- The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Grand Edition made its European debut on Monday, but the German automaker tells Inside Line that it won't be sold in the U.S.
- The GL-Class Grand Edition is a luxury off-roader with such upscale touches as a redesigned front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights and two-tone leather seats.
- It ranges in price from $112,999 for the GL350 CDI 4Matic BlueEfficiency to $139,657 for the GL500 4Matic.
STUTTGART, Germany — The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Grand Edition made its European debut on Monday, but the German automaker tells Inside Line that it won't be sold in the U.S.
"No plans to offer it here," said Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman Rob Moran in an e-mailed reply to an Inside Line query.
The seven-passenger GL-Class Grand Edition, a luxury off-roader, ranges in price from $112,999 for the GL350 CDI 4Matic BlueEfficiency to $139,657 for the GL500 4Matic.
Cosmetic upgrades include light-alloy wheels, two-tone leather seats in a new design and a wood-and-leather steering wheel in black ash. The GL-Class Grand Edition also gets a redesigned front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights, dark-tinted headlights and a radiator grille with black, high-gloss louvers.
The GL-Class Grand Edition is available in several engine choices, including a 340-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 in the GL450 model to a 388-hp 5.5-liter V8 in the GL500 model.
Mercedes-Benz says despite its deluxe amenities, the GL-Class Grand Edition has "genuine off-road credentials." It is equipped with an Airmatic air suspension that enables ground clearance of up to 12 inches. A standard Off-Road Pro technical package includes a limited-slip rear axle and center differentials. It also gets Off-Road antilock brakes, Downhill Speed Regulation and Hill-Start Assist.
Inside Line says: If you're looking for an off-roader with country-club credentials, you'll have to look elsewhere.
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danwilson1 says:
05:05 PM, 05/25/2011
@ juan_mx
You can still make a statement with a GL350 CDI. Let's leave aside the engine for a moment. The GL itself is still a very luxurious, expensive and capable vehicle.
Also, I believe Europeans can also select a V8 diesel GL, a GL420 CDI I believe. Obviously Mercedes' has nothing to compete with the Audi Q7 V12 TDI, but that car is in a class by itself and has no competition from its rivals.
Personally, a GL350 CDI is the ideal SUV for me (if I needed one). It's good-looking, off-road capable, spacious and comfortable and extremely safe. With the '350 CDI engine it's powerful and efficient. That's what I am looking for in an SUV, not raw performance.
juan_mx says:
06:25 AM, 05/25/2011
@danwilson1
I respect your point of view of buying an efficient vehicle, but my point is that a big engine in a luxury vehicle is some kind of statement (Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Land Rover, etc.).
Audi sells the Q7 (same size as the GL) with the V12 TDI engine in Europe at around 130,000 Euro ($185,000) , and (wealthy) people buy it. (it gets around 20mpg city/hwy combined, not bad for having more than 730lb-ft of torque)
danwilson1 says:
01:52 AM, 05/25/2011
@ juan_mx
People need to stop comparing the price of a vehicle to the engine performance it delivers.
The GL is an expensive car because it is first of all a Mercedes-Benz. That means a lot of time and money went into researching how to make it safe, solid etc. For most people, paying that amount of a money for a car with a reputation for safety is worth it.
And like I said, these "Final Edition" models from Mercedes' have always been for enthusiasts of their respective cars and they've always been expensive - and they've always sold well. Case closed.
If I were in the market for a GL the '350 CDI would be my choice hands down. Powerful and fuel efficient and with more than enough torque to tow a house - literally.
Tell me why should I get a gas-guzzling GL450 or GL550 over an efficient car like the GL350 CDI.
juan_mx says:
02:08 PM, 05/24/2011
@danwilson1
"Nobody buys an SUV like this for racing purposes",
neither they buy a Mercedes S600 for racing, yet they get the 6.0L 12-cylinder engine.
danwilson1 says:
12:21 PM, 05/24/2011
@ roscoe108
This is a special edition GL model. It's for fans of the car who appreciate the many qualities and capabilities that the car offers. The engine is the least of their worries, especially since the '350 CDI is powerful and efficient. Nobody buys an SUV like this for racing purposes.
roscoe108 says:
09:55 AM, 05/24/2011
One cannot justify that kind of price point for any M-B with the 350 CDI moniker. It's a fine engine, don't get me wrong, but for nearly $120K, that expensive a car should have a much, much finer motor for the money.