Info, images:
http://www.topspeed.com/fast_cars/me...ss-ar1898.html

 

Nice Link! Thanks.

More than a few pics there which I didn't already have -- and got a much better look at the proportions of the GL.

 

Some more info on the GL and a few pics that we haven't seen before which I thought show the vehicle and its size better than I've seen in a pic yet-

Mercedes-Benz Holds World Debut of New GL

The new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is making its global debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, open to the public January 14 - 22, 2006. The highly successful auto company is poised to enter yet another market with the all-new GL-Class, a seven-seat luxury sport-utility that will be produced in the company’s Alabama plant along with the M-Class and R-Class.

The graceful body of the new GL-Class provides outstanding passive safety with a steel unit body that incorporates a high-strength occupant cell protected by front and rear crumple zones featuring new provisions to help reduce potential injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. The GL comes with two-stage front air bags for the driver and front passenger, side air bags in the front and 2nd-row seats, and curtain air bags that span all three rows of seats.

The new GL-Class arrives in the U.S. market with a 4.6-liter, four-valve-per-cylinder V8 engine producing 335-horsepower, a seven-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC full-time four-wheel drive.

The GL comes with four-wheel independent suspension, speed-sensitive power steering and 18-inch 265 / 60 all-season tires. The vehicle has a 7,500-pound Class V towing capacity and is available with optional height-adjustable Airmatic springing with ADS adaptive damping.

In addition to the widely acclaimed Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system, standard features such as DSR downhill speed regulation, hill-start assist, and a special off-road ABS algorithm can help drivers during off-road excursions. An optional Off-Road Pro package includes a two-speed transfer case and locks for the center and rear differentials as well as modified air suspension that can increase ground clearance to 12 inches, which also raises its low-speed fording depth to more than 23 inches.

 

And I LOVE this color!

 

I'm definitely leaning that way!! Any other input on the 2nd row knee room versus the current ML? Also, does anyone know the wheelbase difference?

 

I didn't see if it was posted somewhere but what is the official launch date? I have been kinda waiting around to check this and the new escalade out to see how they compare to the infiniti which I really like for the wife. Curious to see how this stacks up for our needs. Is it soon?

 

I'm hearing April/May 2006.

 

The mbusa site says the wheelbase is 121.1" vs 114.7 for the ML and 126.6 for the R-class.

The GL info says that the 'second-row knee room' is 34.7", compared to 'second row leg room' of 36.2" on the R. ML specs apparently use a different measuring system - 'rear legroom' with 40".

So it looks to me like the GL may have a little less (1 1/2 inches) room in the second seats, but better rear leg room than the ML (based on the wheel base).

I'd sure like to know for sure, though - we are looking at replacing our ML and I would like more power and more rear legroom. But the price? I can't believe it will really be in the 50s except as a model with no options. I bet it is priced like the R and will hit 70k with a nice set of options.

 

I have pored over the specs of the GL on the mbusa website and compared them to those of the R and have come away confused. Some here have said that the GL has significantly more cargo room than the R when the third row is in use, but the numbers don't suggest that, no matter which way you cut them. I need to see this thing in person to make that judgement. Unfortunately time is running out as I am in the market for a vehicle right away. A fully-loaded Odyssey Touring (admittedly nothing to look at from the outside, nor as quiet, comfortable or luxurious as the R) seems to satisfy my needs at a much lower price point.

 

You can't compare the specs! I've tried too. Its apples and oranges, or the one or two numbers taht you need to make a direct comparison aren't there, is what I've found in my attempts.

I've come to the conclusion that I am just going to have to go down to a dealership or two and actually sit in the sobobnovitches and do my own analysis, physically....

And I do honestly wonder why MBZ has not published the correct numbers - as they have always done in the past(!) - with these new vehicles.... Seems dishonest or machiavellian to me.... I cannot just chalk it up to a 'change' in the way that they are doing or releasing the numbers. Go to any sedan, coupe, roadster: same set of numbers, nomenclature, identical measurements across-the-board in every model; direct comparison.

 

If you're in a hurry and you've looked at the Odyssey then you should definately consider the Sienna too. I own both a '06 ML350 and '04 Sienna Limited. Of course the ML has a far better quality as far as materials and ride but the Sienna provides for a lot of room for the family and dependable Toyota longevity.

I'm looking at the GL also and am going to have to wait and be able to get in it myself to make a final decision if I will get one to replace my Sienna in a year or so possibly or get another Sienna.

I know it seems crazy comparing the two but I need the room and flexiability but want the German engineering and build quality. The R is not an option for me though.

Your situation sounds similar to mine.

Be sure to check out my website, which was/is in the March 2006 issue of Automobile magazine: SiennaClub.org

 

Thanks for posting the website information; cool information there on lot of different 'toys'.

 

JackStraw- Make some calls to the MBZ dealers within your 2 hour driving radius, or whatever -- i think that one will be in a dealer's showroom for you to take a good look at within the next week or so....

(and then post-up and tell us all about it!!!!! )

 

Autoweek is showing the base price for the GL450 to be 58K. That means that a "loaded" example would be like 67-70K I guess. A little pricey IMO.

A GL550 would be a 80K vehicle if and when they sell one here.

M

 

I just don't think so.... I'm guessing at $65K to $70K....

 

Anyone else recall that at this point on the R introduction (months ahead) we had been given option prices but NOT base price. This time there is little info indeed...you could say that options will be same as on R, but GL has many more standard features, so packages would be hard to price...

Where's the GL microsite that the R had at this stage?

 

Trust me they're saying that price range for the GL550.

M

 

I couldn't agree more. Very little has come out but yet they are so soon to be on the road.

 

i cannot wait for this truck to come out. theyre gonna go out quicker than the R classes.

they are comparing it to the '07 Escalade, which is a very nice truck