2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Reviews

Mercedes-Benz GL350Price: from $129,900Warranty: 3 years roadside assist Engine: 3-litre 6-cylinder, 190kW/620NmTransmission: 7-speed auto, 4WD Thirst: 7.7L/100Km 199 CO2g/km

An interesting feature of the new vehicle market is that 4WDs and SUVs have a significantly longer life cycle than cars. This reflects back to the days when they were based on light trucks, and truck buyers were more interested in running costs and practicality than in owning the last word in style.VALUEMercedes-Benz’s big GL-Class is a case in point. The upcoming new model we have just tested in Germany is a sensible update of the outgoing six-year-old model, not a totally new vehicle. Amongst other things this helps to keep the new price down and to slow the rate of depreciation. Facts that will be appreciated by the typically sensible person attracted to the GL-Class.Those who do want to get down and dirty in the dirt can tick the options box for the On&OffRoad package which provides under-run protection for the engine, fibre-reinforced underfloor panels, power transmission with reduction gears, a longitudinal differential lock and extended AirMatic functions. This vehicle has maximum ground clearance of 306 mm and a fording depth of 600 mm.Pricing and final equipment levels will be provided for the Australian market closer to the launch date, probably in June 2013.TECHNOLOGYPower for the GL 350 BlueTec is provided by a V6 diesel engine; a V8 petrol engine in the GL 500 BlueEfficiency gives lots more grunt; the new GL 63 AMG with V8 Biturbo petrol engine provides up to 410 kW of power and 1000 (yes, 1000!) Newton metres for the driver in a real hurry.The existing platform has been retained, but with quite a few modifications. As a start, 90 kg has been removed from its weight to assist in reduction in fuel use and emission of CO2. More about this in a moment.Despite the lower weight the body is even stiffer than before and, together with other sound dampening measures this makes for a more relaxed interior. The engineers put strong emphasis on comfort and quietness.DESIGNWhile the external body components are all new, they retain a strong resemblance to the superseded GL. The result is a large wagon that’s imposing without being aggressive in its stance. The squared off shape means the big Mercedes GL-Class has always been an immensely practical genuine seven seater.More interior width and height have been squeezed out of the new body. Though the GL can carry seven adults in reasonable comfort it’s probably best regarded as a family bus for mum, dad, a couple of teenagers and three smaller children. Just right for many a mixed family in Australia.The GL-Class does have an all-new interior with the latest Mercedes-Benz theme of simplicity and elegance. We really like the look and the excellent ergonomic layout of all the controls.SAFETYIt goes without saying that this Mercedes-Benz has many primary and secondary safety systems. In addition to the expected ESP and ABS units the GL is also fitted with Collision Prevention Assist and the drowsiness detector, Attention Assist. The big wagon can help the driver by using Steer Control in borderline driving situations, for instance by turning the steering wheel if the vehicle is oversteering.Crosswind Assist keeps the GL travelling in a straight line even in strong crosswinds. This makes for remarkably relaxing driving and we have tested it in big Benz sedans in Australia.DRIVINGAll our testing to date has been done on German roads, some of them pretty rough back sections. There the GL-Class was as quiet as a midsize sedan and it handled bumps and dips with ease. While we can’t definitely comment on GL’s behaviour in Australia we feel confident it will handle our backroads just as competently.On the downside, the handling is on the soft side and the steering, while competent enough, is relatively slow and easy in its actions. This is just right for the typical buyers of a SUV / people mover.We didn’t get a chance to drive the new AMG GL 63 version with sub five second times in the zero to 100 km/h dash and we are sure it’s suspension will be nicely firmed up to suit the revheads.VERDICTEven in Australia very few people buy SUVs for genuine off-road use so the emphasis in the standard model is on the GL-Class being an upper class people carrier.Mercedes-Benz GL350 CDIPrice: est. from $120,000Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmService Interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash Rating: 5 starsEngine: 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel; 195kW/620NmTransmission: 7-spd auto; AWDThirst: 7.9L/100km; 202g/km CO2Dimensions: 5.1m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.9m (H)Weight: 2455kgSpare: space-saver

