BENZ 2013 PREMIUM GL – CLASS
THE GERMAN AUTO MAKER, MERCEDES-BENZ ,PUSHES LUXURY BEYOND LIMITS AS IT SCORES ANOTHER GOAL WITH ITS PREMIUM MODEL, THE 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-CLASS, WRITES OLAOLU OLUSINA
It’s surely a never-ending story as the German auto maker, Mercedes-Benz, raises the stake, once again, in the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment with its premium model, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
Apparently pushing luxury farther and , indeed, beyond limits, the new premium SUV, which has already been introduced into the Nigerian market, courtesy of Weststar Associates Limited , authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the country, is undoubtedly another first-class offering in the SUV segment.
Scoring a major goal in fuel efficiency, the V8 petrol model, the GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, produces 320 kW (435 hp) and powerful torque levels of 700 Nm while consuming just 11.3 l/100 km (NEDC).
Coming with an on-and-off the road package with step-down ratio and central lock for those looking for a road machine that could tackle the most difficult terrain, the six specific transmission modes of the new GL optimise the performance capabilities of the vehicle both on and off the road.
Featuring other unique features which stand the German road machine out of competition in its class, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL – Class, according to the CEO, Weststar Associates Limited, Mirko Plath, indeed, offers customers double benefits.
“Customers of the GL-Class will enjoy double the benefits when opting for the new model. To begin with, the luxury vehicles for on-road and off-road use now has an extended range of standard equipment. The extensive standard equipment includes a number of comfort details such as electric sliding sunroof, electrically operated easy-park tailgate, easy-entry system for convenient access to the third row of seats from both sides, high-insulation windscreen or electro-mechanical steering.
“In the interior, the scope of standard equipment comprises a colour screen with photo-realistic display and dashboard finished in artico man-made leather,” Plath said.
According to the Weststar and Associates CEO, “Additional safety comes courtesy of the now standard assistance systems, as the new generation of the GL supports the driver with the collision prevention assist, collision warning system, and attention-assist drowsiness detection system.”
He explained further that in helping to reduce the burden on the driver significantly when driving at the limits of what is physically possible , the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL comes with features and systems which detect the load for example just as the steer assist supports the driver with a steering moment on the steering wheel in the event of the vehicle over-steering.
According to Plath, “One of the new GL’s innovations and highlights is the standard-fit crosswind assist, which helps the driver by targeted brake actuation if the vehicle is affected by sudden crosswinds.
“The GL 500 4MATIC Blue Efficiency, in particular, offers active parking assist, including Parktronic, the intelligent light system, the keyless-go access and drive authorisation system, three-zone thermo-tronic automatic climate control and multi-contour leather seats for driver and front seat passenger, including massage function.
“ Not to be overlooked as part of the added-value details fitted as standard are also the new engines. They boast better performance with increased output and torque, while at the same time enabling a reduction in consumption levels of up to 20 percent.
“GL customers will also be delighted with the exceptional capabilities of the vehicle when it comes to driving off the beaten track too. With 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive comes a special off-road transmission mode and Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) through which Mercedes-Benz is ensuring that the necessary off-road performance features are on hand to help make any off-road excursion trouble-free.”
With the new innovations brought into the 2013 GL-Class, there is no doubt therefore that Mercedes-Benz offers the most diverse range of SUVs in the premium segment. It is interesting to note that no less than four model series are available in this globally growth-oriented market. In addition to the premium GL-Class SUV, the successful family comprises the compact GLK, the all-terrain “G” and the efficiency champion M Class.