Mercedes-Benz GLS (2013 – 2019) Review

April 2012

The new GL-Class from Mercedes-Benz demonstrates leadership qualities in all the decisive SUV disciplines. Innovations such as the standard-specification Crosswind Assist, the STEER CONTROL steering assistance system, the load recognition and the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) increase active safety. Other new features to become optionally available are assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist, together with a parking package incorporating an automatic function for entering and exiting parking spaces, plus a 360° camera.

5,141mm long x 1,982mm wide (2,141mm inc mirrors) x 1,850mm high. 3,075mm wheelbase.

As part of its standard specification the GL is shod with attractive 10-spoke 18‑inch light-alloy wheels, and as an option wheels up to 53.3 cm (21 inches) are available. The tail end with two-piece LED tail lights featuring fibre optics, a large roof spoiler and the bumper in a contemporary “wing design” with a generously chromed underguard rounds off the befitting appearance of the luxurious full-size SUV.

Inside the dashboard continues the visual emphasis on the vehicle’s width. The modern instrument cluster with two easily legible round dials with a clear-cut design and a large 11.4 cm colour display between the instrument tubes featuring photo-realistic representation stands out, making a high-quality impression. Next to it a large, central colour screen for the infotainment system dominates on the dashboard.

Both the BlueTEC diesel unit for the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and the GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY with a charged, direct-injecting BlueDIRECT petrol engine offer impressive performance coupled with high efficiency. On average the new model range undercuts the preceding model series by 19 percent when it comes to consumption figures.

Today the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC with SCR technology and AdBlue injection already undercuts the EU 5 emissions standard which is planned for 2014. With a consumption of 38mpg (NEDC overall), the diesel model returns a 20 percent improvement over its predecessor.

With a CO2 figure of 192g/km the GL 350 BlueTEC achieves the best value in its power category. In spite of the considerably reduced energy requirement, performance is significantly increased. Whilst the maximum output of the first-generation GL 350 BlueTEC was 211 hp and the maximum torque 540Nm, the new model now boasts 258PS and 620Nm.

The GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY has an NEDC consumption of 25 mpg, making it the most fuel-efficient V8 petrol model in its class. A GL500 Bi-Turbo charged 4.6-litre BlueDIRECT engine with 408 hp is used here. The new generation returns an 18 percent improvement in efficiency and offers the best classification currently possible: EU 5.

Alongside the ultra-modern engine technology, a comprehensive package of BlueEFFICIENCY measures supports the superb fuel economy. In addition to the standard-specification ECO start/stop function, these include the new seven-stage automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC PLUS.

The optionally available ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM roll stabilisation works at the front and rear axle with active torsion-bar stabilisers and compensates for the roll angle during cornering; this significantly increases agility and driving pleasure. At the same time the system enhances handling, whilst even better ride comfort and extended off-road capabilities are also amongst the benefits of the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM.

The GL is optimally equipped for tours off the beaten track. Alongside the permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC, its standard specification includes start-off assist, Downhill Speed Regulation DSR and a special off-road driving program. The ON&OFFROAD package for the new GL-Class has six driving programs for optimising driving dynamics and handling safety, as the optimum drive system control is provided for an extremely wide range of on-road and off-road operating conditions. In terms of “hardware”, the ON&OFFROAD package comprises an underguard, a two-stage transfer case with a low-range ratio, an inter-axle differential lock and enhanced AIRMATIC functionality that allows a maximum ground clearance of 285 millimetres and a fording depth of 600 millimetres.

November 2012

Specification anounced

The GL 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport, from £59,465 OTR, measures 21 mm longer and 10 mm taller that the model it replaces, and has a boot capacity increased by 60 litres.

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have both improved for the new GL 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport, with a 15 per cent increase in combined fuel efficiency to 35.3mpg, and a 14 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions to 209g/km. The 2,987 cc vehicle generates 258PS and 620Nm of torque, and accelerates to 62mph in 7.9 seconds before achieving a top speed of 137 mph.

The GL 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport features significantly enhanced standard equipment over the previous generation vehicle, and now includes Intelligent Light System with bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights; AMG bodystyling; 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels; privacy glass; an electric glass sunroof; AirMATIC air suspension; Parktronic with Active Park Assist; and COMAND Online with media interface and DAB digital radio tuner.

In addition, the new generation GL-Class has seven seats with an Easy-Entry System, with the third row electrically folding and rising, allowing for greater access. There are also two new metallic paint colours for the GL-Class: Cavansite Blue and Cinnabar Red.

New comfort and safety features include Crosswind Assist, which works with the ESP sensor system to automatically intervene by braking to keep the car on course after a strong gust of crosswind. In addition, Collision Prevention Assist, which gives the driver a visual and acoustic warning if the set safety distance from the vehicle ahead or station obstacle narrows, is also available for the first time on the GL-Class.

Key optional equipment features include Parking Package with a 360° camera (£675); panoramic sliding sunroof with interior sun blind (£920); On- & Off-Road Package, which gives the driver a choice of six programmes to adapt the vehicle configuration to the current surface (£1,985 GL 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport only); designo Exclusive leather upholstery (£6,845 for GL 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport and £4,645 for GL 63 AMG); and Driving Assistance Package that includes Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane-Keeping Assist and Distronic Plus with Pre-SafeBrake (£2,350).

The all-new GL 63 AMG, from £91,680 OTR, features further enhanced specification over the GL 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport, with key exterior elements including flared wheel arches with 21-inch AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in Titanium Grey; AMG high-performance braking system; Active Curve System with AirMATIC, which compensates the roll angle of the vehicle body when driving round bends; and an AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes.

The 5,461 cc GL 63 AMG generates 557PS, a massive 760Nm of torque, 288g/km of CO2and combined fuel consumption of 23.0mpg. It achieves 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds and reaches a limited top speed of 155mph (or 168 mph when the £2,820 AMG Drivers Pack is specified).

Inside, the GL 63 AMG highlights include an AMG Performance steering wheel trimmed in nappa leather with perforated grip areas, a flattened bottom section and silver-coloured gear shift paddles; AMG sports seats with AMG-specific seat design upholstered in leather; front and second row heated seats; Memory Package and multi-contour front seats with massage function; and luxury automatic climate control.