New GL to feature Modern Interpretation of M-B 4WD
The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen (G-Class) is to Germans what the Hummer H1 Alpha is to Americans or the Land Rover Defender is to the British: a military vehicle turned into an ultimate off-roader. Like Land Rover, and to some extent Hummer (although the brand just hasnt been around long enough to truly compare) Mercedes-Benz has soldiered on with the G for decades - the three pointed star has kept with the design for over a quarter of a century and counting, with the occasional component update and configuration modification every now and then to keep it up to date including long wheelbase, short wheelbase soft top and AMG versions. | | Mercedes-Benz has soldiered on with the G for over a quarter of a century and counting. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press) |
In recent years, a time period that included M-B finally bringing it to North America, the G-Class has won over a surprising number of new clients, hoisting it into the spotlight as an icon vehicle among the rich and famous, and garnering a surprising profit for Mercedes-Benz. Currently, amongst high-price SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade and Hummer H1 | | In recent years the G has welcomed a surprising number of new clients, one of which is Canadas Department of National Defense. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.) |
Alpha, it commands respect from movie stars, rappers, and well-off business people, 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 | | The new GL is sleeker, more stylish, and ultimately a better representation of Benz in the 21st century than the current heavy-weight brick. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.) |
in the new millennium, there is no doubt 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 to replace the vastly hand-built G-Class; something thats 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.
The idea of a modern G-Class has been discussed before, but does the new GL really replace the | | The GL is essentially a larger version of the ML, and belongs to a new family which utilizes Mercs modern off-roading platform that also serves as the foundation of the R-Class.? (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.) |
old 4x4. Not anymore, at least. Thanks to a collective outcry from G-Wagen fans the new SUV wont be an outright replacement, rather, it will be like a bigger and more luxurious ML. To avoid the risk of offending G-Wagen fanatics, it will be called the GL-Class. The old G-Class will remain in production, a specialty vehicle with limited sales availability as per its original intentions.
As was noted, the GL is essentially a larger version of the ML. It belongs to a new family which utilizes Mercs modern off-roading platform that serves as the foundation of the R-Class luxury crossover vehicle. Like the others, the new GL will be built in Mercedes Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant. Its akin to its siblings | | To keep its upper-crust image, the GL will most likely offer top-tier ML options as standard, such as the highest grade stereo system, advanced navigation system and many other luxury and safety features. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.) |
in that it will use a monocoque structure for greater rigidity and a lower center of gravity compared to a body on frame configuration, plus air springs and dampers on an independent front and rear suspension, as well as electronically controlled 4ETS four wheel drive. Blasphemy? To the uneducated (or the impartial) it sounds a lot like the Range Rover imitator.
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