Benz launches Gentle Giant

Mercedes-Benz has launched its biggest ever passenger SUV, the all-new GL-Class. And as if to underline the marque’s ‘Gentle Giant’ moniker for the full-size offroader, it debuted the vehicle at Queensland’s World Heritage listed Fraser Island.

Two versions of the monster-sized wagon will be marketed locally, the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel-equipped 320CDI and the 5.5-litre petrol V8-engined GL 500. Both engines are teamed up with the 7G-TRONIC automatic as standard.

The GL-Class features Benz’s 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system. And befitting its role as the marque’s “serious offroader”, the GL comes equipped with Mercedes’ Off-Road Pro engineering package as standard equipment.

Optional in most overseas markets, this comprises a two-speed transfer case with a low range ratio and 100 per cent differential locks for the centre and rear diffs. The GL’s AIRMATIC suspension system is also modified with maximum ground clearance a substantial 307mm.

Mercedes says the GL will also feature ESP Trailer Stabilisation for increased security when towing.

There’s nothing gentle about the GL’s dimensions (see below). It dwarfs the Range Rover and even Toyota’s off-road icon, the LandCruiser. Even the maker’s own ML is small in comparison.

                                  Wheelbase    Length        Width      Height
GL-Class                   3075              5088          1920        1860
ML-Class                    2915              4780          1911        1815 
Range Rover              2880              4972          2034        1902
Toyota LandCruiser     2850              4890          1940        1890 

The 320 CDI is expected to eventually make up the lion’s share of the 400 or so GLs to be sold in Australia each year. In the first year of sales, however, Mercedes says it’s likely petrol and diesel will account for half each.

Pricing for the premium offroader kicks off at $103,900 for the five-seat CDI with the comprehensively-equipped but still five-place GL 500 priced from $146,900. Seven-seater versions of both will be offered at additional cost.

Look out for CarPoint’s launch review of the new GL-Class next week.