Benz Faqs

Mercedes-Benz will  be selling an brand new full-size SUV called the 2007 GL-Class beginning in May. This is not to be confused with the long-running and niche-oriented full-size G-Class already in its line-up, the GL-Class is an completely different vehicle and is not considered a replacement to the G-Class, which Mercedes-Benz says will stay in production.

The new GL-Class looks like a beefier version of the new midsize M-Class and like the M-Class is built on a car-like unibody, instead of a truck-like ladder frame. This gives it inherently better handling and performance on the road than traditional truck-based SUVs. In contrast, the old-school G-Class is a tank-like truck better suited to rough terrain than paved roads, despite having gained cachet as a luxury model in the U.S. over the past few years (it starts at $80,900).

The U.S.-spec GL 450 has a new 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 335 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. It will be the first GL model to go on sale in the U.S. this May. The GL 500 with a more powerful V8 will follow, along with the GL 320 featuring a diesel V6 that should average 25 miles per gallon, which is good for a full size SUV.

There is seating for seven and at the press of a button the third row of seats stows into the floor to create a flat load surface in the cargo bay. The trade-off is that the floor is high in relation to the ground, which might make it difficult to lift and load heavy or bulky objects.

Mercedes’ usual high level of amenities and safety standards are part of the package, including two-stage front airbags for driver and passenger, seat-mounted side airbags in the first and second rows and window curtain airbags spanning all three rows of seats.