2013 Mercedes GL Specs

Even though the Mercedes GL seems kinda lost between the ML and G-Class, the car has a very strong fan base. It’s an ideal car for those who want a big, practical SUV with a relaxed driving manner and tons of features.

The new 2013 model is considerably enhanced in every aspect you can think of. he high standards of comfort are derived from the combined result of a very rigid bodyshell, a perfected drivetrain, an improved chassis and superb aeroacoustic finishing, as well as the intelligent use of new-style insulation materials. At the same time, the GL-Class retains its traditional advantages of being extremely responsive with outstanding off-road expertise.

There are three models on offer at the launch: the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC with a V6 diesel engine, the V8 petrol engine GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and the new GL 63 AMG with its V8 Biturbo petrol engine. The latter is possibly the coolest 7-seat SUV out there!

Specs and details:

* Specifications for the international range of models; these may vary depending on the country 
**Electronically limited 

In addition to the state-of-the-art engine technology, an extensive BlueEFFICIENCY package supports greater economy. This includes the new seven-gear automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC PLUS, as well as the standard ECO stop-start function. The intelligent generator management, electric power steering and reduced rolling resistance of the tyres also have a fuel-saving effect.

In comparison with its predecessor (GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC), the weight of the new GL-Class has been reduced by 90 kg due to the extensive use of efficient construction methods. These include the use of light but durable aluminium alloys for the bonnet and wings.  The front and rear suspension links are also made of light alloys, therefore the lower weight reduces energy requirements and the vehicle provides a more comfortable ride due to its lower unsprung mass. Other weight reductions include the new acoustic windscreen, the magnesium cross beam of the dashboard, the BlueTEC system with SCR technology and components such as the new electric power steering, the electric parking brake and plastic engine support. 

The interior of the GL: First Class for seven people

In addition to its extremely comfortable ride and excellent driving dynamics, both on the road as well as over rough terrain, the GL-Class spoils its passengers with an interior which comes up to the first class standards of a luxurious saloon. Up to seven passengers are able to enjoy the outstanding seating. The elegant interior design features high-quality materials and great attention has been paid to details; the space-efficient arrangement has a perfect ergonomic design – the interior of the GL-Class conveys the feeling of well-being typical for the Mercedes-Benz brand. Extensive trim elements in a range of wood or in aluminium, controls in silver-chrome and upholstery in permeable ARTICO man-made leather material with decorative topstitching on the seams in a contrasting colour underline the overall high-quality impression.

The 2-3-2 seating arrangement provides a generous amount of space. In comparison with its predecessor, the passengers have been given a great deal more elbow, shoulder and headroom in all three rows of seats. As a standard feature, the third row of seats can be folded up and down electrically. Another innovation is the EASY-ENTRY system for accessing the third row of seats from both sides – also if required with optional electric controls.

As another first for a series model SUV, Mercedes-Benz is offering an optional sound system for the GL-Class from the well-known manufacturers of music systems Bang & Olufsen. The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG High-End Surround-Sound System with a total output of 1200 W and 14 high-end loudspeakers transforms the interior of the car into a concert hall with breathtaking acoustics.

Mercedes-Benz is the first car manufacturer to evaluate and assess the role of aeroacoustics which provides the decisive parameters for a comfortable ride especially when travelling at higher speeds. As a result, the psychoacoustic characteristics of SUV models like the GL-Class have been considerably improved. Here not only the high frequency wind noises were rated, but also the low frequencies – especially those concerning the comprehensibility and audibility of spoken language. A comparison with the S-Class proves just how successful the GL engineers were: the objective and subjective impression of noise lies at the same level for both vehicles. Because of its typical SUV design, however, it took a great deal more effort to achieve these top results with the GL than with a luxury saloon.

First class design

From first sight, the GL-Class 2012 can be recognised as a member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family. A new interpretation of the first generation GL at the front, the design is dominated by the GL’s typically upright radiator grille with its central star and the clear, high-quality design of the headlamps – the new Mercedes-Benz LED signature. In particular, the standard Intelligent Light System headlamps on the GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY give a high-quality, exclusive and innovative appearance. The difference lies in a light wave conductor for the position lights, LED technology indicators and the practical Night View Assist PLUS which is available as an option. The daytime running lamps, also in LED technology are integrated in a chrome clasp in the bumper, and underneath the radiator grille the large underbody panel rounds off the self-confident appearance. The well-balanced proportions of the profile view (length 5,120 mm, height 1,850 mm) and the long wheelbase (3,075 mm) underline the vehicle’s on-road emphasis, but at the same time the short body overhangs at front and rear, together with the vehicle’s great ground clearance point to its suitability for off-road use. At the rear its two-piece LED rear lamps use light wave conductor technology. The large roof spoiler, bumper, with its modern “wing design” and the large chromed area of the underbody panel complete its enhancements. For the first time there is an extensive AMG exterior sport package available for those GL customers who find it increasingly important for their vehicle to have a sporting and dynamic appearance. 

Passive safety: All-round protection for all passengers

Maximum protection potential is provided by the passive protection systems for passengers in conjunction with the “electronic crumple zone” provided by the assistant systems and the intelligent body construction. Adaptable two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, knee bags for the driver, sidebags for the driver and front passenger (combined thorax/pelvis bags) and window bags for all three rows of seats are part of the standard package. The integration of the optional thorax bags in the backrest of the tilt-adjustable folding seat in the middle row of seats allows the airbag to be in the best possible position regardless of the position of the backrest. Furthermore, there are three-point seat belts for all seven passenger seats on board. Also part of the standard package are the pyrotechnic inertia reel tensioners and constant belt force-limiters, as well as electrically reversible belt reel-in tensioners at the front, inertia reel tensioners and single stage force-limiters on the outer seats of the middle bench seat as well as on the rear single seats. The GL-Class also has the standard active bonnet system.

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