Mercedes-Benz GL: Leviathan

By Arup Das · Oct 2013 · 2 min read

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The new GL-Class is at home on a tarmac, conquers dirt roads and is at ease on hilly stretches without breaking a sweat.

Most of the hardcore SUVs lack the comfort and finesse, while the luxury ones are more about massaging ones ego rather than packing a punch in off-roading conditions. Mercedes-Benz has ventured on to the road less travelled and tried to get the best of both worlds together. The GL, no doubt, looks huge and ungainly but it is no slouch on the road. It is agile enough to leave behind most of the cars on the streets and maintain the same happy dash on challenging roads as well. We find out how this SUV fairs in the real world.

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Downplayed looks

The GL is a no-nonsense SUV and Mercedes-Benz made sure that no unnecessary tacky bling is added to sex up its looks. The smart jewelled strip headlamps make the GL look smart and a little less in your face. In design, it retains the boxy look, which is an eye sore but then this ensures a spacious interior. The AMG curvaceous bumper and the 21-inch alloys try to make this SUV sporty.

Revamped interiors

Step inside and you are welcomed with lush wooden trims on the centre console, door panels and even on the steering wheel. It doesn’t scream out “uncleji”, but does give it a premium feel. Being a seven-seater SUV, the GL provides ample of leg, shoulder and headroom especially at the third row. The third row seats fold up by simply pressing a button, so no manual labour is needed. The dashboard hogs the limelight because of the 7-inch LCD screen and comes with 10GB data space. What is incredible about the new GL is the 360° camera view of the vehicle. This close-range system works with four cameras – one mounted on the front grille, one each on the outside rear view mirrors and one in the centre of the tailgate.

Power packed engine

The GL-Class is only available in diesel with a V6 3-litre engine that ensures it covers 0-100km in 7.9 seconds. With 258hp at your disposal, one must keep in mind that the GL is for the matured adventure seeker, and therefore, the power doesn’t rush in like a rude awakening. The 7G-TRONIC Plus automatic transmission makes the GL at home in the city and for its size it is quite agile as it overtakes pesky auto-rickshaws. The paddle shifts keep you engaged as you can play around the rpm metre. If you are heading off to the hills, go easy on the curves as the GL’s body roll becomes evident.

Verdict

The GL-Class is huge in size and spells luxurious with a capital L. But it lacks the road presence and the ride quality and is not as lush as we usually associate Mercedes to be. The equipment and technology is class leading and the SUV is as safe as Fort Knox. Since it is being assembled here, the price has come down by over ₹5 lakh and is now available at ₹72.58 lakh (ex-showroom).