While the need for Mercedes-Benz to develop a rock-climber is debatable in the new millennium, there is no doubt that the
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| The new GL is sleeker, more stylish, and ultimately a better representation of Benz in the 21st century than the current heavy-weight brick. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
three-pointed star sees continued opportunity with high-end luxury sport utility vehicles. The brand wants to cash in on this by creating a new top of the line vehicle to replace the vastly hand-built G-Class; something that's sleeker, more stylish, and ultimately a better representation of Benz in the 21st century than the current heavy-weight brick, that hasn't merely endured the winds of change but rather blasted right through them.
The idea of a modern G-Class has been discussed before, but does the new GL really replace the old 4x4. Not anymore, at least. Thanks to a collective outcry from G-Wagen fans the new SUV won't be an outright replacement, rather, it will be like a bigger and more luxurious
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| The GL is essentially a larger version of the ML, and belongs to a new family which utilizes Merc's modern off-roading platform that also serves as the foundation of the R-Class. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
ML. To avoid the risk of offending G-Wagen fanatics, it will be called the GL-Class. The old G-Class will remain in production, a specialty vehicle with limited sales availability as per its original intentions.
As was noted, the GL is essentially a larger version of the ML. It belongs to a new family which utilizes Merc's modern off-roading platform that serves as the foundation of the R-Class luxury crossover vehicle. Like the others, the new GL will be built in Mercedes' Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant. It's akin to its siblings in that it will use a monocoque structure for greater rigidity and a lower centre of gravity compared to a body on frame configuration, plus air springs and dampers on an independent front and rear suspension, as well as electronically controlled 4ETS four wheel drive. Blasphemy? To the uneducated (or the impartial) it sounds a lot like the Range Rover imitator.
