Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC 2013 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $129,900
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): N/A
Crash rating: Five-star (EuroNCAP)
Fuel: Diesel
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 7.2
CO2 emissions (g/km): 199
Also consider:Land Rover Range Rover (from $104,900); Lexus LX 570 (from $140,900); Mercedes-Benz G-Class (from $161,180)

I’ve often looked at the Mercedes-Benz GL and wondered -- who, why?

Apparently the answer is - me, because sometimes bigger is better.

The Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC is the mothership of the SUV segment. It is massive! For the purpose of this motoring equation, the math is simple - a large platform creates a seven-seater without compromise.

The GL 350 is imposing and sophisticated -- it feels like a truly grown-up people mover. Chrome details, 20-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime lights, chrome-look roof rails, tinted glass -- all this, and I’m yet to turn the engine.

Inside the GL you’re spoilt with generous proportions and unquestionable quality finishes -- nappa leather steering wheel with paddle shifts, heated leather seats and technology abounds.

Powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel V6 engine, the GL 350 produces 190kW (from 3600rpm) and 620Nm (from 1600-2400rpm), matched to Benz’s seven-speed automatic transmission.

Given its weight and proportions (5120mm long, 1934mm wide and weighing 2455kg), I was taken back by the agility of the GL. It’s easy to forget that you’re steering a vehicle that spreads longer and wider than two queen-size mattresses end to end! On-road behaviour and overall manoeuvrability is quite astounding.

In keeping with its luxurious ambience, the GL 350 delivered a quiet ride, well protected from road, wind and tyre noise. Permanent all-wheel drive and AIRMATIC air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System is standard across the range. Ground clearance can also be adjusted with the touch of a button. Getting into the GL when in its raised position is altogether another proposition -- although the glitzy, illuminated side steps were helpful.

Pedal down, the GL suffers slight lag from standstill, taking a moment to conjure some movement -- but once the revs increase the GL finds its mojo and is politely attentive. Torque kicks in from 1600rpm, and upwards of 2000rpm you’ll find the turbocharged V6 is both enthusiastic and obedient.

While road grip and handling of the GL were a high point, a minor criticism was its brakes. They lack feeling and were a little slow upon initial application.

While this test vehicle spent its time on sealed roads, the new GL 500 saw its share of dirt in the Victorian High Country on a recent road test.

Technology in the GL 350 is both predictable and sufficient for a luxury vehicle in this price category. Keyless entry, push button start, seat memory, satellite navigation, heated seats, collision prevention assistance, blind-spot sensors, adaptive damping system, cruise control with variable speed limiter, 17.8cm colour screen, Bluetooth, voice control telephony, front and rear climate control and much more.

The telephone keypad featured throughout Benz’s vehicles gains some criticism for its antiquated form, but I like its ease of operation. Bluetooth pairing was simple and the Linguatronic voice command telephony was one of the best I’ve experienced.

The 360-degree camera display and audible warning system is nothing short of brilliant. I think it’s a deal closing feature. There will be no touch parking, rim scraping or gutter mounting in the GL. Remove this feature, and the GL has the potential to break your spirit.

In considering space and comfort, the GL 350 shows superlative form. This is a seven-seater where all passengers are comfortable and safe. Space is abundant and creature comforts extend to all occupants, including a dedicated second-row climate control system, and comfortable seats for all occupants.

The GL boasts all the versatility and technology assistance you would expect of a luxury SUV, including electrically operated third-row seating and tailgate functionality. Access to the third row is easy, while comfort, space and visibility is of a high standard. Even as a fully grown adult, I’d happy travel in the third row of the GL.

Second row seating is 60:40 split-fold and includes a through load function.

Safety and driver assistance technology is of a high level. Standard equipment includes, nine airbags (extending to third row seating), anti lock brakes, stability control, downhill speed regulation, traction control, brake assist, active blind spot assist and active lane keeping assist. To combat the combination of crosswinds and a large slab profile, the stability control system can monitor side wind force and adapts stability settings as required.

With refined engine management technology, including idle stop-start, Mercedes-Benz claims up to a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption over outgoing models. On a predominantly urban test, we achieved an average of 9.2L/100km.

It seems that the lure of Mercedes-Benz’s big boy extends well beyond its envious proportions. I shall wonder no more.

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