Load ‘em in, mums and dads; Mercedes-Benz has answered the prayers of those who find the ML-Class’ interior space insufficient by releasing a new, seven-seater, GL-Class SUV.

By Sudhir Matai
Load ‘em in, mums and dads; Mercedes-Benz has answered the prayers of those who find the ML-Class’ interior space insufficient by releasing a new, seven-seater, GL-Class SUV. The newcomer will be the third model series to be built at Mercedes’ Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama, alongside the ML-Class and R-Class.
In the looks department, many will be thinking “ML-Class…only bigger”, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. The GL certainly looks imposing being 5 088 mm long, 1 920 mm wide and a towering 1 840 mm high, but somehow still manages to fit within the confines of a regulation garage. The model maintains some of the ML’s styling cues with angular features such as the headlamp and window treatments married to a sweeping, smooth-skinned frame, but overall the GL seems to look a tad elongated.
There certainly isn’t any legendary G-Wagen DNA in the looks of the GL-Class, but Mercedes claim that the newcomer’s off-road ability will not pale in comparison to that of its boxy cousin.
The GL-Class makes its green-laning intentions clear by fitting the Off-Road Pro engineering package as standard. This package includes modifications to the standard fitted Airmatic air suspension allowing for a ground clearance height of 307 mm, 100 per cent differential locks for both the rear axle and the two-speed transfer case with low range.
On the launch route we put the GLs through their paces among the dunes in the Mossel Bay beach area. With ride heights increased, centre diff’s engaged and ESP switched off, we headed onto the powdery stuff. Annoyingly, even in the off-road scenario, once the vehicle had been switched off and then restarted, all the systems had to be re-engaged as they revert to the standard settings.
While acquitting itself well, especially considering that it weighs the better part of 2,5-tons there was the odd occasion when our convoy’s progress was halted by bogged vehicle. Sand driving is never an easy task, and requires both a skilled driver and the right equipment, and I suspect that the road-biased Michelin rubber on the launch models wasn’t ideal for the task.
The assault of off-road aiding acronyms continues with the standard inclusion of such features as the Adaptive Damper System (ADS), Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), which happens to work extremely well, provided you use it with absolute faith, hill start assist and off road ABS. The ESP also gets an upgrade to feature Trailer Stabilisation, which precisely applies the brakes while the Airmatic system maintains fully automatic level adjustment to ensure that the trailer (containing Imogen’s pony, good heavens!) does not become a driving hazard. The ESP and ETS systems have been adapted to this model’s all-wheel drive system.
Power is supplied by a 156 kW 3,2 litre common rail diesel in the GL 320 CDI and the newly developed 285 kW five-litre V8 in the GL 500; an engine that has already seen good service in the latest S-Class. Both units will have Mercedes’ seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission fitted as standard.
Power from both units is impressive with a good spread of usable torque on hand for those off-road situations that require gentle throttle inputs. On the open road, the diesel mill and 100-litre fuel tank combo is said to be good for a 1 000-km range. On the national highway both models exhibit absolutely no hint as to their mass as they amble along at the national limit and more, with plenty in reserve. And from the driver’s seat one could be easily forgiven for thinking you were behind the wheel of an ML-class, at least until you decide to manoeuvre the behemoth around.
The much of the GL-Class’ interior features will receive a nod of recognition from those familiar with the ML-Class. The big change is the inclusion of a third row of full-sized seats providing a reasonable 819 mm of legroom and 979 mm headroom for the occupants. Luckily, the full size third row seats do not have to be manhandled in and out of place; a push of a button is all that’s needed to electrically unfold/fold them flat into the cabin floor.
Those relegated to the rear will be pleased to see the standard inclusion of a fixed glass roof above their heads while the Thermotronic climate control system will cool what can often be somewhat stuffy accommodation. The rear most windows too, are able to open, but not in the traditional wind-down manner, but simply pop sideways. With the rear seats stowed, luggage capacity stands at a fairly practical 1 240 dm³ in the 2 128 mm long load compartment. This capacity can swell to 2 300 dm³ with all the passenger seats folded or dwindle to just 300 dm³ in seven-seater configuration; just enough for small squashy luggage/pets.
The GL-Class also introduces Mercedes’ Presafe to the segment; the most notable feature of which is its ability to network active and passive safety features with one another. In potential accident situations, it effectively gives a momentary heads-up to passive safety features courtesy of sensors in dynamic control systems such as the 4ESP.
An army of airbags (adaptive two-stage front and side airbags for those up front, side airbags for the middle row and window bags running the length of the cabin) combines with three-point seat belts all around and Neck-pro crash-responsive head restraints for the front occupants adding to the arsenal of passenger protection features. Pedestrian safety is addressed by impact zones designed to yield thanks to ample crush space between the bodywork and the hard stuff it conceals.
Prices for the GL-Class will range from R675 000 for the GL 320 CDI to R770 000 for the range-topping GL 500, which includes a maintenance plan and 24 hour roadside assistance.
Is there a real need for a 7-seater ML?? Well, Mercedes’ order book would suggest so. With the brand already struggling to satisfy demand for the ML, many potential buyers have “upgraded” to the larger GL, and according the Merc, these too have a waiting list.

Original article from Car