Unequalled new Mercedes-Benz GL voted best SUV by 250,000 people in 22 countries

As Mercedes-Benz Middle East and Levant launched its luxury new 7-seater GL SUV at an exciting SUVenture off-roading event in Oman earlier this month, over 250,000 readers of German newspapers BILD am SONNTAG and AUTO BILD, together with a panel of motoring experts, crowned the flagship 4x4 as the best SUV, voting to award it the coveted "Golden Steering Wheel". The award winning large size SUV occupies the top position amongst luxury off-road vehicles and is built around the modern Arab family with its seven seats, best in class engines, powerful performance, space, refinement and cutting edge technologies.

Over a quarter million readers of "BILD am SONNTAG", "AUTO BILD" and 25 affiliated publications in 22 countries were responsible for ensuring that the Mercedes-Benz GL reached the final stages of voting for this year's "Golden Steering Wheel" award, held at the Pirelli proving ground in Balocco (Italy). This is where, after a series of demanding field tests, a team of automotive experts met to agree on the best five vehicles. When it came to the SUV category, they voted to put the Mercedes-Benz GL in the top spot.

The award represents recognition, from both readers and experts, of the first-class standards that define every aspect of this large SUV from the Stuttgart Company’s premium brand. The seven-seater GL combines dynamism, efficiency and excellent off-road capabilities with elegance and the outstanding comfort of an S‑Class saloon. With it, Mercedes-Benz has set a new benchmark in the SUV world.

Mercedes-Benz is continuing a long tradition with its win in this year's "Golden Steering Wheel" competition: this year marks the 22nd time that the brand known by its three-pointed star has taken first place among the most successful automotive brands competing for the "Golden Steering Wheel", an award that has become a highly regarded institution throughout Europe since its inception in 1976.

With excellent driving dynamics and high levels of ride comfort – both on the road and on difficult terrain – the GL pampers its occupants with the first-class comfort of a luxury saloon. Up to seven passengers enjoy an excellent amount of space and an optional ON&OFFROAD package for the new GL has six driving programs for optimising driving dynamics and handling safety, as the optimum drive system control is provided for an extremely wide range of on-road and off-road operating conditions. With the ability to travel almost 900 kms on just a single tank of fuel, numerous measures significantly increase the energy efficiency in the 435 hp GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY petrol model, with fuel consumption cut by about 18 percent.

Comfort, safety, elegance, efficiency – the new GL from Mercedes-Benz demonstrates leadership qualities in all the decisive SUV disciplines, boasting value that makes it an easy choice for those wishing to invest in the very best for their families. Innovations such as the Crosswind Assist, the STEER CONTROL steering assistance system, the load recognition and the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) increase the active safety.

Other new features to become available are assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist, together with a parking package incorporating an automatic function for entering and exiting parking spaces. In 2013 a 360° camera will also be available.

Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant has it spot on when he describes the new generation as follows: “With the launch of the new 7-seater GL capping our unrivalled luxury off-road range, we now offer a stable of powerful, attractive, capable and intelligent SUVs that appeal to the tastes and sensibilities of a new generation of regional customers: Customers who question convention and seek only the very best for their families. This award is testament to the fact that the new 7-seater GL occupies the top position and is unequalled amongst luxury SUVs.”

Even at first glance the 2012 GL is recognisable as a characteristic representative of the Mercedes-Benz Sports Utility Vehicle family. This new interpretation of the first generation impresses with its powerful dynamism and sporty elegance. In the front area the hallmark GL upright radiator grille with its central star and the clear, high-quality design of the headlamps with an LED flare dominate. The daytime running lamps featuring LED technology are integrated in a chrome insert in the bumper, and beneath the radiator grille the generously sized chrome-look underguard completes the self-confident appearance of the front.

With its balanced proportions (a length of 5120 mm, width of 2141 mm and height of 1850 mm) and the large wheelbase (measuring 3075 mm), the side view underlines the vehicle’s on-road emphasis. At the same time the short body overhangs at the front and rear, together with the large ground clearance, point to its off-road suitability. The hallmark-SUV high beltline with its high-quality trim, the feature line which rises dynamically and the chrome edging on the window surfaces highlight the vehicle’s effortlessly superior look.

As part of its standard specification the GL is shod with attractive 20 inch light-alloy wheels, and as an option wheels up to 21 inches are available. The tail end with two-piece LED tail lights featuring fibre optics, a large roof spoiler and the bumper with integrated exhaust system, delivering a sporty and aggressive appearance for the luxurious full-size SUV.

For GL customers who place particular importance on a sporty, dynamic appearance, an extensive AMG Exterior Sports package is now available for the first time. In addition to the hallmark-AMG front and rear apron, it also offers special wheel-arch flarings, which span over the 21-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. Illuminated aluminium-look running boards also form part of the scope of supply, as do perforated brake discs and brake calliper covers with Mercedes-Benz lettering.

Emerging from the Mercedes-Benz Affalterbach performance division as the globe’s most powerful SUV, the GL 63 AMG blasts from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, hitting a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).  And in true Mercedes-AMG fashion, world leading performance is realised whilst combining compelling technologies with pure ride comfort, and striking, unmistakeable design with an extensive range of standard equipment. The GL 63 AMG will arrive in the region in Q1 2013.