Although the GL is all about maximizing on-road performance,
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| While the G-Class could probably climb that cliff face, the GL is more of an 'all terrain' vehicle. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
as mentioned its off-road characteristics haven't been neglected. Of course it won't be as accomplished at sneaking through an off-road trail or climbing a rocky canyon path as the veteran G-Wagen, as it's larger, wider and has a heavier curb weight, but it should still be able to navigate the wilderness with German efficiency, especially if equipped with the optional Off-Road Pro package.
Included in this bundle is a two-speed transfer case complete with low-range and 100 percent locking differentials, while the standard air suspension is upgraded to deal with more treacherous conditions. With the off-road kit in place, Benz claims a mighty 307 mm (12.1 inches) of ground clearance is available, which allows for 600 mm (23.6 inches) of water to be forded.
With all of that extra space, the GL can be ordered with five or seven seats. As with the R-Class, all occupants ride in absolute comfort, with a
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| The GL is built with the finest materials that Benz has to offer. It does look a lot like its smaller brother, the ML, though. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
minimum of 979 mm (38.5 inches) of headroom for passengers. If seven passengers aren't onboard, the rearmost row has electrical folding seats that make it possible to carry up to 1,240L (43.8 cu-ft) of cargo, which can be expanded to a maximum of 2,300 litres (81.2 cu-ft). The flat-sided bay and expansive cabin mean that objects in excess of 2 metres (6.6 feet) in length can be carried - handy for hauling everything from plywood to armoires. Though hard to believe, Mercedes-Benz has actually trumped the R-Class for practicality and useable space.
Upon its launch, Mercedes has announced four versions of the GL,
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| If you need space, the GL can seat seven in comfort. If you need cargo space, the GL accommodatest too - just fold down the rear seats and a gargantuan 2,300 litres of space appears. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
the GL320 CDI and GL420 CDI, both powered with the latest generation common-rail turbodiesel technology. They're the most logical engine choices as up to 515 lb-ft of torque and the traditional diesel efficiency are offered, all while being as quiet and clean as even the most refined gasoline motors. Unlike Europe where diesel is king, we must make due with the GL450 and GL500, both powered by all-new V8 engines. Launched with the new S-Class, this ultra-modern engine family provides top-tier performance while meeting US LEV-II emissions standards. Both the smaller 335-hp 4.6-litre V8 and the 382-hp 5.5-litre V8 feature Benz's 7-G Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox.
