Drop the term "Big Benz" in conversation and most people assume you're talking about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. While the full-size flagship sedan has – deservedly – earned that moniker over the years, when it comes to sheer size and volume, the GL-Class is truly Benz' behemoth. But don't take that as a negative. The GL350 Bluetec, the automaker's diesel-powered variant of its seven-passenger full-size sport utility vehicle, has plenty going for it. Under the hood is a torque-laden, fuel-efficient diesel, and after a week pulling family duty, we emerged impressed.
The appeal of the GL-Class is its roomy seven-passenger cabin, generous cargo capacity, truck-like ground clearance and ability to tow upwards of 7,500 pounds. Those uninterested in hauling weekend paraphernalia can get their paws on the "its-not-a-minivan" R-Class, which manages 2,500 pounds of towing and makes due with more passenger-friendly ground clearance. But what immediately impresses with the GL is its uncanny ability to hide its mass – it's often mistaken for its smaller (but still large) sibling, the five-passenger M-Class.Visual illusions aside, the GL-Class is nearly as big as a Cadillac Escalade. Yet unlike GM's high-riding luxo-ute, Mercedes-Benz has engineered the GL-Class with unibody construction. In return, the European is 400 pounds lighter than the American and its entire platform is stiffer.The chromed "350GL" insignia on the rear liftgate infers an engine displacement of 3.5 liters, but don't be fooled. Today's badging nomenclature often has very little to do with what's going on under the hood, and in the case of the GL350 Bluetec, it boasts a 3.0-liter (2,987 cc) all-aluminum six-cylinder turbodiesel fitted with an intercooler. The powerplant delivers 210 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 400 pound-feet of torque starting as low as 1,600 rpm. The EPA rates the GL350 Bluetec at 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. Mated to a standard seven-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission, the 5,423-pound oil-burner will accelerate to 60 mph in just over eight seconds. Unlike the archaic live axle suspension found under the rear of the Escalade, the GL-Class utilizes an independent double-wishbone in the front and a four-arm multilink in the rear. All four corners are also dampened by a standard air suspension system – dubbed AIRMATIC – and the SUV rides on 20-inch alloy wheels wearing wide 275/50R20 tires.
Now in its fourth year of production (originally launched as the GL320 in 2006), the GL350 Bluetec has received a minor makeover for the 2010 model year. The freshening included new bumpers, front and rear skid pates, chrome roof rails, LED daytime running lights and a bump in wheel size from 19 to 20 inches as standard equipment. The interiors were fitted with improved seats with active headrests, a new leather steering wheel, redesigned instruments and upgraded burl walnut trim. Decorated in Boralo Red (read: burgundy) paint over Cashmere leather, our 2010 GL350 Bluetec tester arrived with a base price of $59,950. Several individual option packages, including an upgraded steering wheel, full leather and adaptive xenon lights bumped the price up a bit. However, the big hike came with the "Premium 2 Package" ($5,950) that includes navigation, COMAND voice control, Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 audio, HD Radio, an iPod interface and keyless ignition. When the adding tape stopped and destination/delivery was added, the grand total for GL350 Bluetec was $70,945.Without question, the GL350 Bluetec is beautifully appointed. Passengers are greeted with yards of flawlessly sewn leather on the seats and doors, while darker contrasting leather covers the dashboard. Deep glossy wood trim is balanced with brushed aluminum accents on the vents, dials and various grab handles. The center console is large (thanks to the electronic P-R-N-D controls located up on the tree) and there's storage galore. Fit and finish is excellent, the quality of materials is superb and cabin lighting is nearly perfect. Distinctively European in execution, the overall aura of the cabin is classy, well-polished and appealing.Better still, all seven seating positions are comfortable. The front seats are very supportive, especially for the lower back, feeling as good after 10 hours as they do after 10 minutes. Second-row passengers are equally as content as they enjoy generous room for knees, legs and feet. The third row is a very pleasant surprise. Many SUVs have the obligatory seats back there (BMW X5, Audi Q7, Acura MDX, etc...), but more often than not, they are nothing more than thinly-padded uprights bolted to a shallowly scalloped floor. Thanks to the ML's unibody platform, the German engineers were able to carve out a deep and accommodating passenger compartment in the "way back" of the GL. (By the tape, the last row in the big Mercedes offers as much leg room as the second row in a mid-size Audi A4 sedan). Making it even more pleasant, entry/egress is easy as the second-row seat pivots forward and completely out of the way. It says volumes about comfort when adults volunteer to sit back there for a 40-minute trip – and emerge with a smile.
Source: autoblog.com
No comments:
Post a Comment