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New Models
DRIVEN: Mercedes Updates The Brawny GL
Second generation of the full-size luxury SUV shows off the German automaker’s engineering skills and electronics wizardry.
The latest version of the Mercedes-Benz GL350 with BlueTec diesel comes loaded with technology. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
At first, the Mercedes-Benz GL350 seemed big and bulky, a plus-size diesel SUV looming in the driveway. But I got over that as soon as I started driving it.
Mercedes’ usual spot-on engineering and a suite of electronic controls have tamed this 5,500-pound beast, which drives and handles so much better than it has any right to. And likewise the smooth performance of the BlueTec turbodiesel V6.
The second-generation GL crossover proves remarkably responsive and composed in just about any situation, from tight parking lots and city streets to winding back roads and wide-open highways, where it glides in regal splendor.
A lot is expected from Mercedes-Benz, and once again, the German automaker showed what it takes to build a great luxury craft in the 21st Century. Little wonder that the new GL has racked up so many awards.
The price tag, however, was just as impressive as the performance. The test GL came totally loaded with every technological gizmo and luxury feature imaginable, which took the retail price and ran it up by nearly half. The list price was $62,400 and the bottom line came out to $93,040.
It’s fairly obvious that the fully equipped GL targets well-to-do families who are accustomed to being coddled. Among the options on board was the Designo package of seats and trim made up of gorgeously quilted soft leather. That alone raised the price by $4,300.
The Premium 2 Package of audio upgrades, interior lighting and comfort features added $5,850. Three-zone climate control cost $1,450; back-seat entertainment was $1,950; even the Diamond White paint job was an expensive option, at $1,515. There were a total of 19 options added on. You get the picture.
But the options packages also made the GL a hot spot of electronic wonders. One of my favorites was the Surround View System which takes signals from the various perimeter cameras and creates a 360-degree on-screen video image that looks like you’re floating about 30 feet above yourself, which is strange and somewhat disorienting. It only comes on in reverse and very low forward speeds, but now there’s no excuse for backing into something since you’re watching from above.
An optional feature that adds greatly to the GL’s stability is the Active Curve System. It continuously adjusts the suspension, including the front and rears stabilizer bars, for flatter cornering even when the suspension is dialed to its softer settings.
The Active Damping System also takes a hand in controlling shock-absorber action, and Crosswind Stabilization keeps this tall vehicle on the straight and narrow when it’s blustery. The standard Airmatic self-leveling suspension maintains a plush ride.
Mercedes’ usual spot-on engineering and a suite of electronic controls have tamed this 5,500-pound beast, which drives and handles so much better than it has any right to. And likewise the smooth performance of the BlueTec turbodiesel V6.
The second-generation GL crossover proves remarkably responsive and composed in just about any situation, from tight parking lots and city streets to winding back roads and wide-open highways, where it glides in regal splendor.
A lot is expected from Mercedes-Benz, and once again, the German automaker showed what it takes to build a great luxury craft in the 21st Century. Little wonder that the new GL has racked up so many awards.
The price tag, however, was just as impressive as the performance. The test GL came totally loaded with every technological gizmo and luxury feature imaginable, which took the retail price and ran it up by nearly half. The list price was $62,400 and the bottom line came out to $93,040.
It’s fairly obvious that the fully equipped GL targets well-to-do families who are accustomed to being coddled. Among the options on board was the Designo package of seats and trim made up of gorgeously quilted soft leather. That alone raised the price by $4,300.
The Premium 2 Package of audio upgrades, interior lighting and comfort features added $5,850. Three-zone climate control cost $1,450; back-seat entertainment was $1,950; even the Diamond White paint job was an expensive option, at $1,515. There were a total of 19 options added on. You get the picture.
But the options packages also made the GL a hot spot of electronic wonders. One of my favorites was the Surround View System which takes signals from the various perimeter cameras and creates a 360-degree on-screen video image that looks like you’re floating about 30 feet above yourself, which is strange and somewhat disorienting. It only comes on in reverse and very low forward speeds, but now there’s no excuse for backing into something since you’re watching from above.
An optional feature that adds greatly to the GL’s stability is the Active Curve System. It continuously adjusts the suspension, including the front and rears stabilizer bars, for flatter cornering even when the suspension is dialed to its softer settings.
The Active Damping System also takes a hand in controlling shock-absorber action, and Crosswind Stabilization keeps this tall vehicle on the straight and narrow when it’s blustery. The standard Airmatic self-leveling suspension maintains a plush ride.
The Lyonheart K
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