Hello GL, goodbye R-class

The arrival of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV in Australia could signal the end for the oddball R-Class people-mover here.

Launched at the New York show last April and assessed in detail by motoring.com.au in August, the new GL is due on sale in Australia next April.

It will come as a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6-powered GL350 Bluetec – which will be easily the biggest seller - and twin-turbo petrol V8-equipped GL500 BlueEfficency. Topping the range will be the GL63 AMG with its 5.5-litre bi-turbo petrol V8. The 4.0-litre V8 turbo-diesel has been dropped.

Mercedes-Benz Australia plans to introduce the seven-seat full-size SUV at roughly the same pries as the outgoing GL, but with significant equipment updates.

That means a price before on-road costs around $120,000 for the 350 and $170,000 for the 500. The AMG is a new model and will be priced beyond $200,000.

Given Australia’s SUV obsession, MBA is hopeful of an increase in sales from the first generation’s average of around 30 per month since its late 2006 launch. Primary competition will be the Audi Q7, Land Rover’s forthcoming fourth-generation Range Rover and the top-spec Toyota LandCruiser and its Lexus LX spin-off.

Considering the R-Class fulfils a similar seven-seat function in the Benz range, is cheaper yet less popular and has no sign of an international future beyond the current first generation, it’s no real surprise that GL might trigger its early demise in Australia.

“The replacement for the R-Class is unknown at this stage so for people … who want seven seats in a Mercedes-Benz the GL is a natural choice,” said Mercedes-Benz spokesman Jerry Stamoulis.

“The difference between GL and the R-class is this is a genuine seven-seater. It has more space than a long-wheelbase R-Class,” he said.

Mr Stamoulis said MBA would sell the GL and R-Class alongside each other initially, and then assess the situation.

Of course, Benz also offers the Valente and Viano people-movers but they are true van-style vehicles and tend to appeal to a different type of customer.

As the GL is dubbed the S-Class of SUVs - a reference to Benz’s flagship luxury saloon - it’s no surprise MBA plans to stock it with plenty of comfort and safety equipment.

That list will include power operation of seats in all three rows (including memory up-front), full leather interior, a sunroof and driver assist systems including attention assist, collision prevention assist, cross-wind assist, 360-degree parking camera and active parking assist, Comand online multimedia, Keyless Go and Bluetooth and a powered tailgate. Active Curve – which reduces cornering bodyroll - is optional on the 350 and standard on the 500.

Another GL sales feature is its 3500kg towing capacity, while it can carry up to 2300 litres of luggage with rows two and three folded.

Built in the USA at the Tuscaloosa plant, the GL is primarily aimed at the US market and is sized like it.

Developed from the mid-size ML’s monocoque platform, it is 5120mm long, 1934mm wide (including mirrors), 1850mm high and rides on a 3075mm wheelbase. Minimum kerb weight varies depending on the methodology applied (with or without fuel, driver etc), but it is at least 2350kg. Benz proudly claims a 90kg weight reduction compared to the original.

The 190kW/620Nm diesel is Euro 6 emissions compliant, achieves 7.9L/100km and accelerates to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds. The 320kW/700Nm GL500 manages 11.5L/100km and 5.4 seconds. The 410kW/760Nm AMG rips to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds and officially averages 12.3/100km.

GL rolls on Airmatic air suspension with multi-mode adaptive dampers, which are new for this generation. Both an AMG Sport pack with bigger brakes and wheels and an off-road pack with low-range gearing will be optional, although MBA expects infinitesimal take-up of the latter.

The GL will form only a small part of a massive product roll-out for Benz in Australia over the next 12 months, with a slew of significant launches planned. They include:

December: C250 Sport
December: CLS Shooting Brake
March: A-Class new generation
April: GL new generation
April: CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake
June: E-Class mid-life update
September: E63 AMG midlife update
September: A45 AMG new model
September: E-Class coupe/cabrio midlife update
Quarter 4: S-Class new generation
Quarter 4: CLA new model

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