The first thing you notice about the GL is that it is big. Very big. But don’t let that intimidate you, because lurking inside that huge, towering behemoth is a remarkably capable vehicle that literally does everything it can to help you handle the massive size.
The second thing you notice about the GL is that it has a simmering aggression that suggests that it just wants to get out on the road, find a Range Rover and beat it to death with its own supercharger. And THAT is very cool…
Outside
Likes: Big and traditionally styled, but damned impressive with it. The full-sized SUV equivalent of Ron Burgundy in a fine suit, classy. AMG body kit lends an air of subtle aggro. Restrained yet muscular body works well with the sheer size.
Dislikes: Excessive LEDs are a bit wanky.
Inside
Likes: Incredibly spacious and incredibly well built. Massively comfortable seats. Traditional Mercedes interior styling works better in a large car, particularly here. Sober and serious, yet incredibly plush. Brilliantly laid out and remarkably ergonomically sensible. Thunderous stereo.
Dislikes: Rear headrests obscure rear view a bit. Engine start/stop button the only poorly placed button in the interior, but it IS particularly poorly placed. That stupid little coffee cup that appears in the display to remind you to take a break never seems to go away…
Under the bonnet
Likes: The 4.7-litre V8 is a remarkably smooth, civilised power source. No shortage of power (320kW) or torque (700Nm) mean that it doesn’t hang around when pushed, either. Seven-speed automatic transmission is equally smooth and civilised. Makes a thoroughly wonderful noise when prompted…
Dislikes: Not a lot at all…
On the road
Likes: Remarkably, it doesn’t feel anywhere near as massive as it actually is on the road. Surprisingly precise and easy to place on the road. Very fast, very smooth and very impressive. Surprisingly adept handling and remarkably good chassis electronics keep things civilised through the corners. Just incredibly comfortable, regardless of how you are driving it.
Dislikes: Despite the fact that it doesn’t feel as huge as it is, it IS huge and that needs to be kept in mind…
Verdict
The GL500 is an incredible piece of machinery that easily takes the fight right to the equally incredible new Range Rover. On the road, at least.
In terms of equipment, comfort, performance, handling and sheer presence, the GL easily matches – and in some cases outclasses – the Rangie. Off road, the Big Brit has a far easier time and would simply leave the German in its muddy wake, but most of these big, expensive monsters never go further off road than a slightly damp paddock at the pony club, or a gravel driveway to the beach house…
The GL500’s engine is a work of Teutonic art – being both silky smooth and belligerently aggressive, depending on what the circumstances call for – and the interior is equally impressive. The comfort on offer is simply staggering to the point that if their came equipped with a kitchen and a back deck, I would seriously consider buying a GL500 over a house.
Handling-wise, it’s not a sports car, but don’t tell it that; like the new Range Rover, it does stuff on the road that it simply shouldn’t. Body roll is present, but incredibly minimal and well controlled. While the steering offers little in the way of feel, it is still remarkably sharp and precise.
Getting up a good flow is what the GL500 is all about, and that silky, powerful beast under the bonnet makes that effortless.
Big SUVs may well be reviled by some for their sheer flagrant consumption and conspicuous use of space, but the latest of the breed are so damned impressive it makes it even harder to care what those people think. And the GL500 is one of the best.
Price: $188,900
Engine: 4.7-litre V8 petrol
Power/torque: 320kW/700Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
0-100km/h: 5.4 seconds
Fuel consumption: 11.5L/100km
CO2 emissions: 269g/km
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