Mercedes-Benz launches the new GL-Class luxury SUV in India

German luxury car-maker Mercedes-Benz is on a royal roll. Just a day after unveiling the all-new S-Class sedan to the world in Germany, the company launched the second-generation GL-Class Sports Utility Vehicle in India today. Doing the honors for Mercedes-Benz was the legendary Boris Becker, the former World No.1 tennis player. Though there are plans to assemble the GL-Class in India later, the only variant that's available on sale at the moment is the "Launch Edition" that is imported as a Completely Built Unit into the country.

Priced at INR 77.50 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi, this limited edition variant has exclusive features such as AMG body kit comprising front and rear apron, 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, aluminium finish running board with LED illumination, flared wheel arches and a 'Designo Exclusive Interior Package' with special leather upholstery, heated seats and temperature-controlled cup holders.

The first-generation GL-Class itself was big. Coming in longer, taller and wider than its predecessor, the new GL is nothing short of humongous. Designers at Mercedes-Benz though have done a nice job as the new GL doesn't look as big and bulky as the previous model. The front end is characterized by the sharp-cut headlights flanking a huge radiator grille with twin chrome strips that houses the three-pointed star. The slim LED Daytime Running Lamps are typical Mercedes stuff. As with most other large SUVs, the profile is nothing spectacular to write about while the rear end with its two piece taillights with fiber optic cables adds to the dynamic and robust appeal of the GL.

All this size translates into an extremely spacious interiors with three rows of seating, the last of which offers ample space to seat full-sized adults comfortably. The interiors are a high-quality affair comprising a mix of leather, metal and wood. As with other models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, a full gamut of comfort and safety features find their place in the new GL too. The list includes seven Airbags, Antilock Braking System, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with trailer stabilization, PRESAFE occupant protection system, AIRMATIC suspension package, PARKTRONIC parking assist, Attention Assist, Crosswind Assist, Downhill Speed Regulator and the latest multimedia COMMAND system with Bluetooth interface, hands-free function, 7.0-inch TFT colour display as well as a browser and GPS.

Powered by a 2987cc, V6 diesel engine that produces a whopping 619 Nm of torque, the GL is capable of tackling toughest of terrains and also good for long distance cruising. Coupled with the 7G-TRONIC Plus Automatic transmission, the new GL 350 CDI can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 km/h. When we drove the previous GL-Class in Ladakh, we came back thoroughly impressed with its off-roading abilities and we expect the new GL to be no slouch either.

So, will the new GL-Class finally dethrone the hot-selling Audi Q7 as the favourite luxury SUV of India? If the sales performance of the new ML-Class is any indication, there are fair chances of that happening. Let's wait and watch.