A serious new player
It is one thing to introduce a new player in a segment and it is another to have this new product start right at the top of the chart. This is what Mercedes-Benz did with their all-new GL-Class. As if there was not previously a sufficiently large array of full-size SUVs on the market, this new Big Gun has already raised the bar in the $75,000 + range.
Up until just prior to the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the G-Class carried the title of flagship SUV. This vehicle, also known as the Geländewagen, first came into service in the 1970's as a military vehicule and found civilian duty in the late 70's. Since then, very little had physically changed with the G other than different wheels and exterior trim. The GL-Class was therefore necessary in order for Mercedes-Benz to offer something a little more modern and sophisticated to its buyers. As far as the famous G-Class in concerned, it should continue to be made available to discriminating purchasers for the near future.
Doing it right the first time.
The GL rides on a modified ML and R-Class chassis. In it, they bolted a DOHC 32-valve 4.6L V8. Its 335 hp and 339 lb/ft of torque are liberated and put to use through a 7-speed automatic transmission which is in turn mated to Mercedes' 4MATIC AWD system. Even though this five plus meter long vehicle weighs over 2,400 kg, it can still take down the 100 km/h mark in about 7,5 seconds. This covers the drivetrain. Any questions? Of course, the price to pay is consuming 16.5L per 100 km in mostly highway driving.
Next, Mercedes fitted huge 375 mm front and 330 mm rear discs. Over the brakes, they slapped on the required 18" wheels (20's are optional). They designed a fully independent suspension complete with air springs and front and rear stabilizer bars. They included necessary features such as downhill speed regulation and an electronic stability program with ABS
brakes and traction control. For those that live in urban areas, as most buyers of this truck will, Mercedes-Benz endowed the big SUV with speed sensitive steering with gearing that allows for a very tight turning radius of 12.1 meters.
A lazy personality
If you take a GL for a test drive, you will notice a few things. The first of which might be the way the transmission functions and the annoying dead spot when the throttle is first applied. From a standstill, the lot works marvelously. In a situation where you would need to briskly accelerate from 50 to 80 km/h, things do not go so marvelously. The pedal goes down but there is no immediate reaction from either the engine or the transmission. After a moments delay and further encouragement, the gearbox will kickdown a notch and then launch the GL forward.
In the drive column, the air-sprung suspension is hard to fault when it comes to comfort. On the other hand, any form of mildly spirited driving
will have you thinking twice about trying it again. The nose tends to dive or lift depending on the which pedal is being mashed and body-lean is prominent in a curve. Funny thing is that if you can overcome the impression that the truck is going to rollover at any moment, it actually handles the road with impressive tenacity. Steering is positive with good precision but with little feedback. The brakes are certainly up to the task; the pedal is firm and response is immediate.
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| Photo: Olivier Delorme |
Up until just prior to the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the G-Class carried the title of flagship SUV. This vehicle, also known as the Geländewagen, first came into service in the 1970's as a military vehicule and found civilian duty in the late 70's. Since then, very little had physically changed with the G other than different wheels and exterior trim. The GL-Class was therefore necessary in order for Mercedes-Benz to offer something a little more modern and sophisticated to its buyers. As far as the famous G-Class in concerned, it should continue to be made available to discriminating purchasers for the near future.
 |
| Photo: Olivier Delorme |
Doing it right the first time.
The GL rides on a modified ML and R-Class chassis. In it, they bolted a DOHC 32-valve 4.6L V8. Its 335 hp and 339 lb/ft of torque are liberated and put to use through a 7-speed automatic transmission which is in turn mated to Mercedes' 4MATIC AWD system. Even though this five plus meter long vehicle weighs over 2,400 kg, it can still take down the 100 km/h mark in about 7,5 seconds. This covers the drivetrain. Any questions? Of course, the price to pay is consuming 16.5L per 100 km in mostly highway driving.
Next, Mercedes fitted huge 375 mm front and 330 mm rear discs. Over the brakes, they slapped on the required 18" wheels (20's are optional). They designed a fully independent suspension complete with air springs and front and rear stabilizer bars. They included necessary features such as downhill speed regulation and an electronic stability program with ABS
 |
| Photo: Olivier Delorme |
A lazy personality
If you take a GL for a test drive, you will notice a few things. The first of which might be the way the transmission functions and the annoying dead spot when the throttle is first applied. From a standstill, the lot works marvelously. In a situation where you would need to briskly accelerate from 50 to 80 km/h, things do not go so marvelously. The pedal goes down but there is no immediate reaction from either the engine or the transmission. After a moments delay and further encouragement, the gearbox will kickdown a notch and then launch the GL forward.
In the drive column, the air-sprung suspension is hard to fault when it comes to comfort. On the other hand, any form of mildly spirited driving
 |
| Photo: Olivier Delorme |