The New Mercedes GL Class-First Look

merve_extreme · 9th December 2005, 02:23

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Mercedes-Benz is poised to enter yet another market with the all-new GL-Class, a seven-seat luxury sport-utility vehicle that will be produced in the company’s Alabama plant along with the M-Class and R-Class. Already offering the broadest and most diverse product portfolio in the automotive industry, Mercedes-Benz is launching its first large sport-utility. The new GL-Class will make its world premiere at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, open to the public January 14 – 22, 2006.

It’s no coincidence that the new GL model designation echoes already legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class. While the GL-Class is built on an entirely new platform, the venerable G-Class sport-utility is entering its 26th year of production and will continue to be marketed beside the new GL.

Mercedes-Benz Safety in a Premium SUV

The graceful body of the new GL-Class will be 200 inches in length, 75.6 inches wide and 72.4 inches tall, boasting an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.37. Its steel unit body will provide outstanding passive safety with a high-strength occupant cell protected by technologically advanced front and rear crumple zones that include new provisions to help reduce potential injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. The GL will come with two-stage front air bags for the driver and front passenger, side air bags in the front and 2nd-row seats, and curtain air bags that span all three rows of seats.

The ultra-modern engine line-up in all GL-Class models provides superlative drive comfort and compelling performance coupled with superior fuel consumption figures compared with other vehicles in the class. Alongside the 165-kW/224-hp V6 engine in the GL 320 CDI, the range of diesel models includes the new-generation high-performance V8 diesel in the GL 420 CDI, which now has an output of 225 kW/ 306 hp and maximum torque of 700 Nm. Both diesel-powered versions undercut the EU 4 limits and feature a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. In addition to the newly developed 5.5-litre, 285-kW/388-hp engine in the GL 500, launched earlier in the new S-Class, the second unit in this ultra-modern V8 family of engines is celebrating its world premiere in the GL-Class. In the GL 450 the 4.6-litre engine develops 250 kW/340 hp. Both engines also fulfil the stringent EU 4 limits (USA: LEV II standard).

All GL-Class engine variants come with the standard-fit 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT. Excellent performance and low fuel consumption result not just from the perfect combination of ultra-modern engines with 7G-TRONIC and the friction-optimised powertrain. Another important factor is the comparatively low gross vehicle weight thanks to the unitised body and the excellent aerodynamics (Cd 0.37) for such a large vehicle.

The GL will come with four-wheel independent suspension, speed-sensitive power steering and 18-inch 265 / 60 all-season tires. The vehicle has a 7,500- pound Class V towing capacity and is available with optional height-adjustable Airmatic springing with ADS adaptive damping.
Inside, the GL will be fitted with real burl walnut wood trim, power front seats and a glass sunroof with a fixed glass panel over the third-row seats. The two third-row seats can be stowed electrically at the push of a button, either separately or together, to provide a totally flat cargo floor. As a five-seater, the GL can carry 43.8 cubic feet of cargo, and with the second row seats stowed as well, there’s more than 83 cubic feet of cargo room.

In addition to the widely acclaimed Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system, standard features such as DSR downhill speed regulation, hill-start assist, and a special off-road ABS algorithm will help drivers during off-road excursions. An optional Off-Road Pro package will include a two-speed transfer case and locks for the center and rear differentials. The package also includes modified air suspension that can increase ground clearance to 12 inches, which also raises its low-speed fording depth to more than 23 inches.

For more information and larger images visit:

http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cf...id/2051208.005

n_aditya · 9th December 2005, 02:27

looks neat....... i'm at a loss for words....

Deeps · 9th December 2005, 03:19

Bloody hell! The cube like shape of the earlier G classes really put me off. But this one has sort of morphed into the M Class. But i hope it retains its off-road capabilities despite a more civilised look. And when do AMG start work on this?

merve_extreme · 9th December 2005, 04:07

This is the all new GL class.This is not the G-class or G-wagon as we call it.The GL and G-Class will co exist.Mercedes has decided to increase the lifespan of the G-class because there is still demand for it and it has a large fan following,it will get a interior redesign next year with minor modifications to the exterior as well without changing any of its old classic shape.

Mpower · 9th December 2005, 06:01

Why is Daimler making such a big deal. Its just a stretched M class.

aniguchisan · 9th December 2005, 06:56

I can see these selling as hot cakes in the US by young mums alike.

I like the increased seating capacity, and the XC90/Grand Cherokee/Toyota design cues. Very americaney!

Nevertheless, a handsome machine.

M66 · 9th December 2005, 12:13

WOW!!!! Could Mercedes have ruined this any other way! I'm so glad they decided to continue with the old G-Wagen. This is like a glorified peice of Hyundai Tucson and I don't like it at all (except for the interior which looks classy enough).

