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2006 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Preview

Functionality Meets Upper-Class Luxury in the All-New GL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen (G-Class) is to the Germans, what the Hummer H1 is to North Americans, or for that matter, what the Land Rover Defender is to the British. GL translates into "ultimate off-roader" and the pride of each countrys military ground forces.

Like Hummer or Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz has stuck with the G for over a quarter of a century and counting, with only the occasional component upgrade every now and then to keep it up to date, including the addition of long-wheelbase, short-wheelbase, soft-top and AMG versions.

In recent years, since it was officially introduced into the North American market especially (gray market

The old G-Class was a tough, nearly unbreakable ute. Though North America only receives the four-door wagon, theres a two-door wagon and a short wheelbase soft-top as pictured here. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

versions are everywhere), the G-Class has won over a surprising number of new clients, bringing it back into the spotlight as a rolling icon of wealth and status, and appropriately one of surprising profit for Mercedes-Benz. Currently, amongst high-price SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade or Hummer H1, the G commands total respect

A military-spec G-Class - this is what the G was originally built for, not riding on 22s and slammed to the ground. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

from movie stars, rappers, well-off investors, all while continuing to serve more utilitarian needs such as those of the Red Cross, and even the Canadian Army - sans leather, wood, DVD entertainment system and 20-inch wheels of course (see automotive news in this website for July 16, 2004: Department of National Defense Adds More Mercedes G Wagons to Canadian Armed Forces).

While the need for Mercedes-Benz to develop a rock-climber is debatable in the new millennium, there is no doubt

The GL-Class will take top honors on the Mercedes-Benz SUV food chain, although the boxy G-Class will still be produced. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

that the three-pointed star sees continued opportunity with high-end luxury sport utility vehicles. The brand wants to cash in on this by creating a new top-of-the-line vehicle, not necessarily to replace the vastly hand-built G-Class, but at least something that is sleeker, more stylish, and ultimately a better representation of Benz in the 21st century than the current heavy-weight brick, that hasnt merely endured the winds of change but rather blasted right through them, which will continue to be sold alongside it.
So, with Benzs latest creation not

The GL was created off the same chassis that spawned the ML and the R-Class crossover. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

being an outright replacement for the current G-Class, in purpose or spirit, it will certainly be capable off-road and miles more enjoyable on pavement, kind of like a bigger and more luxurious ML. To avoid the risk of offending G-Wagen fanatics and worse yet, confusing an already overwhelmed luxury SUV buyer, it will be called the GL-Class. The old G-Class will continue to remain in production in Graz, Austria and surprisingly enough, will receive a freshening for 2006. It will return to being a specialty vehicle with limited availability as per its engineers original intentions.
 
As was noted, the GL is essentially a larger version of the ML. In fact, its XXL-sized

The GL-Class is larger than almost every luxury SUV on the road, bar the extended wheelbase Escalade ESV. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

at 200.3 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, 72.4 inches tall, and riding on a stretched 121.1 inch wheelbase, which currently makes it the largest member of Mercs modern off-roading family platform, that also serves as the foundation for the R-Class luxury crossover vehicle. For comparison, thats a massive 14.7 inches longer than the original G-Class, nearly 5 inches larger than the full-size Range Rover and 1.4 inches longer than the regular wheelbase Escalade. In other words, this is a very, very large vehicle.

Like the others, the new GL will be built in Mercedes Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant, the sole production facility to produce it. The GL is akin to its siblings in that it will use a monocoque frame for greater rigidity and a lower

While the G-Class could probably climb that cliff face, the GL is more of an all terrain vehicle. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

center of gravity, electronically controlled air springs and dampers on an independent front and rear suspension system, speed-sensitive power steering as well as electronically controlled 4ETS four-wheel drive.

To keep its upper-crust image, the GL offers all the same luxuries and top-tier features as the most expensive Mercs. Only the finest materials and equipment make the cut, including the latest variation of the brands COMAND multimedia/navigation system as well as the Mercedes best sound systems. Benzs latest Thermotronic climate control ensures consistent temperatures throughout the vehicle - no matter the weather outside, while an optional panoramic roof provides natural light to the spacious cabin. Standing up to Benzs safety cachet, this premium SUV offers the new Pre-Safe system that includes seatbelt

The GL is built with the finest materials that Benz has to offer. It does look a lot like its smaller brother, the ML, though. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

pretensioners and adaptive belts, as well front, side and full-length curtain airbags, plus much more.

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