9th December, 2005
Mercedes-Benz is to unveil a new Sport Utility Vehicle: the GL-Class.
The big seven-seater off-roader pampers occupants with its extremely
spacious accommodation and the comfort of a luxury saloon. The GL-Class sets
another milestone with PRE-SAFE®, the comprehensive safety concept, a first in
this market segment.
With its poised, assured presence, the GL-Class leaves you in no doubt about
its aspirations to conquer this competitive market segment. The distinctive
design idiom exudes power and exclusivity. Calm body surfaces, powerful,
wedge-shaped features and striking details give the impression the luxury
off-roader is surging forward even when stationary. The body dimensions: length
5,088 mm, width 1,920 mm, height 1,840 mm.
Superlative comfort whatever the conditions
The welcoming interior with its top-quality materials provides passengers
with that feel-good atmosphere, with more than ample
space for up to seven passengers. The GL-Class offers superb comfort on board -
whether you’re just popping into town, cruising hundreds of kilometres or
negotiating rough terrain. Occupants still enjoy good freedom of movement even
on the two full-sized individual seats in the third row of seats. The distance
to the middle row of seats is 815 mm, with 979 mm headroom for passengers. If
you need fewer seats, the rear individual seats can be stowed electrically at
the push of a button, either individually or in tandem to provide a completely
flat load surface. In the five-seater version, luggage compartment capacity is
1,240 litres – an impressive benchmark value in the class. The GL-Class can
provide up to 2,300 litres of load capacity, with the load compartment measuring
2,128 mm in length. In line with the wide range of applications handled by the
versatile all-rounder, the THERMATIC automatic climate control system fitted as
standard in the GL 320 CDI provides consistent temperature for all seven seats
both in the depths of winter and on those sweltering summer days. The versions
with V8 engines such as the GL 420 CDI, GL 450 and GL 500 come with the
standard-fit multi-zone THERMOTRONIC system, which offers even more climatic
comfort. Other standard-fit convenience and comfort appointments include ARTICO
man-made leather upholstery combinations, electrically adjustable front seats
and a fixed rear glass roof above the third row of seats.
Intelligent solutions promote safety
The GL-Class makes full use of the advantages of its unitised body, combining
optimum strength with lightweight steel design. The result is
passive safety that is superior to comparable models with a
ladder-type frame. Combined with the front and rear deformation zones, the
high-strength occupant cell forms an efficient base for the occupant protection
systems that include:
- Adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger
- Sidebags in the front, and in the middle row of seats as an option
- Windowbags across all three rows of seats from the A to the D-pillar
- NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger
as an option
- 3-point seat belts on all seven seats
- Seat-belt tensioners and adaptive belt-force limiters for the driver and
front passenger, seat-belt tensioners and single-stage belt-force limiters on
the outer seats in the middle row
With the optionally available PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection
system, Mercedes-Benz has raised safety to
a higher level. The system's most striking feature: passive and active
safety systems are networked with each other. PRE-SAFE® utilises the sensors in
the dynamic handling control systems such as ABS, BAS (Brake Assist) and ESP®
and optimises the protective function of the passive safety components in
potential accident situations. The GL-Class also takes the often neglected issue
of pedestrian protection to a new level. The front section includes precisely
defined ample crumple space between the body and the major assemblies
underneath. In conjunction with impact zones that are designed to yield, this
design provides a high degree of protection both for pedestrians and cyclists.
The GL-Class meets all the requirements of a state-of-the-art, luxury SUV,
or even redefines them on a higher level. Yet the hallmark Mercedes off-roader
genes such as superlative robustness, ruggedness and long-term durability have
not been compromised. It is not for nothing that the model designation echoes
the legendary precursor of all Mercedes-Benz off-road vehicles – the G-Class.
The evergreen off-roader is now entering its 26th year of production and will
continue to be marketed alongside the new GL-Class in some markets.
