Model Update

This year brings to the Mercedes Benz GL some extra goodies that add to the already fine machine that it is. More power to the GL 350 CDI (an extra 30 kW) has been added to make this into a swift and frugal adventure wagon. There is also a brand new model boasting new V8 diesel power and twin-turbo technology. This one is called the Mercedes Benz 450 CDI – so make sure you check this one over, too.

Throughout the state-of-the-art cabin, the GL experience is one of pure comfort and travelling pleasure. The thermotronic 4-zone climate control is wonderfully edifying on any of Australia’s harsh and hot trails. Let’s face it, even the school run has to be performed in sweltering temperatures from time to time. The five to seven seats will be bagged by all competing school mates – for sure!

Style, power and even economy are offered in the magnificent 2011 GL series.

Heavy snow, ice, fog, and rain are no reason for avoiding a trip. These weather conditions are God’s way of ensuring a natural selection process for car-body shops, junkyards, and for new vehicle sales to occur. Certainly, the conditions described above are where vehicles like the new Mercedes Benz GL-Class love to tough it.

Equipped with the latest AWD technology, the Mercedes Benz GL-Class has what it takes to tackle the roughest and toughest terrain – whatever the conditions (And if you’re game enough and have the balls!). You can bet your bottom dollar that the GL-Class will impress. What lies at the heart of the GL-Class go-forward is an all-wheel-drive system that boasts an electronic traction control system. The result is impressive contact with the surfaces below the great chassis and tyres, and controlled traction for making headway in the harshest conditions.

The Mercedes Benz GL-Class is a big wagon that weighs in at around two-and-a-half tonnes. With all the seats up, you even have an impressive 620 litres of luggage space. Whip the seats flat, and a whopping 2300 litres becomes available. Make no mistake, the GL-Class makes for an excellent adventure vehicle that can get to the remotest parts of Australia. Third-row seating is comfortable – even for the adults. Given these insights, you should have every indication that a brand new Mercedes Benz GL will make an impressive tourer.

Cup holders, a cooling box, Bluetooth communications, a Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, a DVD entertainment package and THERMOTRONIC 4-zone luxury automatic climate control will also indicate just how well you can kit your GL Merc out. Copious levels of luxury and quality are all about the, and a real sense of the highest levels of workmanship greet you the moment you open the wide GL-series doors, and peer inside.

Engine performance is very good, considering the hefty weight that the power plants need to lug about. There are now three engines for 2011. The Mercedes Benz GL 350 CDI is powered by a V6 turbo-diesel. The three-litre engine is remarkably quiet, and goes about its business without fuss. Peak power has been bumped up to 195 kW – up from what was already a credible 165 kW. And the engine’s torque is an impressive 620 Nm – and this is available very low down in the engine revs. Off-roading, towing and highway work are all straightforward tasks that can easily be accomplished with the new Mercedes Benz GL 350 CDI. The only problem is that the Mercedes offer the GL 450 CDI, which is also a pretty awesome package, so somehow you are going to have to make up your mind as to which of these magnificent diesel 4×4 vehicles is going to be the one to be parked up inside your garage. What lies under the hood of the 450 CDI is a V8 diesel power plant. And with a massive maximum torque of 700 Nm, you’re starting to get into the level of torque that some of the big trucks offer! The twin-turbo V8 offers common rail direct injection technology, and with four valves per cylinder and the latest diesel technology, you won’t better this anywhere else.

If you prefer the smooth acceleration of the V8 petrol version, then you won’t be able to wipe the smile off your face once you have experienced the charging power that the GL 500 harnesses. This rather special V8 is hard charging, and the sound of the rumbling eight is spine tingling, and capable enough to polish off the 0-100 km/h dash in a nimble 6.5 seconds. Rolling out the maximum torque of 530 Nm between 2800-4800 rpm comes naturally and unhindered.

All models apply the power to the road via a Mercedes Benz seven-speed automatic transmission.

Gazing upon the latest GL-Class exterior is pleasing enough on the eye. For a serious off-road vehicle, the lines are elegant and strong – without being cumbersome and fat like many of its rivals. Some of the GL-Class rivals look as though they’ve been eating out too much! Nice touches of chrome, massive alloys and tear shaped headlights make for a tasty finish.

Any of the GL- Class models are going to look mighty-fine parked up your driveway or out on the town.

The current model series includes the:

• GL 350 CDI 4Matic
• GL 450 CDI 4Matic
• GL 500 4Matic

For any more information on the Mercedes Benz GL-Class, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Mercedes Benz dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

Back to Mercedes Benz Car Reviews