The Mercedes GL500 could easily be billed as the ‘Great Khali’ of the big beasts so far launched in India. It?s hard to call it a pretty car. The GL class is monumental, almost intimidating. But then that feeling of robustness probably adds to the idea of luxury. The GL models from Mercedes-Benz are luxurious and spacious cross-country vehicles that have a great deal to offer, whether you?re on your way to a board meeting or a campfire. It can comfortably seat up to seven, in the process combining comfort and power for a family that loves outdoor activities.
Enter the interiors of the Mercedes Benz GL500 and the class is breathtaking. It has a gargantuan cabin and in the middle row, the flat floor ensures that even the passenger seated in the centre has loads of legroom and all occupants get their own climate controls.
What?s more, it has the biggest boot?a whopping 750 litres in five-seat mode. Both the rear seats fold electrically at the touch of a button. OK, so it?s not a rugged feature, but that?s not what the GL is about. As the cabin design makes it clear, this is a luxury SUV. All this sums up to a ‘private jet on the road’.
Moreover, the GL has the best steering, yet manages to combine this with stunning off-road ability?I thought it came close to matching the Michael Jackson dance on rough terrain in the celebrated Thriller video.
And its engine is even more impressive. The 5.4-litre, V6 delivers amazing acceleration given the GL?s size and weight. It covers 0-110 km/hr in 6.6 seconds, bettering many hot hatches. The 7G-tronic seven-speed gearbox offers slick, quick shifts and there?s the option of manual control with steering wheel buttons.
The engine is made of aluminum and forged steel, and makes it a lightweight powerhouse that boasts special shifting camshafts that optimise the gas cycles in the engine. What the driver can enjoy is superior smoothness and quietness, along with higher torque, particularly in the mid-engine speed range. Even the most humble of GLs is a pretty conspicuous way to travel, but with 20-inch, five-spoke, light-alloy wheels, three-point star badges, wheel arch extensions and a chrome-plated grille, this particular GL model is looking pretty hot.
The Mercedes Benz GL500 is very happy trundling along at slow speeds too without feeling like its being constrained in any way. And then when you do want to add a little extra velocity, the throttle progression is smooth and precise. Tuned for optimum performance, the suspension and brakes are ready for the task. The SUV pulls up in short stopping distances and always feels balanced and agile. In summary, the GL is elegant and robust as Sean Connery in Dr No; big and strong as Khali and agile as Michael Jackson?all in 4×4 luxury. The car is priced at R67 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).