Outstanding handling on and off-road
4MATIC – the permanent four-wheel drive from Mercedes-Benz – provides the
GL-Class with superior handling whatever the conditions. Together with the
standard-fit AIRMATIC air suspension, the speed-sensitive power steering
and the ADS Adaptive Damper System also fitted as standard, the imposing
GL-Class (wheelbase 3,075 mm) handles impressively. Handling when pulling a
trailer is no less impressive thanks to the ESP® component TSA (Trailer
Stability Assist). TSA defuses critical driving situations involving a trailer
before they become dangerous by precisely applying the brakes, while AIRMATIC
provides fully automatic level adjustment.
Special off-road features such as Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), hill-start
assist and off-road ABS assist the GL-Class driver off road. The Off-Road Pro
engineering package, standard on all ECE models, means the GL-Class can also
handle the most extreme off-road terrain. This includes a two-speed transfer
case with a low range ratio and 100 percent differential locks for the transfer
case and the rear axle. The modified AIRMATIC air suspension, designed
specifically for the more demanding conditions, increases the ground clearance
to a maximum of 307 millimetres where required, and raises the fording depth to
600 millimetres.
Majestic drive systems: new V6 and V8 engines
The ultra-modern engine line-up in all GL-Class models provides superlative
drive comfort and compelling performance coupled with superior fuel consumption
figures compared with other vehicles in the class. Alongside the 165-kW/224-hp
V6 engine in the GL 320 CDI, the range of diesel models includes the
new-generation high-performance V8 diesel in the GL 420 CDI, which now has an
output of 225 kW/306 hp and maximum torque of 700 Nm. Both diesel-powered
versions undercut the EU 4 limits and feature a maintenance-free diesel
particulate filter. In addition to the newly developed 5.5-litre, 285-kW/388-hp
engine in the GL 500, launched earlier in the new S-Class, the second unit in
this ultra-modern V8 family of engines is celebrating its world premiere in the
GL-Class. In the GL 450 the 4.6-litre engine develops 250 kW/340 hp. Both
engines also fulfil the stringent EU 4 limits (USA: LEV II standard).
All GL-Class engine variants come with the standard-fit 7G-TRONIC seven-speed
automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT. Excellent performance and low fuel
consumption result not just from the perfect combination of ultra-modern engines
with 7G-TRONIC and the friction-optimised powertrain. Another important factor
is the comparatively low gross vehicle weight thanks to the unitised body and
the excellent aerodynamics (Cd 0.37) for such a large vehicle.
Success story from state-of-the-art production facilities
“Mercedes Quality – Made in America” has established itself as the company’s
new trademark on the other side of the Atlantic and illustrates the success
story of the DaimlerChrysler plant in Tuscaloosa (Alabama). The birthplace of the
GL-Class started production in 1997 as the first Mercedes-Benz plant outside
Europe. Around 600 million US dollars have been invested since 2001 in expanding
and constantly modernising the plant; overall the company has invested around 1
billion US dollars. Following the extension of the Tuscaloosa plant in May 2005,
its theoretical annual production capacity for all model series stands at
160,000 units. The new GL-Class is now the third model series to be built here,
alongside the M-Class and the R-Class.
The world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will take place at the
North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January 2006. U.S.
customers will be the first to savour the delights of the new trendsetter in the (northern)
spring; European customers will have to wait until September 2006 for a taste of
the versatile off-roader.
The GL-Class will arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2006. Engine
line-up, standard specifications and pricing for Australia will be announced
closer to the vehicle’s arrival in Australia.
More news:
Small Cars Push Motor Vehicle Market Towards Record Year
6th December, 2005
Another record month of small and light car sales has all but
ensured that the Australian motor vehicle market is heading for its fourth straight annual sales record .....
more
Peugeot 407 Coupé – 5 Stars for Euroncap
6th December, 2005
Elegance, power and outstanding handling and
dynamics, the 407 Coupé is also distinguished by its high levels of passive safety .....
more
Safer car design has cut road casualties
4th December, 2005
Car makers deserve real credit for dramatic improvements in safety trends
over the last 10 years ..... but there are duds, such as Landwind, a Chinese import into the EU .....
more
Morgan 4/4 70th Anniversary Model
3rd December, 2005
In 2006, the Morgan 4/4 celebrates its 70th Anniversary and to mark the
occasion, the Morgan factory has come up with a unique Anniversary version of the iconic 4/4 model .....
