- The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class gets some bark — and bite.
- The 4.2-liter V8 CDI turbodiesel is boosted to 375 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque.
- The GL42 rides on 22-inch rims and ultralow-profile rubber.
STOKACH, Germany — Kicherer, the German tuning house, has tweaked the Mercedes-Benz GL420 CDI in some unusual ways.
Most striking is the application of matte-black foil to the exterior, with the grille, the familiar three-pointed star and other chrome trim now covered in black.
But even more satisfying is the engine upgrade, which kicks the big turbodiesel from 302 to 375 horsepower, with torque rising from 516 to 664 pound-feet.
Kicherer has fitted a throaty twin-pipe exhaust system, fiddled the electronic throttle for better responsiveness and tightened up the vehicle's Airmatic suspension. The GL42 Sport Black now rides on 22-inch rims with 295/35R22 tires.
Inside Line says: At least in big German off-road vehicles, black is still the new black. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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godawgsgo04 says:
07:57 AM, 03/22/2011
Compressor----
I let the brand pursuade me instead of being smart......The downshifts have gotten worse over the past 10000 miles....I did not realize how bad the infotainment system was until I was in a Ford two weeks ago....It was a dumb purchase. I have owned over 5 MB products and they become more and more un-impressive.....eventhe real leather "upgrade" is shameful when compared to Lexus.......
Wait..I mean the GL350 is the best car ever....any one interested in a used Mercedes that gets great gas mileage? hahahaha
silverstang1 says:
06:20 PM, 03/21/2011
You must also be retarded to put 22'' wheels with low profile tires on an "offroader"
smallfield says:
05:03 PM, 03/21/2011
Anyone that buys a Matte black off road vehicle needs their head checked. Immediately clean all dirt to avoid permanent damage...
compressor says:
04:45 PM, 03/21/2011
Godawgsgo04 - So why did you buy it? I am assuming you test drove it and looked at other cars, right? From your comment, it seems you bought it without even turning on the radio in the showroom.
godawgsgo04 says:
01:48 PM, 03/21/2011
I advise anyone thinking of buying the diesel version of this car to NOT DO IT!!!!! I own the GL 350 and it has the most terrible transmission known to mankind. (by the way Edmunds gave it great reviews) The downshifts actually give you whip lash. The entertainment system is still terrible and I actually rode in a ford edge and was Jealous. The only good thing is the fuel economy and it is impressive for this size of a vehicle 23-25mpg. Everything else about this car SUX!! I have every upgrade they offered......and the rental hyundai still has more....no AV jack...enough said. If you want Luxury...and are not a brand snob.....buy something else that is better....like a .....FORD?!?!?!?!?!