The All Class Mercedes-Benz 2013 GL-Class SUV

I spent a few days driving the all class, brand new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV. The location was Santa Fe, New Mexico and the drive was dusty but the GL-Class was silent and smooth during the entire ride.

The interior of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV has undergone a dramatic change from the previous model year. The dashboard is a completely new design, and there are different upholstery choice combinations as well. The exterior has also had slight modifications to include chrome accents and daytime running lights.

LET'S GO INSIDE

The luxurious GL includes room for seven passengers and comes with all-wheel drive and a technologically advanced safety system that can detect impending crashes. This last technology automatically takes preventative safety measures to minimize the impact to its passengers by adjusting things like headrests and seat belts, as well as windows and sunroofs.

There are additional systems to monitor and adjust for drivers who are fatigued, get too close to another vehicle, travel outside their own lane, or are nearing another car in the driver’s blind spot. The technology behind the 2013 GL knows an accident is about to happen even before the driver does and takes evasive actions to protect its occupants.

To make it easier to access the 3rd-row, the designers created a system that tilts the seats in the second row forward merely by pressing a button. The last two rows fold flat to access as much of the rear cargo space as is possible. The third row can also fold all the way down with another power button. Buyers of this SUV can add the Panorama sunroof.

Other features available on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL include front seats with a massage function, ambient lighting, roof racks and spoiler, navigation, voice control and a superb sound system with a CD/DVD changer that can hold 6 discs.

COOL FEATURES

Also available is a camera system that includes four cameras attached to the SUV and used to display an image of the vehicle and everything around it. The cameras can assist the driver with parking. Also, with the GL’s towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, the stability assist system to counteract swaying of towed items is another beneficial feature.

UNDER THE HOOD

Under the hood of the 2013 GL, there are three engine levels. The GL350 BlueTEC gets a V-6 engine with 240 horsepower. The GL450 and the GL550 engines both get a V-8 engine but with differing horsepower. The GL450 has 362 horsepower while the GL550 has 429 horsepower. Each of the three models comes with the standard 7-speed automatic transmission.

Self-leveling air suspension on the 2013 GL makes for a smooth and easy ride. The electromechanical steering technology provides an easy driving experience.

Read what other bloggers had to say:

Mercedes-Benz 2013 GL-Class SUV – Safety and Comfort Features
Comfort and Safety Create a New Class in Mercedes Benz

I was invited by Mercedes Benz to review this vehicle at a resort in New Mexico.  I was not compensated and opinions are my own.