Mercedes GL-Class

Expert Review by Maxabout

Exterior and Interior

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the GL-Class model that can seat up to seven people which is really a great deal when it comes to space. Outside India, the GL-Class comes in four models which are GL63 AMG, GL450, GL350 and GL550. Each of these models comes with a different type of engine so customers can choose what appeals to them most. Both the GL350 and GL450 come with different engines yet they are identical in certain ways. The both have a self-levelling air suspension, LED active lamps, 19-inch wheels, automatic wipers, mechanical headlights, MB-Tex first-class vinyl upholstery, a sunroof, a power lift gate, a rear-view camera, back privacy glass, cruise control, power back quarter windows, heated power front seats which includes a four-direction lumbar adjustment, dual-zone programmed climate control, a power-folding third-row seat, an adjustable steering wheel and a load cover. Automated features include the command system plus Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio.

The car also comes with an HD radio, a six-CD/DVD changer, USB port, and an AUX audio jack. All these fantastic features are also available on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 550, which has 21-inch wheels plus adaptive interval dampers. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 63 AMG comes in 21-inch wheels and sporty-themed air suspension, upgraded brakes and wheels with automatic flexible stabilizer bars also called as the Active Curve System which is optional on other models. The GL-Class AMG model is more specific when it comes to styling as it has elements that are more detailed, high-tech and posh such as the neat, sports-class steering wheel. The GL450 and 550 are both compatible with an on-road and off-road package which includes anterior under body protection, adaptive interval dampers plus a six-mode land selector. There are other features that customer can avail on all Mercedes GL-Class models. One of the exciting packages that Mercedes offers is the Driver Assistance package that allows customers to add enhanced features such as blind spot warning, adaptive cruise controller and lane-departure warning system. But In India GL-Class is available in two variants: GL-Class Grand Edition Executive and GL-Class Grand Edition Luxury.

Engine

Mercedes GL-Class comes with only one engine option: 2987cc diesel engine BlueEfficiency. It generates maximum power of 258 bhp at 3600 rpm with maximum torque of 619 nm at 1600. The engine is mated to 4MATIC automatic transmission. It also features all-wheel drive with electronic traction system.

Variants

Mercedes GL-Class is available in only one variant: GL 350CDI.

Safety Features

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is equipped with safety features such as ABS brakes to automatically detect tire stoppage under extreme pressure on brakes. This feature allows the car to control the brake pressure to let the tire to rotate and change its course. This feature is useful as it gives the driver to turn even while braking. The stability control feature senses the vehicle’s condition by checking if the car’s handling limits are exceeded especially when the car runs at top speeds. It reduces engine force and applies select brakes to prevent the driver from dropping control of the automobile. Front-impact airbags have been put in place for the driver and passenger’s safety during a frontal car smash. Side impact airbags are put on both the front and back seats to protect the chest or upper body safe during a side impact smash. The overhead airbags were designed to protect the passenger’s heads from serious injury during a side crash or a rollover.

For the lower body, knee airbags have been put in place to protect the lower extremities of the passengers in the occurrence of an accident. Aside from the airbags, pyrotechnic pre-tensioner seatbelts have been put on all standard front seats as well as on the outboard seats on the middle row and on the individual third-row seats. The seatbelts are fitted single-stage belt force limiters to electrically reverse the force in case of a high impact crash. Additional head protection is provided by the anti-whiplash head restraints to support the passenger’s heads to reduce the likelihood of a whiplash injury in case of an extreme accident. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class comes with a security system that senses unwanted vehicle disturbance. It comes with an ignition disable device to inhibit the engine from running if the correct manufacturer key is not used.

Shades and Accessories

It is easy to purchase accessories for Mercedes-Benz GL-Class line as there are a number of accessories offered by authorized Mercedes dealers. Some of the hot accessories that Mercedes offers for this model are rear sunshades, night vision pedestrian cautionary camera and the Bang and Olufsen advanced sound system. Special Mercedes-Benz Designed exterior and interior colors are also available for customers who want to give their vehicle a personal touch. Mercedes has come up with a wide-selection of shades to choose from. These colors are Obsidian Black Metallic, Steel Grey Metallic, Palladium Silver Metallic, Dakota Brown Metallic, Diamond White Metallic, Indium Silver Metallic, Arctic White, Capri Blue Metallic and Pearl Beige Metallic.

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class stands out with its comfortable interior environment and easy driving and handling in all kinds of road situations. It has a say when it comes to dynamic road control plus special qualities such as reduced noise, harshness and vibration. All the GL models are packed with these exciting and powerful features which are far from other models and brands. Mercedes-Benz has kept its high standards with the GL-Class models as all of them provide comfortable seats without risking the quality of its chassis combined with an improved drivetrain and well-crafted design.