If ever there is an SUV that can replicate the uneeringly quiet, supple and relaxed atmosphere of Mercedes’ flagship S-Class limousine, this is it. The Mercedes GL wagon drives to Australia from April next year with refinement that makes the SUV tag redundant.It is as big - in fact, at 5.1m long it enters the realm of colossal - as the current model and even sits on the same platform. But in terms of how it drives, how it sits on the road and how quiet and comfortable the cabin is, this is a completely different vehicle.Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman Jerry Stamoulis says the new GL will be priced almost line-ball as the outgoing version. “But it will have a higher level of equipment,’’ he says at its preview in Germany this week.“We will increase the equipment level (of the GL350) so it gets close to the GL420, but proportionally, the price won’t increase.’’ In Australia, the line-up will shrink from four to three models as the V8 turbo-diesel GL420CDI is deleted.Mr Stamoulis says the more powerful 350CDI is sufficient in performance - it produces only about 80Nm less torque and is far more economical - to replace the 450. It’s also a better bet for your wallet. Compared with the GL420, customers will also save about $50,000 by opting for the GL350 version.Aside from the GL350 there is a V8 petrol GL500 and an AMG63 version that respectively may be about $170,000 and $200,000.VALUEThe fact that prices are expected to barely alter, yet the level of kit rises, is good news for buyers. The GL is, however, the archetypal SUV - big, big and big - and though Australians have trended away from buying this type of vehicle in the past, there is a resurgence in big, luxurious wagons.Build quality, drivetrain and equipment levels are reflected in the GL’s price. Standard for all models are air suspension, the clever 360-degree camera system, sunroofs and Merc’s Distronic adaptive cruise control with autonomous collision prevention. There remains an off-road pack with a low-range transfer case and lots of electronic diff and brake controls, but in Australia the take-up rate is only about 1 per cent of sales.DESIGNIt may look the same humungous, slab-sided wagon that would survive any traffic argument, but look closer and there’s lots of styling tweaks to the bold grille, the headlights - incorporating LEDs- and the side panels. It’s cleaner inside as well. The big feature of the GL is its outstanding cabin room and the seven-seat capacity.The split third row is activated to rise from the cabin floor or electrically retreat at the touch of a button. This third row also accepts adults with more than sufficient head and legroom. Luggage space behind this seat does suffer, but the fact it can take so many occupants in such comfort is a boon. The fact that it requires the patience of Job to get into most parking bays is a downer.TECHNOLOGYThe platform and its mechanical components is not changed much from the current model. But there is a lot of change to the way these components work. The ride comfort is excellent - better than most high-end saloons - while the electronically controlled air suspension even makes it handle very well and most unlike any rival SUVs. Engines are honed to make a bit more power and deliver less thirst. The safety gear gets all the attention because it is outstanding.SAFETYCollision prevention and its braking system that doesn’t need driver intervention is a big deal here. Mercedes will go even further with the next S-Class limo but for now, the GL is the perfect platform to show off the safety of the system. There is also the 360-degree camera system that gives a bird’s-eye view of parking the car, complete with park sensors to relay the vehicle’s proximity to panel damage. This is the only thing that overcomes the disadvantages of the GL’s size.DRIVINGYes it’s big but the chassis control and the sharpness of the steering make it feel so much smaller. The GL350 CDI was the only version driven in Germany though there were two versions - the standard drivetrain and one with the off-road package. The latter also allows the driver to select different modes dependent on road or off-road conditions, so it’s very similar to the Terrain Assist program from Land Rover.The diesel pushes surprisingly hard considering the SUV weighs 2.5-tonne without fuel or occupants. It will compete with most traffic off the mark but is especially strong in its mid-range rev band where the torque pours through the automatic gearbox to all wheels. But the quietness is incredible and the suppleness of the ride is like a big limo. The vastness of its size obviously creates a huge cabin and/or a giant cargo space but though its versatility is appealing to many families, the GL also has big advantages for people who need to tow.VERDICTI was prepared to dislike this warehouse-on-wheels but the fact it is so enjoyable to drive and so comfortable that I just ended up a fan.Mercedes-Benz GL350 CDIAvailable: April, 2013Price: est. from $120,000Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: n/aService Interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash Rating: 5 starsEngine: 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel; 195kW/620NmTransmission: 7-spd auto; AWDThirst: 7.9L/100km; 202g/km CO2Dimensions: 5.1m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.9m (H)Weight: 2455kgSpare: space-saver

Something this big should almost have an ensuite - in fact I think it's bigger than some of the studio apartments in Sydney's inner-eastern suburbs. Anyone who has ridden a tandem bike with no one on the back seat will have some idea of what it's like to drive the GL Mercedes-Benz 4WD. This is a BIG bit of US-built German SUV and if space and seats are what you need, the GL offers ample of both. We're sampling the GL 350 CDI Luxury model, which features the uprated turbodiesel 195kW/620Nm V6 to shift its considerable girth a little quicker than previously, thanks to 30 extra kiloWatts and 90 more Newton-metres.VALUEWith a six-figure pricetag the term value is something of a misnomer, but in metal-for-money terms it's a half-decent deal. The $131,490 start price gets a long features list - as you would expect - auto-dimming mirrors inside and out, bi-xenon active headlights, ambient lighting, electric