Mercedes GL-Class (2006 To Date)
0 petrol (GL320 CDI GL420 CDI GL500)]
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
* Introduction For those who feel that large is just a good start, theres the Mercedes GL Class. Originally designed to replace the antediluvian G Class utility vehicles, a combination of fierce loyalty to the old G and an element of blue-sky mission creep somehow morphed the GL into the behemoth we have before us now. In certain markets and Im looking westwards as I type this there will always be a ready take up of supersized SUVs but does the GL make much sense as a used buy this side of the pond? Find out here.
Although it wears a German badge, make no mistake that the heart and soul of this car is pure stars and bars. Built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the GL is aimed at the well-heeled buyers of New York, California, Washington and Florida, customers who demand a vehicle with the front to face down a Cadillac Escalade or a Lincoln Navigator. Make no mistake, the GL is a serious piece of real estate. It measures 5,088mm from bumper to bumper which is a good deal longer than a Range Rover and dwarfs what looks to be on a conceptual basis at least - the GLs closest rival, Audis Q7.
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If the front passenger seat is in a further back position, it automatically slides forward. When the third-row passengers have taken their seats, the bench seat can be folded back into position and the front passenger seat returns to its original place. Equipped with the third-row individual seats, the GL-Class is a full-size seven-seater. Either one or both seats can be electrically folded to create a continuously level load floor which, when the centre seat row is folded down as well, extends right the way through to the front seat backs.
Original customers who chose not opt for the seven-seater version got an additional stowage compartment under the load compartment floor. The optional rear-seat entertainment system, comprising two colour monitors with headphone jacks in the back of the front head restraints and a CD/DVD player under the centre bench seat, allows rear-seat passengers in the GL-Class to listen to or watch their own choice of music or films. To extend the entertainment programme even further, external audio/video sources or a games console can be connected to the system. Its a great way of keeping the kids quiet on a long journey.
There are a surprising amount of Mercedes GL models for sale on the used market. Some will be ex-dealer demonstrators while others will doubtless be low mileage examples owned by customers who have found the cars size just too unwieldy. Prices currently open at around £46,000 for a GL320 CDI model but this otherwise excellent engine has a bit of trouble shifting the GLs bulk. Better to stump up for the meaty GL 420 CDI which kicks off at around £51,500.
The petrol GL500 starts at around £48,500.
Aside from checking the structural integrity of some of the internal fittings, theres not a great deal to worry about with a used GL-class. Most premium 4x4s have led relatively pampered lives, as school run is far gentler than black run. Check the underbody and the undersides of the front and rear valances for damage, as the GL doesnt have the most generous approach, departure and breakover angles when tackling off road obstacles. Still more likely are knocks and scrapes to the cars extremities caused by trying to park the thing in multi storey car parks.
Urban width restrictions also pose a very real risk of kerbing the expensive alloys.
(approx based on an GL320 CDI) A set of front brake pads is around £100 while a radiator is just over £300. A shopping trolley through a headlight will wipe around £150 worth of smile from a GL-Class owners face. A new alternator requires alternate plans for £300, and a new starter motor will be around £240.
The engine line-up in all GL-Class models kicks off with the hugely impressive 224bhp GL320 CDI diesel, an engine that has already seen widespread service across much of the Mercedes range. Less well known will be its bigger brother the GL420 CDI which, instead of being a V6, is a beefy V8 good for no less than 306bhp. With a maximum torque of 700Nm, this is the engine to choose if youre planning some serious towing duties. Both diesel-powered versions comply with Euro4 emissions rules and feature a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter.
If you want petrol-power, theres the impressive 5.5-litre, 388bhp engine in the GL500, as used in the new S-Class. Mercedes also developed a GL450 V8 petrol model with a 4.6-litre engine developing 340bhp, quite some wallop for an entry level petrol powerplant.
All GL-Class engine variants come with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT as standard. Renowned as probably the finest automatic box on the market, 7G-TRONIC wont have you hankering after a manual. Another factor working in the GLs favour is the comparatively low kerb weight for a vehicle of this size. Thanks to the strong but lightweight monocoque body and excellent aerodynamics (Cd 0.
37), the GL-Class claims some surprisingly good fuel efficiency and emissions figures.
The Mercedes GL isnt going to be for everyone. Although its sometimes hard to arrange when buying used, an extended test drive, perhaps over the course of a weekend, should tell you whether the GL is of a manageable size for your circumstances. Posing as a new buyer may well pay dividends here. There is very little need for a vehicle this big, in this country at least.
Only very large, very well-heeled families that value their creature comforts and indulge in gear-intensive activities should really apply.
