The Mercedes Benz GL Class 2013 is the latest SUV that comes from Germany. As expected the 2013 model manages to deliver a high degree of luxury, quality and safety, alongside state-of-the-art technology and features. The GL Class has been a tremendous success in the US ever since it hit the market in 2007, and managed to remain so by being one of the best SUV's money can buy at this point in time. Let's take a closer look at what it has to offer.
First of all, the 2013 model comes with a variety of three powertrains. The first engine option comes in the GL 350 as a 6-cylinder 3.0 liter BlueTEC unit able to develop 258 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. Performance-wise it can go from 0 to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds and has a top speed of 136 mph. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.4 liters / 100 KM with CO2 emissions of 192-209 g/KM
The second unit is an 8-cylinder 4.6 liters unit found in the GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, delivering 435 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0 to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds and it's electronically limited at 155 mph. Fuel efficiency is said to be reduced by 18 per cent when compared with the previous model and is said to produce 262-269 CO2 g/KM.
Last but certainly not least there's the GL 63 AMG fitted with a 5.5 liter V8 biturbo engine that develops 557 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. The AMG will reach 62 mph from a standstill in 4.9 seconds and has the same top speed as the GL500 of 155 mph electronically limited. Fuel efficiency is said to be 12.3 liters /100 KM with CO2 emissions of 288 g/KM.
All three units are mated with a seven-speed automatic gearbox featuring paddle-shifters and all three versions come with four-wheel drive.
Standard equipment in the 2013 model include a sunroof, power tailgate, Bluetootn, HD radio and power third row seats. Optional extras include iPod connectivity, a panoramic sunroof, a wide and exotic selection of wood and leather, navigation system, a set of 20 inch wheels, a Harmon/Kardon or Bang & Olufsen audio system and rear-seat entertainment system.
Pricing for the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 2013 starts off at €60,900 and will go up to €79,500 for the GL 450 and €109,500 for the GL 63 AMG. Amongst its key competitors are to be found the Cadillac Escalade and the Infiniti QX56.
