Benz launches full-size SUV

Mercedes-Benz has officially announced details of its first full-size SUV, the all-new GL-Class.

The full seven-seater premium off-roader is based on the marque's recently release M-Class, however, is (believe it or not!) a full class larger. At 5088mm long (width 1920mm, height 1840mm) it is barely smaller than the likes of Chevrolet's US-market Suburban!

Though initially (incorrectly) identified as the G-Class, the GL will be sold alongside Benz's European-built offroad stalwart. Unlike the G, the GL uses car-like unitary construction. It will be produced in the same Tuscaloosa, Alabama (USA) factory that currently builds its M-Class stablemate and echoes the smaller SUV in many areas of styling and layout.

The GL will be offered (internationally) with a choice of six and eight-cylinder diesel engines and eight-cylinder petrol mills all matched to the maker's ubiquitous seven-speed automatic transmission.

The GL's standard 4MATIC full-time four-wheel-drive system will be combined with a revised version of M-B's AIRMATIC air suspension. Australian delivery GLs (and it's coming Down Under fer-sure!) are likely to pick up the the Off-Road Pro dual-range transfer case, beefed up suspension and difflock engineering package as standard equipment.

safety levels are expected to set new standards in this class -- for both occupants and pedestrians. Mercedes will equip the Gl-class with PRE-SAFE and the full suite of driver aids (including TSA: Trailer Stability Assist) as well as myriad airbags and three-point belts for all seatring positions. The new vehicle is claimed to be friendly to pedestrians, cyclists and the like.

Base engine offering is set to be the 165kW/520Nm V6 turbodiesel recently debuted in the M-class and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Of interest to Aussie buyers will also be the new generation 420 CDI V8 diesel. It's power output is 225kW with maximum torque an eyewatering 700Nm!

Two v8 petrols are on the menu though we would expect m-B Oz to limit the choice to one. Most likely the new 5.5-litre, 285kW powerplant destined for the the ML 500.

No word on exact Australian spec. Suffice it to say, expect an impressive level of standard equipment including multi-zone THERMOTRONIC climate control system, leather, elaborate stereo/entertainment offerings and multi glass roof options.

The world premiere of the GL-Class will take place at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next month. US buyers will see the first GLs in their local M-B showrooms by March 2006 with European fans waiting until September 2006.

mercedes-Benz Australia says the GL-Class will arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2006. Engine line-up, standard specifications and pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s arrival Down Under.