Mercedes GL – Enter the Next Generation of Luxury
The new Mercedes-Benz GL is a seven-seater SUV designed for those who are used to the good life. The good life being the one where paying R710 000 for the GL320 CDI turbodiesel or R810 000 for the GL500 petrol engine is nothing out of the ordinary.
The bigger body – weighing 300kg more than the ML five-seater, accommodates two extra seats that are very comfortable, even for adult passengers. With the press of a button the electric rear seats fold flat into the floor, so there is plenty of space for all the shopping that needs to be done.
Space is also one of the Mercedes priorities and anti-locking breaks, traction control, multiple crash bags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, whiplash-reducing active head restraints and Mercedes Pre-Safe system come standard.
The interior is sheer luxury. The seats are all leather and a touch of wood and aluminium completes the look and feel of the cabin. Electrically-adjustable front seats and cruise control comes standard, but you’ll have to cough up a little more for the satellite navigation, TV and rear-seat DVD entertainment system and monitors in the front headrests to which external audio/video sources or games can be connected to.
The GL is also very capable of doing some serious off-road tracks. It comes standard with all the off-road gear and gadgets, including air suspension, differential locks, low range and hill descent control. Basically it’s everything you’ve always wanted – a luxury family SUV capable of being bad occasionally.
Top speed is 240km/h and the speed-sensitive system automatically lowers the body by 15mm at 140km/h, reducing aerodynamic drag. Once the speed drops back below 140km/h, the body raises itself to normal level. There are also endless options. The driver can select from three ride comfort programmes including Auto, Sport or Comfort. How’s that for options?
With a V8 engine and seven-speed automatic transmission, the new GL is the ultimate SUV. It’s got space, luxury, power, off-road ability and looks to die for. What more do you want?
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