Comfort, safety, elegance, efficiency - the new GL-Class from Mercedes-Benz demonstrates leadership qualities in all the decisive SUV disciplines.
(1888PressRelease) May 10, 2013 - Innovations such as the standard-specification Crosswind Assist and the STEER CONTROL steering assistance system, increase the active safety. Other new features to become available are assistance systems such as an optional parking package incorporating an automatic function for entering and exiting parking spaces, plus a 360° camera. With excellent driving dynamics and high levels of ride comfort - both on the road and on difficult terrain - the GL-Class pampers its occupants with the first-class comfort of a luxury saloon. Up to seven passengers enjoy an excellent amount of space. Numerous BlueEFFICIENCY measures significantly increase the energy efficiency: the 435 hp GL 500 petrol model, the fuel consumption falls by about 18 percent.
The new GL-Class occupies the top position amongst the 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. Even at first glance the new GL-Class is recognizable as a characteristic representative of the Mercedes-Benz Sports Utility Vehicle family.
For GL customers who place particular importance on a sporty, dynamic appearance, an extensive, optional AMG Exterior Sports package is now available for the first time. In addition to the hallmark-AMG front and rear apron, it also offers special wheel-arch flarings, which span over the 21-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.
Inner values: the GL-Class offers automotive first class
Powerfully dynamic and elegant interior design, fine materials and lovingly crafted details, optimum ergonomics and a generous amount of space - the interior of the GL-Class oozes the ambience of wellbeing so characteristic of Mercedes-Benz. Generously sized trim in various wood or aluminum variants, controls in silver chrome and the leather upholstery underline the high-quality overall impression. The seats offer seven people a generous amount of space and follow the 2-3-2 system. Compared with the predecessor the occupants on all three rows of seats have more shoulder room, elbow room and headroom. As part of the standard specification the third seat row can be operated electrically. Another new feature is the EASY-ENTRY system on both sides - also available with electric operation on request - for access to the third row of seats.
Assistance systems take the GL to the top of its market segment
It is above all the numerous assistance systems which ensure enhanced handling safety and driver-fitness safety in the new GL-Class. As part of its standard specification the new GL-Class has some impressive new features alongside the usual dynamic handling control systems ESP®, ASR, ABS and the anticipatory safety concept PRE-SAFE®: on board for the first time is the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system. Ensuring a huge reduction of the burden on the driver in the limits of what is physically possible in terms of driving physics are systems such as the ESP® load recognition and the STEER CONTROL steering assistance system, which supports the driver with a steering torque on the steering wheel, for example, in the case of a vehicle which is oversteering. One of the new GL's innovations and highlights is the standard-fit Crosswind Assist, which helps the motorist if the car is affected by strong crosswinds. It does so through targeted brake actuations, therefore ensuring an enhanced feeling of safety.
Also available as an option is the bi xenon headlamps with the Intelligent Light System (ILS) featuring the new off-road light, the Adaptive Highbeam Assist and the optional Night View Assist Plus ensure that the motorist has a sufficient view of the road. The optional 360° camera equipment feature comprises four cameras in the front and rear area as well as in the exterior mirror housings. The system control projects a bird's-eye view of the vehicle and of the area surrounding it from the image information, and shows them and other views in the generously sized COMAND display.
Clean power pack: the engines for the GL-Class
The GL 500 with a charged, direct-injecting BlueDIRECT petrol engine offers impressive performance coupled with high efficiency. On average the new model undercuts the preceding model by 18 percent when it comes to consumption figures.
The GL 500 has an NEDC consumption of 11.3-11.5 l/ 100 km, making it the most fuel-efficient V8 petrol model in its class. A charged 4.6-litre BlueDIRECT engine with 435 hp is used here. The new generation consumes an average of 18 percent less fuel and offers the best classification currently possible: EU 5.
S-Class ride comfort with pioneering driving dynamics - on the road and off it
Relaxed and, therefore, safe driving in all possible conditions both on and off the road is one of the new GL-Class's strengths. In particular the NVH characteristics (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) are impressive and are on a par with those of the S-Class. The basis for the high level of NVH comfort is provided by the very rigid body, an optimized powertrain, the improved chassis, aero-acoustic refinements and the intelligent use of new-style insulation. At the same time, high agility, dynamic on-road handling and superb off-road abilities have always been advantages offered by the GL-Class.
Complete model range, impressive equipment variants
An extensive range of standard equipment and appointments, individual equipment packages plus attractive paintwork and high-quality interiors characterize the look of the new GL-Class. The extensive range of standard equipment and appointments has been considerably enhanced compared with that of the predecessor. Comfort details such as the electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate, an electric sliding/tilting roof, and electrically adjustable front seats with memory package are also part of the standard specification.
About Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited
Established in 1986 and based in Hong Kong, Mercedes-Benz China Limited (MBCL) was the wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG and the franchise-holder for all imported passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle products under the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brand names in the Northeast Asia region (China, Hong Kong and Macau). In 2005, MBCL moved all P.R. China operations to Beijing for further business development. On January 1, 2006, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited (MBHK) was established to take over the wholesale business for the Hong Kong and Macau markets.
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