2013 Mercedes-Benz GL: Luxury for the whole family

Not as well known as its little brother the ML, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s  most imposing SUV.  Its ability to seat up to seven passengers sets it apart. This is a large vehicle that combines space, towing capacity, good off-road capabilities and above all, a level of luxury and comfort worthy of Mercedes-Benz’s great sedans. If you are a cottage owner looking for a vehicle spacious enough for your and bearing a sweet logo, the GL might be just what you’re looking for.

For 2013, the manufacturer has completely revised its GL-Class, now in its second generation. In addition to a more modern design, the mechanics have been updated. And, as is to be expected, power is up and fuel consumption is down. Longer (21 mm), wider (14 mm) and taller (10 mm) than the previous generation version, the 2013 GL offers even more room on board and more cargo volume, a feature that its target clientele will be very happy to see.

Diesel: the sensible engine

Three initial versions are set to arrive in Canadian showrooms over the next few weeks, and all will come equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The most affordable – and probably the most interesting – of the GLs, the 350 BlueTEC, is back, but its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine has been optimized for improved performance. It now develops 240 horses (30 more than before) for a surprising 455 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is paired with the only transmission offered, a seven-speed automatic, and promises fuel consumption of 7.4 litres per 100 km/hr, which is also very surprising for a vehicle that weighs 2,455 kilos (that’s 90 kilos less than before thanks to lighter materials).

Also included in the line-up (most likely for the sake of those who don’t like diesel engines) is the GL 450. It features a 4.6-litre twin-turbo V8 with direct fuel injection delivering 362 horses and 406 lbs-ft of torque. In fact, it’s the same engine found in the GL 550, with slightly less power. However, it’s hard to justify this choice: its price is $2,200 higher than that of the GL 350 BlueTEC, it’s less fuel efficient and, with a 6.3-second 0-100 km/hr time, its performance isn’t much more thrilling.

Since the GL 63 AMG won’t be offered before the middle of 2013, the GL 550 will shoulder the sport load for the moment. You’ll have to fork out a few tens of thousands of dollars to obtain the 4.6-litre twin-turbo V8 with 429 horses and 516 lbs-ft of torque.

Unique designs by AMG

Superior performance is only part of the reason for the GL 550’s steeper price. It has a unique design, especially in front, with an easily recognizable and much larger AMG-inspired front grille. Other elements, such as the running boards, larger fenders and its twin rear exhausts, give it a much sportier look. In fact, it comes factory standard with the AMG Sport Package, which is optional on other versions.

As for the rest, the new GL has a more modern style. Sure, the front end has a more dynamic design, similar to the manufacturer’s other SUVs, but they kept the roofline straight to the rear, instead of opting for a trendy plunging roofline. This helps maximize the space on board and ensures excellent visibility. The designers raised the beltline in order to enhance the GL’s robust size and the LED lights add a touch of sophistication. We’ve always liked the GL’s style and the size of its wheels. Fortunately, the manufacturer hasn’t made any changes in this regard. On the other hand, new rim designs are offered, some of which measure no less than 21 inches.

Inside, this vehicle is fit for a king. The GL justifies its proportions with ample space for seven passengers, who will enjoy generous head and leg room and a multitude of storage compartments. Of course, since it’s a Mercedes, it’s bathed in luxury and the choice of materials is unlike most other SUVs of this size. For 2013, the instrumentation and steering wheel have been modified, as has the central part of the console that houses the audio system and air conditioning. Furthermore, you’ll be able to choose from different leather colours and trim. The choices are vast and this will definitely allow you to personalize your GL.

Assist aplenty

Even Mercedes-Benz is keeping up with the latest trend of adding driver-assist technology. The GL has all the classics: traction control, anti-skid, blind spot detection and more. However, the SUV benefits from a few new technologies, such as the Collision Prevention Assist device that verifies the risk of impact ahead or approaching from the rear and sounds a warning chime while preparing other measures in case of collision. Big SUVs are often criticized because of their sensitivity to crosswinds, but the GL is an innovator in this area, thanks to a system known as Crosswind Assist that detects lateral movement and, if needed, lightly applies the brakes on the opposite side to correct the effect of the wind. Basically, the GL watches over you at all times. But this is no reason for you to just rely on the vehicle instead of on your own driving talents.

On the road

Of course, when you take the wheel of the GL, you can’t expect it to drive like a sport sedan. That said, Mercedes-Benz managed to mitigate the negatives normally associated with big SUVs. The sport suspension, for example, is well supported by the size of the wheels and gives it good balance in turns, while weight transfers are reduced to the bare minimum. The steering communicates well and the vehicle provides good feedback from the road.

As for the engines, the 350 BlueTEC and 450 offer a similar ride. The power isn’t all that exciting, but the acceleration is linear and sufficiently virile to ensure a safe ride. In this regard, our main criticism is the lag of the accelerator. It feels like you’re pressing down on a stick of butter and it takes two or three seconds before you really notice the power. This element is less of a factor in the GL 550, which features superior horsepower and consequently much more dynamic performance.

In conclusion, this model has had an excellent makeover and now offers a more modern style, greater fuel efficiency, higher performance mechanics and noteworthy practicality. This vehicle has few competitors and will surely continue to be one of the most popular vehicles at Mercedes-Benz.