2006 Mercedes Review

Specifications

Functionality Meets Upper-Class Luxury in the All-New GL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen (G-Class) is to the Germans, what the Hummer H1 is to North Americans, or for that matter, what the Land Rover Defender is to the British. GL translates into “ultimate off-roader” and the pride of each countrys military ground forces.

Like Hummer or Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz has stuck with the G for over a quarter of a century and counting, with only the occasional component upgrade every now and then to keep it up to date, including the addition of long-wheelbase, short-wheelbase, soft-top and AMG versions.

In recent years, since it was officially introduced into the North American market especially (gray market versions are everywhere), the G-Class has won over a surprising number of new clients, bringing it back into the spotlight as a rolling icon of wealth and status, and appropriately one of surprising profit for Mercedes-Benz. Currently, amongst high-price SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade or Hummer H1, the G commands total respect from movie stars, rappers, well-off investors, all while continuing to serve more utilitarian needs such as those of the Red Cross, and even the Canadian Army - sans leather, wood, DVD entertainment system and 20-inch wheels of course (see automotive news in this website for July 16, 2004: Department of National Defense Adds More Mercedes G Wagons to Canadian Armed Forces).

While the need for Mercedes-Benz to develop a rock-climber is debatable in the new millennium, there is no doubt that the 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, not necessarily to replace the vastly hand-built G-Class, but at least something that is sleeker, more stylish, and ultimately a better representation of Benz in the 21st century than the current heavy-weight brick, that hasnt merely endured the winds of change but rather blasted right through them, which will continue to be sold alongside it.

So, with Benzs latest creation not being an outright replacement for the current G-Class, in purpose or spirit, it will certainly be capable off-road and miles more enjoyable on pavement, kind of like a bigger and more luxurious ML. To avoid the risk of offending G-Wagen fanatics and worse yet, confusing an already overwhelmed luxury SUV buyer, it will be called the GL-Class. The old G-Class will continue to remain in production in Graz, Austria and surprisingly enough, will receive a freshening for 2006. It will return to being a specialty vehicle with limited availability as per its engineers original intentions.
 
As was noted, the GL is essentially a larger version of the ML. In fact, its XXL-sized at 200.3 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, 72.4 inches tall, and riding on a stretched 121.1 inch wheelbase, which currently makes it the largest member of Mercs modern off-roading family platform, that also serves as the foundation for the R-Class luxury crossover vehicle. For comparison, thats a massive 14.7 inches longer than the original G-Class, nearly 5 inches larger than the full-size Range Rover and 1.4 inches longer than the regular wheelbase Escalade. In other words, this is a very, very large vehicle.

Like the others, the new GL will be built in Mercedes Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant, the sole production facility to produce it. The GL is akin to its siblings in that it will use a monocoque frame for greater rigidity and a lower center of gravity, electronically controlled air springs and dampers on an independent front and rear suspension system, speed-sensitive power steering as well as electronically controlled 4ETS four-wheel drive.

To keep its upper-crust image, the GL offers all the same luxuries and top-tier features as the most expensive Mercs. Only the finest materials and equipment make the cut, including the latest variation of the brands COMAND multimedia/navigation system as well as the Mercedes best sound systems. Benzs latest Thermotronic climate control ensures consistent temperatures throughout the vehicle - no matter the weather outside, while an optional panoramic roof provides natural light to the spacious cabin. Standing up to Benzs safety cachet, this premium SUV offers the new Pre-Safe system that includes seatbelt pretensioners and adaptive belts, as well front, side and full-length curtain airbags, plus much more.

Although the GL is all about maximizing on-road performance, as mentioned its off-road characteristics havent been neglected. Of course it wont be as accomplished at sneaking through an off-road trail or climbing a rocky canyon path as the veteran G-Wagen, as its larger, wider and has a heavier curb weight, but it should still be able to navigate the wilderness with German efficiency, especially if equipped with the optional Off-Road Pro package.

Included in this bundle is a two-speed transfer case complete with low-range and 100 percent locking differentials, while the standard air suspension is upgraded to deal with more treacherous conditions. With the off-road kit in place, Benz claims a mighty 12.1 inches of ground clearance is available, which allows for 23.6 inches of water to be forded.

With all of that extra space, the GL can be ordered with five or seven seats. As with the R-Class, all occupants ride in absolute comfort, with a minimum of 38.5 inches of headroom for passengers. If seven passengers arent onboard, the rearmost row has electrical folding seats that make it possible to carry up to 43.8 cu-ft of cargo, which can be expanded to a maximum of 81.2 cu-ft. The flat-sided bay and expansive cabin mean that objects in excess of 6.6 feet in length can be carried - handy for hauling everything from plywood to armoires. Though hard to believe, Mercedes-Benz has actually trumped the R-Class for practicality and useable space.

Upon its launch, Mercedes has announced four versions of the GL, the GL320 CDI and GL420 CDI, both powered with the latest generation common-rail turbodiesel technology. Theyre the most logical engine choices as up to 515 lb-ft of torque and the traditional diesel efficiency are offered, all while being as quiet and clean as even the most refined gasoline motors. Unlike Europe where diesel is king, we must make due with the GL450 and GL500, both powered by all-new V8 engines. Launched with the new S-Class, this ultra-modern engine family provides top-tier performance while meeting US LEV-II emissions standards. Both the smaller 335-hp 4.6-liter V8 and the 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 feature Benzs 7-G Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox.

If what were hearing is that is that the GL does everything that the R-Class does, but with more space, more power and more room, whats the point behind offering such closely overlapping models? Mercedes research has determined that theres enough of a niche market to justify the existence of both vehicles; buyers of the R-Class are between 35 and 45 years of age who value agility and driving dynamics over ultimate luxury, comfort and off-roading ability. The target for the GL-Class is an older, wealthier audience of 45 to 55, for which comfort is the highest priority, and money is no issue.

As with the current G, youll need deep pockets to get into the GL. Our prediction is that its not going to be any cheaper than the current G-Class, which starts at $78,900 for the base G500 Grand Edition (theres no regular G500 this year) and rises to $104,500 for the G55 AMG Grand Edition (ditto).

The new GL combines the dynamics, modern technology and overall architecture of the R and ML-Class with the original Gs ultimate luxury and imposing road presence for an appealing exterior package, and in the eyes of the wealthy, this means theres an all-new status symbol on the block. On that note, also expect to see a high-performance AMG GL coming down the pike, powered by the new 6.3-liter V8 featured in the new ML63 AMG.

The new GL will make its debut in just a few days at this years North American International Auto Show in Detroit, headlining Mercedes-Benzs massive display before arriving in showrooms during the spring of 2006. Given the fact that the GL is built in the United States, the vehicles target market, it comes as little surprise that it will arrive here first - the Europeans must wait until autumn before the first GLs cross the Atlantic.