The new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has arrived in Australia with a starting price under $130,000 and a new AMG variant added to its line-up.
The range of Mercedes-Benz GL-Class luxury SUVs now includes the familiar GL350 BlueTec and GL500 BlueEfficiency models, as well as a new performance variant for the Australian market, the GL63 AMG.
Starting at $129,900, the entry-level GL350 BlueTec is powered by a 190kW/620Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, claimed to deliver 7.7 litres per 100km and 199 grams of CO2 per kilometre via a seven-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive.
Standard equipment includes a 360-degree camera, leather upholstery with heated front seats, a 17.8cm TFT colour display with satellite navigation and voice control operation, Bluetooth phone and internet connectivity, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
At $154,900 the GL500 BlueEfficiency (pictured above and below) gets a 320kW/700Nm 4.7-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8, which uses the same seven-speed transmission to achieve a claimed 11.5L/100km and CO2 emissions of 269g/km.
An AMG exterior sports package, leather upholstery with heated front and second row seats, and tinted rear privacy glass join keyless start and 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels.
Sitting atop the updated range is the new $214,900 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG which, thanks to its 410kW/760Nm 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8, can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds – 0.5 seconds quicker than the GL500 and a full three seconds quicker than the GL350 – and reach an electronically limited 250km/h.
Despite the performance of the 2580kg seven-seat SUV, the GL63 AMG (pictured top) manages claimed efficiency figures of 12.3L/100km and 288g CO2/km with help from direct injection and engine stop-start technology – both featured across the range.
Inside, the new AMG model receives an LED upshift indicator, 320km/h speedometer, four-spoke flat-bottom black nappa leather AMG steering wheel with aluminium paddleshifters, DAB digital radio tuner, Harman/Kardon surround sound system, AMG sports seats and AMG sports pedals.
AMG sports suspension and a chrome-tipped AMG sports exhaust system add to the GL63’s exterior highlights, along with red brake calipers and 21-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels.
All models see air suspension, adaptive damping, automatic climate control and a glass electric sunroof accompany a raft of safety equipment including radar controlled cruise control, Mercedes-Benz’s Pre-Safe anticipatory occupant protection system, attention assist, brake assist, blind spot assist and lane keep assist.
The new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is available now across Australia.
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Mercedes-Benz GL-Class manufacturer’s list pricing:
Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTec – $129,900 Mercedes-Benz GL 500 BlueEfficiency – $154,900 Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG – $214,900