more
Peugeot Round Australia Trial 50th Anniversary
3rd December, 2005
In April 2006, to mark the victory of a Peugeot 403 in the first Ampol Trial
in 1956, Peugeot Automobiles Australia will sponsor the Peugeot Round Australia Trial 50th Anniversary Rerun .....
more
Volkswagen dominates "Auto Trophy"
1st December, 2005
This year's "Auto Trophy" produced some remarkable results: Volkswagen Group
products were voted onto the podium 23 times by the readers of "Auto" magazine .....
more
Morgan "drive-away" Prices
30th November, 2005
Consistent with the ACCC’s desire for “drive-away” car prices to be
advertised, prices of all Morgan cars have been adjusted to reflect the “drive-away” price in Victoria .....
more
Cayman S is now at German Porsche Dealers
29th November, 2005
The new Cayman S is revving up its engine: the sporty two-seater, developed
from the Boxster series as a mid-engine coupé, started arriving at the 85 German Porsche dealers over the weekend
..... more
Land Rover Announced as Best Cars Winner
24th November, 2005
Land Rover has accepted the prestigious BEST CARS "Best All Terrain
4WD" award for Discovery 3 Td V6 as announced at a ceremony held at the RACV in Melbourne .....
more
Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Bids For Sixth Successive Dakar Rally Win
24th November, 2005
The Mitsubishi Motors factory team has entered four cars in the 2006 Dakar
Rally, as it bids to become the first team in history to win six successive Dakar rallies .....
more
German Debut For Volkswagen Race Touareg 2
24th November, 2005
The new Race Touareg 2, with which Volkswagen will compete in the 2006 Dakar
Rally, will be unveiled to the public in Germany at the world’s largest exhibition for sports cars
and tuning specialists, the Essen Motor Show .....
more
Mercedes-Benz Confirms Diesel Expansion Plans
24th November, 2005
Mercedes-Benz, the brand that seven decades ago introduced the
world’s first diesel passenger car, has announced its intention of doubling the availability of diesel
models in Australia over the next twelve months .....
more
Audi A6 TDI Is Australia's Best Luxury Car
23rd November, 2005
Audi’s A6 3.0-litre TDI has won ‘Best Luxury Car over $57,000’ at the
annual Australia’s Best Cars awards. This is the third consecutive year that Audi has won ‘Best Luxury Car’ .....
more
CLK-Class Named Australia’s Best Sports Car
23rd November, 2005
The CLK-Class has won honours at the annual Australia’s Best Cars
Awards, with judges voting it the best sports car over $57,000 .....
more
Volkswagen Touareg Experience 360° Back
22nd November, 2005
After travelling 76,451 kilometres, through 26 countries and six continents,
one of the most exciting adventures of our time has come to a close: the Touareg experience 360° – a journey round
the world in the Volkswagen Touareg .....
more
New 2.0 TDI Engine For Audi A4 Range
21st November, 2005
Audi’s new A4 2.0 TDI with 7-step multitronic, priced at $56,990,
is now available in Australia .....
more
Bionic Car Laps Mercedes-Benz World
21st November, 2005
Mercedes-Benz 'Bionic Car' completed the first lap of one of the tracks at the
'Mercedes-Benz World' site at Brooklands .....
more
Cadillac Wins Manufacturers’ Titles
18th November, 2005
With a total of four victories, two pole positions and nine podium finishes,
the CTS-V racers of Team Cadillac claimed a clean sweep of both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships in the
SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT series .....
more
New Volkswagen Passat Clinches Prestigious Award
17th November, 2005
Upholding the tradition of all its predecessor generations, the new Passat again
takes the honours as winner of the Bild am Sonntag newspaper’s “Goldenes Lenkrad” (golden steering wheel) award .....
more
Ford Invention Wins Award
17th November, 2005
The UK's Autocar magazine has presented Ford with the "Idea Of The Year Award"
for its Easy Fuel Concept, a simple device that prevents drivers from accidentally filling their diesel car with petrol
..... more
Porsche Again Makes A Record Profit
17th November, 2005
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG turned in the highest profit in its
corporate history during the 2004/05 fiscal year .....
