Mercedes Launches GL-Class - Its Largest, Most Luxurious SUV

Mercedes has launched the new GL-Class, its new fullsize SUV, at the New York Motor Show that will also be the brand's most luxurious truck. It will be offered initially as two models - the GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and GL500 4Matic BlueEfficiency. Mercedes is claiming that the GL350 will get 38mpg imperial in the combined cycle. 

“The new GL-Class occupies the top position amongst luxury SUVs. With its comprehensive assistance systems it has a pioneering role where safety and comfort are concerned, and is on a par with an S-Class – even off the beaten track,” said Dr Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars. 

The seven-passenger SUV has an upright front end with LED running lights and LED tail lights. It comes with 18in wheels, but 21in AMG wheels are optional. An air suspension front and rear is standard.

Inside, the GL-Class is also modeled on the S-Class with aluminum and wood accents and man-made leather. It offers between 680 and 2300 litres depending on which rows of seats are folded down. There is a 11.4cm display between the two instrument dials. There is a lager infotainment screen next to it for navigation and infotainment information. The controls for all of the off-road technology are along the center armrest. 

The engine options for the GL-Class are either the GL350 with a 3.0l diesel with 258hp and 620Nm of torque with a combined  fuel economy of 38mpg imperial and produces 192-209g/km of CO2 or the GL500 with a 4.7l V8 petrol engine with 408hp and 600Nm of torque with a combined fuel economy of 25mpg imperial. The GL500 produces between 262-269g/km of CO2. Both engines come with Mercedes' 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes has not announced prices yet for the GL-Class