Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 2011 News

Now for a small sporty coupe-like SUV from Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz new GL-Class, “serious” off road machine has arrived from the USA factory to take on the likes of Toyota landCruiser, the new Nissan Patrol and the Lexus LX570.The model range includes a diesel --  the established GL 350 BlueTEC and two petrols -- the GL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY and a performance model called the GL 63 AMG.Benz pitches the GL-Class as a luxury SUV combining cutting-edge technology and driver assistance systems with high levels of comfort.It's comprehensively equipped with safety and convenience features that provide value to customers in this segment.The big Benz is a handy device in a multitude of different driving conditions right through to rock-hopping, stump pulling mud plugging duties. Then hose it off and cruise down the motorway in luxury.This second generation GL-Class is a more handsome customer than before thanks to its more pronounced frontal look and sleek side style lines. The rear end is also attractive.Though on the huge side, the new GL offers both significant reductions in fuel consumption and improved performance. The GL 350 BlueTEC is equipped with a turbocharged V6 diesel BlueTEC engine and ensures smooth ride comfort while consuming 7.7l/100km (combined).The imposing road presence of the GL 63 AMG is underlined with the 5.5-litre AMG bi-turbo petrol V8 engine, which delivers a maximum output of 410kW and up to 760Nm of torque. It's capable of 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds.In the middle is the GL500 offering nearly the same performance as the AMG model but with a softer, more comfortable focus.All variants provide a lavish, spacious interior with dynamic on/off road capabilities along with ease of operation.A host of features are standard on the new GL including 4MATIC all-wheel drive, Easy Pack tail gate, Easy-Entry third row access, Airmatic package with air suspension and Adaptive Damping System, Comand Online, Thermotronic, front and rear automatic climate control, Intelligent Light System, glass electric sunroof with slide/tilt function and an electric parking brake.The new GL-Class also incorporates a host of standard safety equipment such as Attention Assist, Pre-Safe, 360 camera, Distronic Plus cruise with braking, Brake Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.Prices start at $129,900 for the GL 350 BlueTEC.

...the final item with just the mildest tapework to disguise the final details. The front end shares the latest chunky look from the E Class, but the hulking family wagon is much more thuggish with the promise of 3 and 4- litre diesel engines as well as a 5.5-litre petrol V8 in early 2012.

Currently priced from $173,200 in Australia, the GL manages to outdo the benchmark Toyota LandCruiser and the newcomer promises even more with a better looking body and everything up to an AMG power pack.

The big brother to the Mercedes-Benz ML shares a similar chassis, stretched out for seven-seater space.Carparazzi says the frontal treatment will be similar to the latest E Class and GLS, with engines from the ML including the 3.0- and 4.0-litre diesels and a 5.5-litre petrol V8 with Benz’s seven-speed 7G-Tronic transmission.

It's the sort of odd-couple relationship that really shouldn't work ... but does. North America's eternal fascination with giant trucks and muscle machines continues