Class. It comes to the U.S. market in three model variants, the GL350
BlueTEC with a V6 diesel, the GL450 and GL550 V8 biturbo gasoline versions.
The
comprehensive list of standard equipment has been significantly expanded in
comparison with the previous model. It incorporates safety features such as
ATTENTION ASSIST, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST and Crosswind Stabilization.
Comfort details like the power liftgate, an electric power/tilt sliding glass
sunroof, MB-Tex upholstery with perforated surface finish and heated 8-way
power front seats with driver 4-way lumbar support are also standard, as is the
COMAND system with central controller.
The Premium 1
package for the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 includes the iPod/MP3 media interface, hard-drive
navigation and voice control, satellite radio and multi-color ambient lighting
with illuminated door sills, and memory function for the front seats. The
Premium 2 package adds the harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system,
KEYLESS-GO and softclose doors. Further packages available for the GL350
BlueTEC and GL450 are the Lighting package, the Parking Assist package, the
Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. The GL450
also offers the Appearance package with 20-inch 10-spoke wheels, illuminated
running boards and dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets.
The GL550 has
an array of standard equipment that also includes driver and passenger
multi-contour seats with massage function and active ventilation, 3-zone
automatic climate control and rear air conditioning, an iPod/MP3 media
interface, hard-drive navigation and voice control, the harman/kardon LOGIC7®
surround-sound system, satellite radio, multi-color ambient lighting,
KEYLESS-GO, soft-close doors, PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist, Bi-xenon
headlamps with Active Curve Illumination and Corner Illuminating Lamps and
illuminated brushed aluminum running boards. Its safety equipment is further
enhanced by Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist
and Surround View.
The Driver
Assistance package is available for all three models, while the On- and
Off-road package can be selected for the GL450 and GL550. A further array of
standalone and special order options is available for all three models. A fine
choice of flat and metallic paint finishes spans from Black and Arctic White,
to Cinnabar Red, Obsidian Black, Steel Grey, Iridium Silver, Pearl Beige,
Dakota Brown, Diamond White and Lunar Blue.
Inside, the
GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 are fitted with Eucalyptus wood trim as standard, while
the GL550 comes with Burl Walnut. MB-Tex upholstery is offered in Black, Almond
Beige or Grey, with genuine leather in a choice of Black, Almond Beige or Grey.
designo upholstery with DINAMICA headliner as well as designo Black Piano
Lacquer Wood Trim and a designo wood/leather multifunction steering wheel are
optionally available.
From
our first impressions this is another superb SUV from Mercedes-Benz. Cannot wait to take it through fire trails and some extreme terrain.
BRUCE
HUBBARD
AUTO
ADVISOR GROUP
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