front seats with memory, leather trim, front and rear climate control, 20in alloys (up from 19in on the "entry-level" 350CDI), satellite navigation, a 6-disc CD/DVD player, parking sensors front and rear, a reversing camera, an electrically-operated rear bootlid, active bi-xenon headlights, LED running and tail lights. The test behemoth was carrying the optional Premium and Vision packages; Premium - which adds $4600 to the bottom line - puts heated and ventilated front seats and the Distronic active cruise control on the features list.The Vision Package - a $4900 step up in the asking price - puts the impressive Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, keyless entry and start, a sunroof, pop-out rear "vent" windows and useful bi-folding front sun visors.TECHNOLOGYThe GL's updated V6 engine builds on an already-strong package - the common-rail direct-injection V6 is equipped with piezo injectors and delivers reasonable outputs almost like a petrol engine - albeit it with more torque. The 620Nm is on offer from 1600 through to 2400rpm - not the widest rev-range but peak power arrives at 3800rpm. The all-wheel drive system can be left to its own devices or the driver has the option of locking the centre and rear differentials, as well as access to low range at the push of a button. Ride height is adjustable - up to a useful 307mm maximum in the highest off-road mode - although the system feels a little slower than some of its opposition. DESIGNThere's not much in the way of creativity when it comes to this segment - long, tall, wide and brawny of stance, the GL seven-seater is elegant in an elephantine manner. Passenger space is not an issue inside, with all three rows of seats offering enough space for adults, although the electrically-controlled third row would best be left to the rugrats for a long journey. The third row does take some of the depth from the bootspace, but there's still a decent load capacity, if not as cavernous as the exterior would suggest. SAFETYThe three-pointed star brings an expectation of high levels of safety and the GL doesn't disappoint. There's stability control (including the trailer stabilising function), anti-lock brakes, the Presafe accident preparation system, eight airbags (dual front, 1st and 2nd row side airbags and full length curtain airbags), active front head restraints and a tyre pressure warning system are among the safety features highlights. DRIVINGCombining a wide range of tasks into one machine - that's the fundamental principle behind an SUV and the reason for their growing popularity. The GL model range is part people-mover, part off-roader, part prestige car and it completes all of these jobs with reasonable ease. Granted, it's not going to chase down a sportscar but the GL feels like it can cover all manner of terrain without serious concern. There's a reason why people like to drive these things - the feeling of complete security almost regardless of the road conditions - with the auto mode on the adjustable suspension being the most useful setting for occupant comfort and the driver's control. Sport mode tries manfully to fight bodyroll but becomes too brittle for the passengers, while comfort mode goes a little too far in the other direction, becoming somewhat "roly-poly." The turbodiesel V6 is impressive, although the long travel throttle pedal needs a big prod to get things underway at anything more than a leisurely pace; once into the meaty part of the engine's outputs, the big Benz surges forward with gusto. The driver is well looked after, with active cruise control, wheel-mounted controls for most of the information and entertainmentsystems, which includes the Bluetooth phone and the integrated iPod, tucked out of reach in the glovebox (perhaps the centre console might be a more convenient locale). One bugbear is the stalk for the automatic transmission - while it frees up more centre console storage space but it's too easy to flick it by accident, something that would take quite some time with which to become familiar. The adjustable suspension dawdles a bit when changing ride heights, but once up, with the pushbutton low-range and centre and rear diff locks engaged, the big Benz clambers over mud and slippery stuff without complaint, even on the road-biased rubber. The side steps are tickled a little - thanks to the long wheelbase perhaps - but getting seven people to a remote locale would be easily achieved.VERDICTThe leviathan of the Mercedes-Benz range is a capable and comfortable all-rounder, but those faint-of-heart may well be optioning up a few more proximity systems until they get used to the girth. Kid-carting, towing and prestige factors are well covered by the big Benz - in the same manner as the Range Rover and Lexus opposition, the GL will (if the bank balance can sustain the damage bill) go a long way off the beaten track.Unlike the new Range Rover Vogue, it's weight is not as well hidden from the driver, who is always conscious of its girth.Mercedes-Benz GL 350Price: $131,490 (as tested $140,990)Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 78%Service Interval: 25,000km or 12-monthsEconomy: 9.2 l/100km, on test 12.2l/100km; 242g/km CO2Safety Equipment: eight airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP. Crash rating: n/a starEngine: 195kW/620Nm 3-litre direct-injection turbocharged V6Transmission: seven-speed auto, four-wheel driveBody: 5-door, 7 seats Dimensions: 5099mm (L); 1920mm (W); 1840mm (H); 3075mm (WB)Weight: 2505kgTyre size: 265/50 R20Spare tyre: Space saver