Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Makes Asian Debut

Press Release

• Asian premiere for the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

• Excellent handling both on and off the road

• Comfort more readily associated with a luxury saloon

Mercedes-Benz is presenting the new GL-Class to the Asian public for the first time at the "Auto China 2006" show in Beijing. This seven-seater premium off-roader offers outstanding handling both on and off the road and pampers occupants with its extremely spacious accommodation and the comfort of a luxury saloon. It sets another milestone with the comprehensive PRE-SAFE® safety concept, a first in this market segment.

The GL-Class meets all the requirements of a state-of-the-art, innovative SUV or even redefines them on a higher level. And of course the hallmark Mercedes off-roader genes such as superlative robustness, ruggedness and long-term durability have not been compromised in any way. It is not without reason that the model designation echoes the legendary precursor of all Mercedes-Benz off-roaders - the G Class. The evergreen cross-country vehicle is now entering its 27th year of production and will continue to be marketed alongside the GL-Class.

With its effortlessly superior presence, the GL-Class leaves one in no doubt about its aspirations to conquer this highly competitive market segment. The distinctive design idiom exudes power and exclusivity. Sleek body surfaces, powerful, wedge-shaped features and striking details give the impression the luxury off-roader is surging forward even when stationary. The spacious body (length 5088 mm, width 1920 mm, height 1840 mm) is beautifully proportioned, perfectly setting off this exclusive all-rounder.

Majestic drive systems: highly sophisticated V6 and V8 engines

The engine line-up features four state-of-the-art powerplants that play a key role in enhancing driving enjoyment thanks to their harmonious torque and power delivery. Both direct-injection diesel engines in the GL 320 CDI 4MATIC and GL 420 CDI 4MATIC models comply with the EU 4 emissions standard and feature a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter, fitted as standard, which reduces particulate emissions by a further 99 percent without the need for additives.

The new-generation V8 diesel powerplant in the GL 420 CDI 4MATIC model, with four valves per cylinder and twin turbochargers with variable nozzle turbines (VNT), makes the off-roader an even more spirited performer. Peak torque in the 4.0-litre engine has been boosted to 700 Nm, while modification measures have enabled the output to be increased from 184 kW/250 hp to 225 kW/306 hp. Furthermore, untreated emissions, fuel consumption and noise levels have been reduced. The increase in power is mainly down to the third-generation common-rail high-pressure injection system with max. 1600 bar injection pressure and the raising of the ignition pressure to 175 bar. Emissions have been cut drastically thanks to up to five diesel injections per injection process, special orifice nozzles, new piezoelectric injectors with more precise injection times and a modified exhaust gas recirculation system. The square bore/stroke ratio and a balancer shaft which rotates in the opposite direction to the crankshaft ensure outstandingly smooth operation. The tried-and-trusted V6 diesel unit in the GL 320 CDI 4MATIC model has an output of 165 kW/224 hp and an impressive peak torque of 510 Nm, which is available across a broad engine speed range. The result is a highly respectable set of performance figures.

In addition to the newly developed 5.5-litre, 285-kW/388-hp engine in the GL 500 4MATIC, launched earlier in the new S-Class, the second unit in this highly sophisticated family of V8 engines is being used for the first time in the GL-Class. In the GL 450 4MATIC, the 4.6-litre engine develops 250 kW/340 hp.

All GL-Class engine variants come with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT as standard. Excellent performance and low fuel consumption result from the perfect combination of state-of-the-art engines with 7G-TRONIC and the friction-optimised powertrain. Another important factor is the comparatively low gross vehicle weight thanks to the unitised body and the excellent aerodynamics (Cd 0.37) for such a large vehicle.

Key technical data at a glance:

Outstanding handling both on and off the road

4MATIC - the permanent all-wheel-drive system by Mercedes-Benz - enables the GL Class to deliver superior handling whatever the conditions. Together with the standard-fit AIRMATIC air suspension, the precise speed-sensitive power steering and the Adaptive Damper System (ADS) also fitted as standard, the imposing GL-Class (wheelbase 3075 mm) handles extremely impressively. The latest version of the tried-and-trusted Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) also includes the ESP® Trailer Stabilisation component that defuses critical driving situations involving a trailer before they become dangerous by applying individual wheel brakes as required. Even when pulling the maximum trailed load of 3500 kg, the GL-Class models prove exceptional towing vehicles: alongside ESP® Trailer Stabilisation, the extremely rigid body, the automatic level control feature of the AIRMATIC system, the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and the long wheelbase length ensure safe and reliable handling when towing, even in adverse conditions such as crosswinds or when the road surface is beset with ruts caused by heavy vehicles.

The GL-Class not only cuts a fine figure on the road, its performance off the road is equally impressive. The modified AIRMATIC system permits a ground clearance of 307 mm in the highest off-road mode, in which case the fording depth is 600 mm. Should the ground clearance on occasion prove insufficient, a steel underride guard protects the important chassis and powertrain components. The off-road data at a glance:

The standard-fit Off-Road Pro engineering package extends the range of options for negotiating normally impassable terrain considerably. Thanks to the transfer case reduction gearing (2.93:1) and multiple-disc locks with up to 100 percent locking at the reinforced rear axle and in the centre differential, almost all off-road terrain becomes passable. The traction-control measures are backed up by the 4ETS traction control system which increases the drive torque at the wheels offering good grip by braking the wheels providing less traction, thus enabling headway to be made even under the toughest of driving conditions. This effectively means that the front axle has an "electronic" differential lock which, in contrast to mechanical locks, ensures that the vehicle remains fully steerable. Further electronic dynamic handling control systems help to make the driver's job easier when negotiating difficult terrain:

• The off-road ABS system, specially optimised for rough terrain, shortens braking distances on poor surfaces, loose ground or extremely steep descents by allowing the wheels to lock under certain circumstances

• Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) allows the driver to select various maximum speeds which the GL-Class will not exceed when negotiating steep descents, for example

• Hill-start assist prevents the vehicle rolling away when starting off on an uphill or downhill slope

• When the accelerator is pressed, the throttle valve opens more slowly, thus improving controllability

• Manual operation of the 7G-TRONIC using the steering-wheel shift buttons. The selected gears are retained for longer, depending on the permitted engine speed

Two rotary controls on the centre console allow the driver to select from the drive modes and AIRMATIC modes, details of which are permanently visible on the central information display.

Superlative comfort whatever the conditions

The welcoming interior with its top-quality materials provides passengers with that feel-good atmosphere as only Mercedes knows how, with more than ample space for up to seven people. The GL-Class offers superb comfort on board - whether you're just popping into town, cruising hundreds of miles or negotiating rough terrain. Occupants still enjoy good freedom of movement even on the two full-sized individual seats in the third row of seats:

The external and internal dimensions shown below are a good indicator of the spaciousness offered by the new GL-Class.

* in seven-seater configuration

The internal dimensions clearly demonstrate that even the occupant room in the third seat row is particularly good. If these two seats are not required, they can be stowed electrically at the push of a button, either individually or in tandem, to provide a completely flat load surface. The luggage compartment capacity amounts to 1240 litres in the five-seater version. The GL-Class can provide up to 2300 litres of load capacity, with the load compartment measuring 2128 mm in length.