Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

The GL is an impressive feat of engineering, blending genuine off-road ability with fine on-road dynamics.

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Rating:
On the road price: £53,085 - £67,105
For : Excellent on-road handling, good performance, capable off-road, classy and spacious cabin, third-row seats, brakes
Against : Price, costly options, massive dimensions, poor fuel economy, high emissions, not different enough from M-Class

Driving
Fitted with Mercedes' excellent Airmatic suspension as standard, the GL is not only highly refined, but has a very relaxing ride. Even more impressive for a vehicle that weighs nearly two-and-a-half-tonnes is the body control. It feels solid and stable, and the air suspension maintains great composure in corners. Moreover, the GL has excellent steering, yet manages to combine this with stunning off-road ability - it comes close to matching Land Rover's eponymous Discovery in the rough. And its range of engines is impressive. The 3.0-litre V6 CDI diesel is a refined, torquey peach, while the 5.5-litre V8 petrol delivers amazing acceleration given the GL's size and weight. It covers 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds, bettering many hot hatches. The 4.0-litre V8 diesel is similarly amazing, turbos spooling up almost immediately and hurtling the massive off-roader from 0-60mph in only 7.2 seconds. The 7G-Trionic seven-speed gearbox offers slick, quick shifts in all models, though it's too eager to downchange at times. But it's the GL's ability to stop from 60mph in only 34.7 metres that really surprised us. Drive the big Merc and regardless of your opinions of large SUVs, you can't help but be impressed by how capable, comfortable and well-built it is.

Marketplace
It's hard to spot the logic in Mercedes' decision. When many other manufacturers are simply making their off-roaders with seven seats, why has the German marque created two separate models? The answer, according to company top brass, is that it gives the customer plenty of choice. And the GL, as the three-pointed star's flagship SUV, certainly doesn't have a problem in creating an impression. Its styling and sheer size make it very imposing, though it lacks the upmarket air a Range Rover possesses by the bucketload. It appears slab-sided and some of the detailing, such as the chrome front foglight surrounds, aren't that attractive. The three-model line-up consists of the GL 500 V8, plus two diesels - the GL 320 CDI V6 and GL 420 CDI V8. Rivals include the Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5... and Mercedes M-Class, R-Class and S-Class!

Owning
The GL's size means it has a gargantuan cabin. In the middle row, the flat floor ensures that even the centre passenger has loads of legroom, and occupants get their own climate controls. Oddly, it's only possible to gain access to the rear row from the right-hand seat, meaning in the UK passengers have to exit onto the road. That curious set-up aside, the rear provides plentiful accommodation, and access is good. We can't think of much this side of a private jet that can carry seven in such comfort. It has a huge boot too, while the rear seats fold electrically at the touch of a button. And up front, the dash exudes class. Virtually identical to the M-Class, it features clear switchgear, high-quality materials and a robust finish. Extensive seat and wheel adjustment, as well as good visibility, mean the driving position is great - although you can't help but look and feel very small behind the wheel, which can make the GL feel intimidating to drive at first. The list prices are intimidating too, despite the Mercedes' very high level of standard equipment - it's hard to see who the company thinks it can justify a £15,000 premium over the M-Class for what amounts to an extra pair of rear seats and a bit more space. Economy isn't great either; the GL 500, for example, averaged just 15.4mpg in our hands - with a 100-litre tank, that makes for eye-watering fill-ups! But servicing is surprisingly inexpensive and residual values are good, while the company's 30-year anti-breakdown warranty continues to impress.