At this year's Geneva Motor Show Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the European premiere of the new GL-Class, which is now to be available for the first time with state-of-the-art diesel technology and a standard-fit diesel particulate filter in models GL 320 CDI and GL 420 CDI. The seven-seater premium off-roader offers excellent handling both on and off-road and pampers occupants with its extremely spacious accommodation and the comfort of a luxury saloon. The GL-Class sets another milestone with the comprehensive PRE-SAFE® safety concept, a first in this market segment.

The GL-Class meets all the requirements of a state-of-the-art, innovative SUV or even redefines them on a higher level. And of course the hallmark Mercedes off-roader genes such as superlative robustness, ruggedness and long-term durability have not been compromised. It is not without reason that the model designation echoes the legendary precursor of all Mercedes-Benz off-road cars – the G Class. The evergreen off-roader is now entering its 27th year of production and will continue to be marketed alongside the GL-Class.

With its poised, assured presence, the GL-Class leaves one in no doubt about its aspirations to conquer this highly 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 spacious body (length 5088 mm, width 1920 mm, height 1840 mm) is beautifully proportioned, perfectly setting off this exclusive all-rounder.

Majestic drive systems: ultra-modern V6 and V8 engines

The engine line-up features four state-of-the-art powerplants that play a key role in enhancing driving enjoyment thanks to their harmonious torque and power delivery. Both direct-injection diesel engines in the GL 320 CDI and GL 420 CDI models comply with the EU 4 emissions standard and feature a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter, fitted as standard, which reduces particulate emissions by a further 99 percent without the need for additives.

The new-generation V8 diesel powerplant in the GL 420 CDI model, with four valves per cylinder and twin turbochargers with variable nozzle turbines (VNT), makes the off-roader an even more spirited performer. Peak torque in the 4.0-litre engine has been boosted to 700 Nm, while modification measures have enabled the output to be increased from 184 kW/250 hp to 225 kW/306 hp. Furthermore, untreated emissions, fuel consumption and noise levels have been reduced. The increase in power is mainly down to the third-generation common-rail high-pressure injection system with max. 1600 bar injection pressure and the raising of the ignition pressure to 175 bar. Emissions have been cut drastically thanks to up to five diesel injections per injection process, special orifice nozzles, new piezoelectric injectors with more precise injection times and a modified exhaust gas recirculation system. The square bore/stroke ratio and a balancer shaft which rotates in the opposite direction to the crankshaft ensure outstandingly smooth operation. The tried-and-trusted V6 diesel unit in the GL 320 CDI model has an output of 165 kW/224 hp and an impressive peak torque of 510 Nm, which is available across a broad engine speed range. The result is a highly respectable set of performance figures.

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 family of V8 engines is being used for the first time in the GL-Class. In the GL 450, the 4.6-litre engine develops 250 kW/340 hp.

All GL-Class engine variants come with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT as standard. Excellent performance and low fuel consumption result 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. Key technical data at a glance:

AT 7 = seven-speed automatic transmission; *preliminary figures

Outstanding handling on and off-road

4MATIC - the permanent all-wheel drive from Mercedes-Benz - provides the GL-Class with superior handling whatever the conditions. Together with the standard-fit AIRMATIC air suspension, the precise speed-sensitive power steering and the ADS Adaptive Damper System also fitted as standard, the imposing GL-Class (wheelbase 3075 mm) handles impressively. The latest version of the tried-and-trusted Electronic Stability Program ESP® also includes the ESP® Trailer Stabilisation component that defuses critical driving situations involving a trailer before they become dangerous by applying individual wheel brakes as required. Even when pulling the maximum trailed load of 3500 kg, the GL-Class models prove exceptional towing vehicles: alongside ESP® Trailer Stabilisation, the extremely rigid body, the automatic level control feature of the AIRMATIC system, the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and the long wheelbase length ensure safe and reliable handling when towing, even in adverse conditions such as crosswinds or when the road surface has ruts caused by heavy trucks.

The GL-Class not only cuts a fine figure on the road, its performance off the road is equally impressive. The modified AIRMATIC system permits a ground clearance of 307 mm in the highest off-road mode, in which case the fording depth is 600 mm. Should the ground clearance on occasion prove insufficient, a steel underguard protects the important chassis and powertrain components. The off-road data at a glance:

The standard-fit Off-Road Pro engineering package extends the range of options for negotiating normally impassable terrain considerably. Thanks to the transfer case reduction gearing (2.93:1) and multiple-disc locks with up to 100% locking at the reinforced rear axle and in the centre differential, almost all off-road terrain becomes passable. The traction-control measures are backed up by the 4ETS traction control system which increases the drive torque at the wheels offering good grip by braking the wheels providing less traction, thus enabling headway to be made even under the toughest of driving conditions. This effectively means that the front axle has an "electronic" differential lock which, in contrast to mechanical locks, ensures that the vehicle remains fully steerable. Further electronic dynamic handling control systems help to make the driver's job easier when negotiating difficult terrain:

Two rotary controls on the centre console allow the driver to select from the drive modes and AIRMATIC modes, details of which are permanently visible on the central information display.

