Most Mercedes GL owners in Britain prefer diesel. Of the 3167 first-generation GLs sold since 2006, just 155 have been petrol variants. So will this revised petrol GL500, which lands alongside the diesel GL350 next spring, hold greater appeal?
It looks fresher and sleeker than its predecessor but is longer, wider and taller. Indeed, at more than five metres long, the GL’s size could limit its suitability to our nadgery roads.
On the other hand, there’s plenty of space for a large family. The GL500 is based on a revised version of the first-generation car’s platform, but it has greater headroom and legroom for its seven occupants, plus a bigger boot.
Mercedes has largely achieved its aim of raising cabin refinement to be on a par with its luxurious S-class saloon. It’s an excellent long-distance cruiser, thanks to the lofty driving position, comfortable cabin, forgiving ride (in Comfort mode) and docile V8, which only really makes its presence felt when you boot the throttle hard.
And, boy, does it shift. The turbocharged, 429bhp 4.6-litre engine, mated to a seven-speed auto, propels the GL500 with a pace that belies its heft. But how many chances would you get to use the GL500’s reserves of grunt on UK roads? The GL350 possesses more than enough power for most occasions.
The clincher is the economy. Mercedes claims a combined figure of 25mpg for the GL500 – an improvement on the 20.8mpg of the old car, but outgunned by the GL350, which offers 38.2mpg.
Mercedes-Benz GL500
Price £75,000(set); 0-62mph 5.4sec; Top speed 155mph; Economy 25.0mpg; CO2 262g/km; Kerb weight 2445kg; Engine V8, 4663cc, turbocharged; Power 429bhp at 5000-5750rpm; Torque 516lb ft at 1800-3500rpm; Gearbox 7-spd automatic
I guess 25mpg doesn't hurt when you own a few oil fields in Russia or Saudi.
Or when you have saved 75 000 - instead of buying a top spec Ranger Rover
Malo Mori Quam Foedari
Doesn't the range rover start at 70k soless than this.
More handsome than the new range rover. I'd have the 350 diesel and dress it in the AMG suit.
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