THESE ARE THE first official pictures of Mercedes’ huge new GL, the replacement for the 26-year-old G-wagen due for launch at January’s Detroit motor show.
Based on a mixture of M- and R-class underpinnings, the GL will take on the likes of the Range Rover and Porsche Cayenne. It also gives Mercedes a rival to the bigger Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator in the American 4x4 market.
Engine choices will include a new 340bhp 4.6-litre V8 in the GL450, and a 388bhp 5.5-litre V8 in the GL500. Diesel options include a mighty 306bhp, 516lb ft 4.0-litre V8. All models will have Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, the GL seats five with a mammoth 1240 litres of boot space, and there’s an seven-seat option to give Mercedes a rival to the versatile Land Rover Discovery.
UK models will get the Off-Road Pro pack as standard, which adds a low-ratio transfer ’box, a rear diff-lock and upgraded suspension that offers more travel and increased ground clearance.
We’ll have to wait until October before the GL hits the UK. No word on prices yet, but expect the entry-level GL320 CDI to start at around £45,000.
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