The new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class - added value at no extra cost: First-class offering in the SUV segment

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The market launch of the new GL-Class will provide customers with three models to choose from: the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC with V6 diesel engine, the V8 petrol-engined GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, and the high-performance GL 63 AMG variant with V8 biturbo petrol engine. The new models now come with a wide variety of equipment as standard which was either not available, or only available at additional cost, on the preceding model. With prices starting at €60,900 (€72,471 incl. VAT) for the entry-level model, the new GL also boasts some extremely attractive pricing.

According to Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Board Member of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Sales & Marketing: "The new GL provides more comfort, more safety, and more efficiency than its predecessor and at the same time is even more attractive then ever. With this model Mercedes-Benz is continuing the success story of the GL-Class, something which is also reflected in the sales figures for the current models: in the first five months of the year more units of the GL have been sold than ever before during this period (+14.8%)."

Customers of the GL-Class will enjoy double the benefits when opting for the new model. To begin with, the luxury vehicles for on-road and off-road use now feature an extended range of standard equipment. And on top of this, both the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC and the GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY are being launched with a significant customer benefit of up to €4000. The extensive standard equipment includes a number of comfort details such as electric sliding sunroof, electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate, EASY ENTRY system for convenient access to the third row of seats from both sides, high-insulation windscreen or electromechanical steering. In the interior, the scope of standard equipment comprises a colour screen with photo-realistic display and dashboard finished in ARTICO man-made leather.

Additional safety comes courtesy of the now standard assistance systems. The new generation of the GL supports the driver with the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST* collision warning system, and ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system. Helping to reduce the burden on the driver significantly when driving at the limits of what is physically possible are systems which detect the load for example, or Steer Assist which supports the driver with a steering moment on the steering wheel in the event of the vehicle oversteering. One of the new GL’s innovations and highlights is the standard-fit Crosswind Assist, which helps the driver by targeted brake actuation if the vehicle is affected by sudden crosswinds.

In addition, the GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY also offers Active Parking Assist including PARKTRONIC, the Intelligent Light System, the KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system, 3-zone THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control and multicontour leather seats for driver and front passenger including massage function.

Not to be overlooked as part of the added-value details fitted as standard are also the new engines. They boast better performance with increased output and torque, while at the same time enabling a reduction in consumption levels of up to 20 percent to be achieved. As a result, the 190 kW (258 hp) GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC achieves an NEDC consumption of 7.4 l/100 km. The V8 petrol model, the GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, produces 320 kW (435 hp) and powerful torque levels of 700 Nm while consuming just 11.3 l/100 km (NEDC).

Tailor-made off-road equipment

GL customers will also be delighted with the exceptional capabilities of the vehicle when it comes to driving off the beaten track too. With 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, a special off-road transmission mode and Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), Mercedes-Benz is ensuring that the necessary off-road performance is on hand to help make any off-road excursion is trouble-free. Meanwhile, those looking to tackle the harshest of off-road terrain can order the ON&OFFROAD package with step-down ratio and central lock. With this, six specific transmission modes optimise the performance capabilities of the vehicle both on and off the road.

* country-specific standard equipment

Prices at a glance*:
- GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC: €60,900 (€72,471)
- GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: €79,500 (€94,605)
- GL 63 AMG: €109,500 (€130,305)

*non-binding recommended price excluding (including) VAT for the German market

Mercedes-Benz offers the most diverse range of SUVs in the premium segment. No less than four model series are available in this globally growth-oriented market. In addition to the premium GL-Class SUV, the successful family comprises the compact GLK, the all-terrain "G" and the efficiency champion M‑Class.

The popularity of Mercedes-Benz SUVs is also reflected in their sales figures. Between January and May 2012, the brand's SUVs achieved a new sales record: no less than 103,005 units have been sold in this segment so far in 2012.

Credits: Daimler AG

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