Billed as the S-Class of off-roaders, the Mercedes-Benz GL has arrived in South Africa in its latest incarnation.
Like its ML sibling, the GL follows an evolutionary design path and it is generously proportioned, measuring 5120mm in length and with a 3075mm wheelbase. Those wanting a bit more visual zing can now opt for an AMG exterior sport package, although a real AMG is also on the menu.
TWIN-TURBO AMG
Taking pride and place at the top of the pile, the GL 63 AMG employs AMG's latest 5.5-litre bi-turbo mill that pushes 410kW and 760Nm - enough to rush it to 100 in 4.9 seconds. It's also more economical than its predecessor, although the claimed figure of 12.3 l/100km is hardly on the frugal side.
Also more efficient are the respective diesel and petrol engines in the GL 350 BlueTec and GL 500 BlueEfficiency - aided by the fact that the new GL is 90kg lighter than its predecessor and comes with idle-stop and low-rolling-resistance tyres.
The GL 350 turbodiesel is credited with 190kW and 620Nm, sprints to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds and sips between 7.4 and 8.0 l/100km on the combined cycle.
The petrol-powered GL 500 is good for 320kW and 700Nm, a 5.4-second sprint, 250km/h top end and 11.5 l/100km consumption.
In all models, a 7G-tronic Plus automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels via Merc's 4Matic system, which has a special function for off-road driving. There is also an On&Offroad package, which allows the driver to choose between six modes.
AIR SUSPENSION
However, you won't have to pay extra for the Airmatic load-bearing air suspension system, which not only provides something of a magic carpet ride quality, but which also allows the ground clearance to be raised to a very generous 306mm.
Standard on-road driving aids, in addition to the ESP stability system and Pre-Safe, include the Collision Prevention Assist collision warning system and the Attention Assist drowsiness detector.
The new-generation GL's cabin is finished in an extensive array of high-end materials, including wood (or aluminium) as well as controls in silver-chrome and upholstery in high-quality leather.
As before, there's seating for seven occupants and Merc claims that there's a great deal more elbow, shoulder and headroom in all three rows.
And if parking this big beast sounds like a headache, a handy option is the 360-degree camera system that uses four cameras to calculate a bird's eye view of the vehicle and its surrounding area.
PRICES:
GL 350 CDI - R 966 246
GL 500 - R1 106 859
GL 63 AMG - R1 669 636