more
Repsol Team Takes Win in UAE Desert
17th November, 2005
Mitsubishi Motors Repsol Team driver Stéphane Peterhansel and co-driver
Jean-Paul Cottret clinched their third UAE Desert Challenge victory in four years .....
more
Green Light For New Audi R8 Sports Car
17th November, 2005
It’s official. The new 2007 sports car from Audi has been named the Audi R8 .....
more
Mika Häkkinen Continues in The 2006 DTM
17th November, 2005
Mika Häkkinen has extended his contract and will race again in the 2006 DTM,
Mercedes-Benz Motorsport announced this week .....
more
New Audi S4 Launched in Australia
16th November, 2005
The new Audi S4, now in its third generation, is instantly recognisable thanks
to a completely new exterior design and a dynamic front end dominated by the brand’s formal design idiom, the single-frame
grille ..... more
Grand Sports Tourer Gets AMG Makeover
15th November, 2005
The new Mercedes-Benz Grand Sports Tourer (the R-Class), due to arrive in
Australia next year, has been given an AMG makeover .....
more
Porsche: Turbo Driving Force
15th November, 2005
The very concept of turbocharger technology is linked inseparably with the name
Porsche and the Porsche brand .....
more
Mercedes-Benz G-Class To Continue
14th November, 2005
DaimlerChrysler will continue to produce the G-Class in the
coming years and the hot version, the G 55 AMG may come to Australia .....
more
DaimlerChrsyler Selling Mitsubishi Shares
14th November, 2005
DaimlerChrysler AG has agreed to sell its remaining equity interest in
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) .....
more
Porsche To Build New Drive Centre
14th November, 2005
The town council of Weissach authorised the application for planning
permission by Porsche AG, for a new drive centre .....
more
Peugeot Welcomes UK Bio-Fuel Initiative
13th November, 2005
Peugeot is keen to make customers aware that their HDi diesel cars are
already capable of operating on this environmentally friendly fuel .....
more
UK Requires 5% Renewable Fuel By 2010
13th November, 2005
The UK's Transport Secretary has announced new measures to make transport
fuels 'greener' by requiring 5% of all fuel sold on UK forecourts to come from a renewable source by 2010 .....
more
UK Crackdown On The Uninsured
11th November, 2005
In the UK, tough new enforcement action to crackdown on uninsured drivers has
been unveiled. From yesterday, police forces across the UK can use automatic number plate recognition cameras to spot
and ultimately seize and destroy cars being driven without insurance .....
more
Audi: Sweaty Overalls Off, Italian Fashion On
11th November, 2005
Following a gruelling season of the German Touring Car Masters series (DTM),
Audi drivers swapped their sweaty racing overalls for renowned Italian fashion label, René Lezard .....
more
Duke of York Visits Bentley Motors
11th November, 2005
Bentley Motors welcomed HRH Duke of York to their factory yesterday, in his
capacity as Special Representative for UK Trade and Investment .....
more
Mitsubishi Upgrades Outlander & Pajero
11th November, 2005
Two of Mitsubishi’s popular models – Outlander and Pajero – have received
upgrades to enhance their popularity .....
more
Europe's VW Touareg W12 Sport Edition
10th November, 2005
A sporting look and dynamic performance with outstanding comfort. The Touareg
W12 Sport Edition with an extensive package of equipment is available now in Europe .....
more
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadsters
9th November, 2005
Australian customers snapped up more than 1,000 second-generation
Mercedes-Benz SLK roadsters in the car’s first year on sale .....
more
Mercedes ML 320 CDI Arrives
8th November, 2005
The all new V6 diesel-powered ML 320 CDI is now available in Mercedes-Benz
showrooms across the country, priced from $82,900 .....
more
|
|
ROAD TEST Audi S4
Let's keep it simple ...... the S4 is a powerful car!
It provides 253 kW of amazement at 7,000 rpm!
18th October, 2004
Larger image
|
|