Review: Mercedes-Benz GL 350

Mercedes-Benz first introduced the GL in 2010 and then brought it to India, but at that point of time it attracted the full import cost and hence had a price tag of 90 lakhs. But now, the German car manufacturer is going to assemble this one locally and that means a cut in cost which essentially translates into grabbing more eyeballs.

The GL gets a huge, three-pointed star on the massive grille up front with a chrome strip that runs along the bottom of the front bumper. The new GL is based on the current car's platform, this GL is 21mm longer, 14mm wider and 10mm taller, not to forget 50 kg lighter.

The GL 350 gets electrically assisted power steering and also gets air springs and disc brakes. It also gets the crosswind assist, which uses the brakes to keep the car stable when driving in strong crosswinds as standard equipment.

Mercedes isn't offering an optional off-road kit this time around. In fact there is a special off-road programme inside. The GL 350 also gets ESP and hill descent control as standard.

Inside, the GL is similar to the M-Class and it's better looking than the outgoing car. Then there is Merc's COMAND system which could have been improved but still it does not disappoint. Feature wise you get an electric folding third row that folds flat into the boot floor then there is electric steering adjust, three-zone climate control, a panoramic roof and a navigation system that's integrated into the COMAND system.

Under the bonnet, the GL 350 gets a 2987cc V6 diesel which churns out 258bhp. On an open road, the GL grunts its way ahead and you have to keep your eyes on the instrument cluster to check your speed because you tend to lose track of that given the size of the car. Further the smooth shifts of the seven-speed torque-converter automatic transmission are another reason why this illusion is achieved.

The GL 350 is priced at Rs 77.9 lakhs and it is quite the catch at that price. It's bulky yes, but the engine and the electronics in it do not make it feel that big.