New Mercedes Benz GL Class

The full specification and pricing for the new generation seven-seat GL-Class has been released ahead of starting production in January 2013, with two models announced – the GL 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport and, for the first time, the GL 63 AMG. The spacious 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 35.3 mpg, and a 14 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions to 209 g/km. The 2,987 cc vehicle generates 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque, and accelerates to 62 mph 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” 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-Safe®Brake (£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” 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 557 hp, a massive 760 Nm of torque, 288 g/km of CO2 and combined fuel consumption of 23.0 mpg. It achieves 0-62 mph in just 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph. 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. From Motorin News