2010 New Mercedes GL-Class Review
Many manufacturers have moved into the luxury 4x4 market, but not many do luxury like Mercedes. Take a look at the new Mercedes GL-Class, a new luxury off roader with a seven-seat capacity.
Packed with Mercedes technology the new GL-Class is the peak in off road luxury, standard features on all models include the Mercedes Pre-safe system, recognising when a collision or impact is inevitable, the Pre-safe system automatically closes the windows (if they are open) to avoid occupants or their limbs from being ejected through the aperture, seat belts pre-tension, the seats adjust to the most favourable position and air cushions within the seats inflate to give passengers the best protection. The Adaptive Brake System recognises the speed at which your foot is removed from the accelerator, dependant upon how rapid the foot is removed, this system will pre prime the braking system, pressure in the brake lines is increased and the brake linings are brought into light contact with the discs ensuring the bakes bite immediately when the brake pedal is used, flashing brake lights also warn drivers behind that the vehicle is decelerating rapidly. Direct Control steering has more direct steering and a retuned suspension package. Neck-Pro head restraints are also now a standard feature for the Mercedes E-Class, in the event of a rear end collision, pre tensioned springs release and move the front headrests forwards and upwards to protect the occupants from experiencing whiplash. 4Matic permanent four-wheel drive with an electronic stability programme, airMATIC air suspension and ADS adaptive damping all help to keep the GL-Class pointing in the right direction, regardless of weather conditions or if you are driving on tarmac or off road. Another bit of trickery to catch the eye are the two rearmost seats that fold flat into the floor, nothing new there you might say, but these do it electronically at the touch of a button and it is this sort of attention to detail that never fails to impress.
Although based on the M-Class chassis the GL-Class is substantially longer at a little over five metres, with this extra size comes extra weight and the engines on offer cope admirably, two diesels are offered and the 3.0 litre V6 that powers the GL 320 CDi has the smallest power output with 224 bhp, 0 - 62 mph is achieved in 9.5 seconds and the GL 320 CDi has a claimed top speed of 130 mph. The second diesel unit is the 306 bhp, 4.0 litre V8 that powers the GL 420 CDi, with a claimed top speed of 143 mph the GL 420 CDi can accelerate from 0 - 62 mph in 7.6 seconds. Top of the power chart is the 388 bhp, 5.5 litre petrol V8 that sits under the bonnet of the GL 500 with a claimed top speed of 140 mph the GL 500 glides you from 0 - 62 mph in 6.5 seconds. All new Mercedes GL-Class models transmit their power through the Mercedes 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic gearbox.
If you think big should not only be beautiful, but should be luxurious too, then Mercedes might just have made the perfect vehicle for you, the new Mercedes GL-Class.
Like the looks of the Mercedes GL-Class why not check out the BMW X5, the Land Rover Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport, the Mercedes M Class, the VW Touareg, the Volvo XC90, the Toyota Land cruiser or the Lexus RX 400H.
Finance your new Mercedes GL-Class on a PCP car loan work out your monthly payments using our Car Finance Payment Calculator.
