If what we're hearing is that is that the GL does everything that
the R-Class does, but with more space, more power and more room, what's the point behind offering such closely overlapping models? Mercedes' research has determined that there's enough of a niche market to justify the existence of both vehicles; buyers of the R-Class are between 35 and 45 years of age who value agility and driving dynamics over ultimate luxury, comfort and off-roading ability. The target for the GL-Class is an older, wealthier audience of 45 to 55, for which comfort is the highest priority, and money is no issue.
As with the current G, you'll need deep pockets to get into the GL. Our prediction is that it's not going to be any cheaper than the current G-Class, which starts at $111,900 for the base G500 and rises to $152,450 for the G55 AMG.
The new GL combines the dynamics, modern technology and overall
architecture of the R and ML-Class with the original G's ultimate luxury and imposing road presence for an appealing exterior package, and in the eyes of the wealthy, this means there's an all-new status symbol on the block. On that note, also expect to see a high-performance AMG GL coming down the pike, powered by the new 6.3-litre V8 featured in the new ML63 AMG.
The new GL will make its debut in just a few days at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, headlining Mercedes-Benz's massive display before arriving in showrooms during the spring of 2006. Given the fact that the GL is built in the United States, the vehicle's target market, it comes as little surprise that it will arrive here first - the Europeans must wait until autumn before the first GLs cross the Atlantic.
Specifications:
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| V8 power is standard for North America - no six cylinder motor is powerful enough to shift the GL's titanic frame. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
As with the current G, you'll need deep pockets to get into the GL. Our prediction is that it's not going to be any cheaper than the current G-Class, which starts at $111,900 for the base G500 and rises to $152,450 for the G55 AMG.
The new GL combines the dynamics, modern technology and overall
 |
| Mercedes hopes you'll be buying the GL rather than any other full-size luxury ute, especially if you do a lot of towing, hauling, or carrying antique chests. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
The new GL will make its debut in just a few days at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, headlining Mercedes-Benz's massive display before arriving in showrooms during the spring of 2006. Given the fact that the GL is built in the United States, the vehicle's target market, it comes as little surprise that it will arrive here first - the Europeans must wait until autumn before the first GLs cross the Atlantic.
Specifications:
- Price Range (est MSRP): $110,000 - $150,000
- Body Type: 5-door SUV
- Layout: front engine, 4WD
- Engine (est): 335-hp, 339 lb-ft of torque, 4.6L, 32-valve DOHC V8
- Opt. Engine (est): 382-hp, 391 lb-ft of torque, 5.5L, 32-valve DOHC V8
- Transmission: 7-spd auto
- Seating Capacity: 5 or 7
- Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 5,088 / 1,920 / 1,840 / 3,075 mm (200.3 / 75.6 / 72.4 / 121.1 in)
- Cargo Volume (2nd row up/folded): 1,240 / 2,300 L (43.8 / 81.2 cu-ft)
- Ground Clearance (w/Off-Road Pro package): 307 mm (12.1 in)
- Competitors: Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Hummer H1 / H2, Infiniti QX56, Lincoln Navigator, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX 470, Porsche Cayenne Turbo
- Web Site: www.mercedes-benz.ca
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