Aditya · 9th December 2005, 13:10

The G-Wagen is a cult car. It's one of those machines that you can take anywhere - from fields to 7 star hotels. This GL just looks like another "run of the mill" SUV. Beautiful interiors, but then, that's to be expected from any luxury car manufacturer these days. At 200 inches long, it seems like a "me too" vehicle in the Escalade / Navigator segment. It may sell well, but seriously, this American influence IMO, is ruining Mercedes.

Sid Schumacher · 9th December 2005, 19:43

I wonder which is spacious...my room or the car's interiors!! Great looking interiors....the brand name is going to take a battering , Merc shoud have done better than this IMO. This is more like a reply to all the American BIGGIES.

ballkey · 9th December 2005, 20:06

Reminds me of this :

http://www.bbspot.com/News/2000/6/exorbitant.html

revtech · 9th December 2005, 20:49

very similar to an M class.
Any way nice pics merve extreme.

rev

sjcherian · 9th December 2005, 21:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aditya

The G-Wagen is a cult car. It's one of those machines that you can take anywhere - from fields to 7 star hotels. This GL just looks like another "run of the mill" SUV.

I have to agree with Aditya , the oroginal G-Wagen is an amazing looking vehicle. This looks too toned down to have any character and seems to be just a freshened up and lengthened M-Class.

merve_extreme · 11th December 2005, 00:49

Some new pictures.More to come later.

Dont tell me it dosen't look beautiful.

Just look at its presence while it is approaching head on.

Looks best in this image.

aah78 · 11th December 2005, 07:38

why oh why have Mercedes ruined the G-wagon! they stopped production of the G-class and have introduced this?!
as Aditya mentioned, it was a cult favourite with a bunch of hardcore followers.
there is just too much resemblance to the R-class or the ML-class.
i'm having a bout of depression thanks to you Daimler-Chrysler!

ajmat · 11th December 2005, 10:14

The G wagon still lives on and is being built in Austria!!!! This is the GL - a stretched M to compete with the Surburbans, EScalades, Navigators

9th December 2005, 02:23	#1
merve_extreme Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,359 Thanked: 18 Times View My Garage	The New Mercedes GL Class-First Look OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE Mercedes-Benz is poised to enter yet another market with the all-new GL-Class, a seven-seat luxury sport-utility vehicle that will be produced in the company’s Alabama plant along with the M-Class and R-Class. Already offering the broadest and most diverse product portfolio in the automotive industry, Mercedes-Benz is launching its first large sport-utility. The new GL-Class will make its world premiere at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, open to the public January 14 – 22, 2006. It’s no coincidence that the new GL model designation echoes already legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class. While the GL-Class is built on an entirely new platform, the venerable G-Class sport-utility is entering its 26th year of production and will continue to be marketed beside the new GL. Mercedes-Benz Safety in a Premium SUV The graceful body of the new GL-Class will be 200 inches in length, 75.6 inches wide and 72.4 inches tall, boasting an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.37. Its steel unit body will provide outstanding passive safety with a high-strength occupant cell protected by technologically advanced front and rear crumple zones that include new provisions to help reduce potential injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. The GL will come with two-stage front air bags for the driver and front passenger, side air bags in the front and 2nd-row seats, and curtain air bags that span all three rows of seats. The ultra-modern engine line-up in all GL-Class models provides superlative drive comfort and compelling performance coupled with superior fuel consumption figures compared with other vehicles in the class. Alongside the 165-kW/224-hp V6 engine in the GL 320 CDI, the range of diesel models includes the new-generation high-performance V8 diesel in the GL 420 CDI, which now has an output of 225 kW/ 306 hp and maximum torque of 700 Nm. Both diesel-powered versions undercut the EU 4 limits and feature a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. In addition to the newly developed 5.5-litre, 285-kW/388-hp engine in the GL 500, launched earlier in the new S-Class, the second unit in this ultra-modern V8 family of engines is celebrating its world premiere in the GL-Class. In the GL 450 the 4.6-litre engine develops 250 kW/340 hp. Both engines also fulfil the stringent EU 4 limits (USA: LEV II standard). All GL-Class engine variants come with the standard-fit 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT. Excellent performance and low fuel consumption result not just from the perfect combination of ultra-modern engines with 7G-TRONIC and the friction-optimised powertrain. Another important factor is the comparatively low gross vehicle weight thanks to the unitised body and the excellent aerodynamics (Cd 0.37) for such a large vehicle. The GL will come with four-wheel independent suspension, speed-sensitive power steering and 18-inch 265 / 60 all-season tires. The vehicle has a 7,500- pound Class V towing capacity and is available with optional height-adjustable Airmatic springing with ADS adaptive damping. Inside, the GL will be fitted with real burl walnut wood trim, power front seats and a glass sunroof with a fixed glass panel over the third-row seats. The two third-row seats can be stowed electrically at the push of a button, either separately or together, to provide a totally flat cargo floor. As a five-seater, the GL can carry 43.8 cubic feet of cargo, and with the second row seats stowed as well, there’s more than 83 cubic feet of cargo room. In addition to the widely acclaimed Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system, standard features such as DSR downhill speed regulation, hill-start assist, and a special off-road ABS algorithm will help drivers during off-road excursions. An optional Off-Road Pro package will include a two-speed transfer case and locks for the center and rear differentials. The package also includes modified air suspension that can increase ground clearance to 12 inches, which also raises its low-speed fording depth to more than 23 inches. For more information and larger images visit: http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cf...id/2051208.005 Last edited by merve_extreme : 9th December 2005 at 02:41.
	() Thanks

