Three In One
by David Finlay (07 Aug 06)

The third Mercedes-Benz model range to be built across the Atlantic at Tuscaloosa in Alabama (where the M- and R-Class are already in production), the GL-Class is aimed at a very specific type of customer and has a very obvious rival. Unlike any Mercedes of the past, it has been designed to offer a combination of a large and luxurious interior with superior on- and off-road ability in a package that only a small proportion of motorists will be able to afford. Guess what it's up against?

If you said "Audi Q7", Mercedes would not have disagreed with you, since the Q7 is indeed a stated rival. But the concept has "Range Rover" written all over it, and that is the first car that's mentioned when the subject of opposition comes into the conversation. Mercedes can rarely have set itself a more exacting target.

There are three models in the GL-Class range, all of them well worth considering. By far the cheapest - or rather, "least expensive", since it costs £51,675 before options - is the GL 320 CDI, which uses the 224bhp three-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It does the 0-62mph run in under ten seconds, has a top speed of 130mph and is the only GL-Class to come within sniffing distance of 30mpg (to be more specific, 28.2mpg) on the official combined cycle.

That's probably as much ability as a GL-Class needs, but there are a couple of V8s for your consideration too. One is the 306bhp four-litre turbo diesel, the other the 388bhp 5.5-litre petrol engine, and they are both outstanding units (and create about the same amount and quality of sound, so top marks to the Mercedes diesel department there).

This is where the big money comes in, because the GL 420 CDI diesel costs £63,075 and the GL 500 £65,720, again before you start swimming in the warm waters of the options list.

More . . .

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Video Test
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