Superlative comfort whatever the conditions

The welcoming interior with its top-quality materials provides passengers with that feel-good atmosphere as only Mercedes knows how, with more than ample space for up to seven people. 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 external and internal dimensions shown below are a good indicator of the spaciousness offered by the new GL-Class. The corresponding figures for the R-Class are shown side-by-side for comparison:

* In seven-seater configuration ** Short-wheelbase version (long wheelbase)

As the comparison shows, the spaciousness of the GL-Class is comparable to the spaciousness offered by the R-Class. Occupant room in the third seat row is particularly good. If these two seats are not required, they can be stowed electrically at the push of a button, either individually or in tandem, to provide a completely flat load surface. The luggage compartment capacity amounts to 1240 litres in the five-seater version. The GL-Class can provide up to 2300 litres of load capacity, with the load compartment measuring 2128 mm in length.

A complete range: equipment and appointments for even the most discerning tastes

The new GL-Class comprises four powerful models; European customers however will have to wait until September 2006 for a taste of the versatile off-roader. Extensive standard specification ensures safety, comfort and a high level of practicality for everyday driving. This starts with the GL 320 CDI, whose equipment includes:

• "ARTICO" man-made leather upholstery combination in grey, black or beige
• 10-way electrically adjustable front seats, driver's seat with lumbar support
• 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive
• 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission
• Adaptive front airbags for driver and front passenger, sidebags for driver and front passenger, windowbags for passengers in all seat rows
• AIRMATIC air suspension with Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
• Audio 20 radio with CD player and eight loudspeakers
• Bird's-eye poplar wood interior trim
• Compass
• Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter
• DIRECT SELECT steering-wheel gearshift buttons and steering-column gear selector
• Dynamic handling systems ESP®, BAS, 4ETS, DSR and ABS (with special off-road ABS mode)
• EASY-PACK load compartment cover and safety net
• Headlamp Assist
• ISOFIX child seat attachment points in second and third seat rows
• Off-Road Pro engineering package with "shift-on-the-move" low range, multi-disc centre and rear differential locks (with up to 100% locking action), modified AIRMATIC (max. ground clearance 307 mm, max. fording depth 600 mm), additional underguard, manual mode for 7G-TRONIC
• Rear panoramic sunroof over third seat row
• Speed-sensitive power steering
• THERMATIC automatic climate control
• Three-point seat belts on all seats, driver and front passenger belts with adaptive tensioners and force limiters, belts on outer centre-row seats with tensioners and force limiters, third-row seats with tensioners
• Tyre pressure loss warning system
• Windscreen wiper/washer system with rain sensor

The standard specification of the V8 diesel-engined GL 420 CDI and the 250 kW/340 hp V8 petrol-engined GL 450 also includes:

• 8.5 J x 19 light-alloy wheels with 275/55 R 19 tyres
• Automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors
• Burr walnut wood interior trim
• Heated front seats
• Multicontour seats with memory function for driver and front passenger, also with electrically adjustable head restraints and electrically adjustable steering column
• Multi-zone THERMOTRONIC

Additional standard specification on the top-of-the-line GL 500 includes:

• Bi-xenon headlamps with Active Light System, cornering light function and high-pressure cleaning system
• Heated second-row seats
• Light birch wood interior trim
• Nappa leather upholstery
• PARKTRONIC
• Remote-control electrohydraulic EASY-PACK tailgate

Optional equipment available for all models includes:

• Additional rear air conditioning unit
• Chrome package: stainless-steel underguard front and rear, high-gloss chrome-look roof rails and cross bar
• COMAND APS with integrated radio, CD/DVD player, DVD navigation, telephone operation and off-road menu, combinable with TV tuner and reversing camera
• DISTRONIC proximity control
• External spare wheel carrier (from quarter 4, 2006)
• Heated multifunction leather steering wheel
• KEYLESS-GO
• LINGUATRONIC voice control system
• PRE-SAFE®
• Rear-seat entertainment system with 7-inch LCD monitors in the backs of the front head restraints, audio/video DVD player, TV tuner, remote control and connection for games consoles or digital camera
• Sidebags for second seat row
• Tyre pressure monitoring system

Intelligent solutions promote excellent safety

The GL-Class makes full use of the advantages of its unitised body, combining optimum strength with intelligent lightweight steel design. The result is excellent passive safety, which is far 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. These 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 as an option
• 3-point seat belts on all seven seats
• Seat-belt tensioners and adaptive belt-force limiters.

With the optionally available PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system, a world first in this market segment, Mercedes-Benz has raised safety to an even 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 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 without reason 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 27th year of production and will continue to be marketed alongside the new GL-Class.