If what we're hearing is that the GL is simply an R-Class with more room and more space, where's the real point? Mercedes is
using these very attributes to attract people to the R-Class. It turns out that there's enough of a niche market to justify creating it; buyers of the R-Class are between 35 and 45 years of age who value agility and driving dynamics over ultimate luxury and comfort, or for that matter off-road capability. The target for the new GL-Class is an older audience of 45 to 55, for which comfort is the highest priority - money no issue.
As with the current G, you'll need deep pockets to get into the GL. A good guess Is that it's not going to be any cheaper than the current model, starting at around 100,000 euro ($120,700 USD, $140,000 CAD). With all of that technology on board, the base engine will most likely be the 302-hp 5.0-litre V8, or possibly a newer V8 if one is released within time of the GL launch.
Expect the GL to make its debut sometime during the autumn of 2006 as a 2007 model year product, and the GL63 AMG to appear shortly thereafter.
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| The target for the new GL-Class is an older audience than that of the R-Class, comprising 45 to 55 year-old buyers for which comfort is the highest priority - money no issue. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
As with the current G, you'll need deep pockets to get into the GL. A good guess Is that it's not going to be any cheaper than the current model, starting at around 100,000 euro ($120,700 USD, $140,000 CAD). With all of that technology on board, the base engine will most likely be the 302-hp 5.0-litre V8, or possibly a newer V8 if one is released within time of the GL launch.
Expect the GL to make its debut sometime during the autumn of 2006 as a 2007 model year product, and the GL63 AMG to appear shortly thereafter.
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