Mercedes-Benz Makes a Bigger ML: the GL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen (G-Class) is to Germans what the Hummer H1 Alpha is to Americans or the Land Rover Defender is to the British: a military vehicle turned into an ultimate off-roader. Like Land Rover, and to some extent Hummer (although the brand just hasnt been around long enough to truly compare) Mercedes-Benz has soldiered on with the G for decades - the three pointed star has kept with the design for over a quarter of a century and counting, with the occasional component update and configuration modification every now and then to keep it up to date including long wheelbase, short wheelbase soft top and AMG versions.

In recent years, a time period that included M-B finally bringing it to North America, the G-Class has won over a surprising number of new clients, hoisting it into the spotlight as an icon vehicle among the rich and famous, and garnering a surprising profit for Mercedes-Benz. Currently, amongst high-price SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade and Hummer H1 Alpha, it commands respect from movie stars, rappers, and well-off business people, 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 to replace the vastly hand-built G-Class; something thats 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.

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 wont be an outright replacement, rather, it will be like a bigger and more luxurious 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 Mercs 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. Its akin to its siblings in that it will use a monocoque structure for greater rigidity and a lower center 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.

To keep its upper-crust image, the GL will most likely offer top-tier ML options as standard, such as the highest grade stereo system, advanced navigation system and many other luxury and safety features.

It will also be advanced technically, utilizing the two-speed transfer case from the MLs Off-Road package with beefier suspension components, but even with these add-ons it wont be much better off-road due to its size. Insiders report that the GL-Class is a full 30 cm longer than the ML, not to mention its extra width, height, and more importantly, girth. All things considered, the new GL-Class will probably be just as wide and heavy, if not more than the old G; not necessarily ideal for sneaking through wooded lots or running up rocky canyons due to a high risk of getting hung up on a rut or stuck if underpinned by an independent suspension system.

With all of that extra space, the GL is bound to be a proper seven- or eight-seater vehicle with plenty of room for all passengers; MB has already shown that six can ride in comfort with the R-Class. Its rumored that the GL will also be more versatile than the R, featuring bench or bucket seats that fold into the floor to create an empty, flat loading floor. With a boxier and more upright body, its expected that the GL will trump all other Benzes in terms of roominess and useable space. In fact, it may even outclass some minivans.

If what were hearing is that the GL is simply an R-Class with more room and more space, wheres the real point? Mercedes is using these very attributes to attract people to the R-Class. It turns out that theres 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, youll need deep pockets to get into the GL. A good guess Is that its not going to be any cheaper than the current model, starting at around 100,000 euro ($120,700 USD). With all of that technology on board, the base engine will most likely be the 302-hp 5.0-liter 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.