 The Stuttgart-based brand First-class on and off-road Motoring premiere for the new GL-Class with CDI engines Excellent handling both on and off-road Comfort more readily associated with a luxury saloon
First Class Onroad und Offroad Fahrpremiere für die neue GL-Klasse mit CDI-Motoren |
GL-ClassStuttgart/Reykjavik. The new GL-Class is celebrating its first appearance outside the confines of European exhibition centres on Iceland, a place where this multi-talented vehicle can demonstrate its versatile range of capabilities to particularly good effect.
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This country, being close to the Arctic Circle, is
able to provide a tremendously varied range of conditions within a small
area. In the capital city of Reykjavik, the urban qualities of the GL come
into their own. The superlatively constructed main arterial routes are strongly
reminiscent of conventional mainland trunk roads and motorways and communicate
the performance characteristics of this all-rounder in conditions similar
to everyday driving in Central Europe most effectively. In contrast to this,
the many unsurfaced tracks and offroad sections give a clear indication of
how well this vehicle performs when it leaves the tarmac. Then we have the
exceptionally variable weather, magnificently compensated for by the climate
control system on the GL. Even in summer, snowfall or snow showers at
temperatures down around freezing point are not uncommon, while temperatures
above 20° Celsius are equally likely to arise. It is not without due
reason that these direct descendants of the Vikings maintain that their island
has four seasons, all of which can frequently be experienced in the course
of a single day! The focus here is on models incorporating ultra-modern diesel
technology featuring particulate filters as standard equipment: the GL 320
CDI 4MATIC and GL 420 CDI 4MATIC. The seven-seater premium off-roader, considered
to be the new star in the luxury Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment of
the market, delivers excellent dynamic driving properties both on and off
the road, pampering its occupants with its spacious interior and the comfort
levels of a luxurious saloon. The GL-Class sets yet another milestone with
its comprehensive PRE-SAFE® safety concept, a total innovation in this
segment. The compelling design of the new GL-Class features serene body surfaces
combined with more powerful elements and some striking points of detail,
creating an image of power and exclusivity and imbuing this luxury off-roader
with thrusting forwards poise even when stationary.
Four ultra-modern engines - two petrol and two diesel
- deliver the superlative performance attributes of this versatile all-rounder.
The two direct-injection diesel engines in the GL 320 CDI 4MATIC and GL 420
CDI 4MATIC models both comply with EU4 exhaust emission standards and operate
as standard with a zero-maintenance diesel particulate filter which cuts
down particulate emissions without the use of additional substances by a
further 99 percent. The latest reincarnation of this V8 diesel engine in
the GL 420 CDI 4MATIC owes its powerful credentials primarily to its third
generation common-rail high-pressure fuel injection with a maximum injection
pressure of 1600 bar, raised ignition pressure, up to five diesel injection
points per injection cycle, special perforated nozzles and a new design of
piezo injector with more precise injection times, a power rating of 225 kW/306
hp. All of these features combine to give this off-roader the temperament
of a true sportsman. The well proven V6 diesel engine in the GL 320 CDI 4MATIC
delivers 165 kW/224 hp and a generous torque rating of 510 Newton metres.
All engine variants of the GL are equipped as standard with the seven-speed
7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT. The pricing level, which
has to be described as restrained for this high-end market segment, adds
to the attractions of this multi-talented GL, also available on request as
a seven-seater. This motoring pleasure both on and off the road can be enjoyed
from a price of Euro 63 684.- for the GL 320 CDI 4MATIC.