9th December 2005, 02:27	#2
n_aditya Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Namma Bengaluru Posts: 5,348 Thanked: 3,684 Times View My Garage	looks neat....... i'm at a loss for words....
	() Thanks

9th December 2005, 03:19	#3
Deeps Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Delhi/Noida Posts: 1,116 Thanked: 170 Times	Bloody hell! The cube like shape of the earlier G classes really put me off. But this one has sort of morphed into the M Class. But i hope it retains its off-road capabilities despite a more civilised look. And when do AMG start work on this?
	() Thanks

9th December 2005, 04:07	#4
merve_extreme Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,359 Thanked: 18 Times View My Garage	This is the all new GL class.This is not the G-class or G-wagon as we call it.The GL and G-Class will co exist.Mercedes has decided to increase the lifespan of the G-class because there is still demand for it and it has a large fan following,it will get a interior redesign next year with minor modifications to the exterior as well without changing any of its old classic shape. Last edited by merve_extreme : 9th December 2005 at 04:13.
	() Thanks

9th December 2005, 06:01	#5
Mpower Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 10,409 Thanked: 1,730 Times View My Garage	Why is Daimler making such a big deal. Its just a stretched M class.
	() Thanks

9th December 2005, 06:56	#6
aniguchisan Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 2,022 Thanked: 123 Times View My Garage	I can see these selling as hot cakes in the US by young mums alike. I like the increased seating capacity, and the XC90/Grand Cherokee/Toyota design cues. Very americaney! Nevertheless, a handsome machine.
	() Thanks

9th December 2005, 12:13	#7
M66 BHPian Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 38 Thanked: 0 Times	WOW!!!! Could Mercedes have ruined this any other way! I'm so glad they decided to continue with the old G-Wagen. This is like a glorified peice of Hyundai Tucson and I don't like it at all (except for the interior which looks classy enough).
	() Thanks

9th December 2005, 13:10	#8
Aditya Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 17,835 Thanked: 77,054 Times View My Garage	The G-Wagen is a cult car. It's one of those machines that you can take anywhere - from fields to 7 star hotels. This GL just looks like another "run of the mill" SUV. Beautiful interiors, but then, that's to be expected from any luxury car manufacturer these days. At 200 inches long, it seems like a "me too" vehicle in the Escalade / Navigator segment. It may sell well, but seriously, this American influence IMO, is ruining Mercedes.
	() Thanks

9th December 2005, 19:43	#9
Sid Schumacher BHPian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 262 Thanked: 3 Times	I wonder which is spacious...my room or the car's interiors!! Great looking interiors....the brand name is going to take a battering , Merc shoud have done better than this IMO. This is more like a reply to all the American BIGGIES.
	() Thanks

9th December 2005, 20:06	#10
ballkey BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Chennai Posts: 425 Thanked: 35 Times	Reminds me of this : http://www.bbspot.com/News/2000/6/exorbitant.html
	() Thanks

9th December 2005, 20:49	#11
revtech Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,992 Thanked: 38 Times View My Garage	very similar to an M class. Any way nice pics merve extreme. rev
	() Thanks

11th December 2005, 00:49	#13
merve_extreme Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,359 Thanked: 18 Times View My Garage	Some new pictures.More to come later. Dont tell me it dosen't look beautiful. Just look at its presence while it is approaching head on. Looks best in this image. Last edited by merve_extreme : 11th December 2005 at 00:53.
	() Thanks

11th December 2005, 07:38	#14
aah78 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: NYC / BOM Posts: 4,662 Thanked: 3,257 Times View My Garage	G - de-classed why oh why have Mercedes ruined the G-wagon! they stopped production of the G-class and have introduced this?! as Aditya mentioned, it was a cult favourite with a bunch of hardcore followers. there is just too much resemblance to the R-class or the ML-class. i'm having a bout of depression thanks to you Daimler-Chrysler! Last edited by aah78 : 11th December 2005 at 07:42.
	() Thanks

11th December 2005, 10:14	#15
ajmat Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 14,862 Thanked: 27,965 Times View My Garage	The G wagon still lives on and is being built in Austria!!!! This is the GL - a stretched M to compete with the Surburbans, EScalades, Navigators Last edited by ajmat : 11th December 2005 at 10:15.
	() Thanks