Filled with nearly every bell and whistle, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GL-Class sport utility is making its debut for the 2013 model year. The launch of the new full-size GL marks the introduction of a significant new safety system, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, which uses a dedicated radar sensor to monitor the distance to a vehicle in front and to stationary objects. If the system senses a risk of imminent collision, it pre-charges the brakes and alerts the driver with a warning beep and flashing light on the dash. The new GL-Class is loaded with other new safety systems such as ATTENTION ASSIST, ADAPTIVE BRAKE technology, mbrace2 telematics and Crosswind Stabilization. Slightly longer, wider and taller than the first-generation SUV, new convenience features include a COMAND control knob, a color instrument cluster display, power liftgate, and a 115-volt outlet under the second-row seats. Among the new GL options are an ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM, On/Off-Road Package, Active Parking Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, a 360-degree Surround View camera, Panorama Roof and power EASY-ENTRY for third-row passengers. The 2013 GL-Class comes with new electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion steering.

Filled with nearly every bell and whistle, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GL-Class sport utility is making its debut for the 2013 model year. The launch of the new full-size GL marks the introduction of a significant new safety system, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, which uses a dedicated radar sensor to monitor the distance to a vehicle in front and to stationary objects. If the system senses a risk of imminent collision, it pre-charges the brakes and alerts the driver with a warning beep and flashing light on the dash. The new GL-Class is loaded with other new safety systems such as ATTENTION ASSIST, ADAPTIVE BRAKE technology, mbrace2 telematics and Crosswind Stabilization. Slightly longer, wider and taller than the first-generation SUV, new convenience features include a COMAND control knob, a color instrument cluster display, power liftgate, and a 115-volt outlet under the second-row seats. Among the new GL options are an ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM, On/Off-Road Package, Active Parking Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, a 360-degree Surround View camera, Panorama Roof and power EASY-ENTRY for third-row passengers. The 2013 GL-Class comes with new electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion steering.

Not only does the new electric steering provide built-in speed-dependent power assist, but it also offers fuel savings. The engine no longer has to turn a hydraulic power steering pump, and the new steering only uses electrical power when the wheel is being turned. Mounted ahead of the front wheel center, the steering gear unit has a variable mechanical ratio that operates more directly, or slightly faster, in the center position, which enhances agility and handling. The new electric steering assist also makes other innovative systems possible, such as optional Active Parking Assist, which makes parallel parking a stress-free cinch. Below about 20 mph, a 鈥淧鈥?icon appears in the dash to show that an electronic search for a parking space is active, and whenever an adequate-size parking space is found, an arrow appears next to the 鈥淧鈥?icon. When reverse is engaged and the driver confirms Active Parking Assist is desired, the system initiates automatic steering as the driver controls acceleration and braking at speeds below seven mph. The system allows two forward corrections, after which the wheels are straightened.

Active Parking Assist also includes an automatic exit feature. Not to be confused with Active Curve Illumination, the optional ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM is a semi-active suspension that uses electronic sensors, an engine-driven hydraulic pump and electronically controlled hydraulic valves to reduce body lean. Instead of conventional torsional stabilizer bars at the front and rear, the stabilizer bars in the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM are essentially split in the center and connected to rotary hydraulic actuators. Whenever the vehicle is in a curve, the actuators counteract lateral pitching, reducing the natural tendency of the body to roll and lean in curves. Lower side forces means increased stability and driving pleasure, especially at high speeds, as well as less shifting of occupants. An optional On/Off-Road package features a two-speed electronically controlled transfer case that gives the GL-Class true off-road capability. High range provides 1:1 on-road gearing, and selecting low range engages a 2.93:1 ratio for impressive off-road control and climbing ability. The On/Off-Road package includes an Off-Road switch on the center console that activates special computer algorithms to enhance engine, transmission, ABS, ESP, traction control performance in off-road conditions.

In addition, a six-position rotary dial allows the system to be customized, including selecting low range, engaging a center differential lock and increasing ground clearance in increments of 1.2, 2.4, and 3.5 inches. All four GL models come with proven Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive. As modern all-wheel-drive systems become more refined, they are becoming more popular, especially in the luxury car market. With negligible weight and fuel-efficiency tradeoffs, full-time four-wheel drive provides year-round traction and stability benefits on both wet and dry roads. ATTENTION ASSIST Cautions 鈥淭ime For A Rest? Among the many new life-saving features on the GL-Class is the innovative ATTENTION ASSIST system that can alert the driver to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S. A steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the first 20 minutes of driving. Between 50 and 112 mph, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning, and a 鈥淭ime for a Rest? 鈥?message with a coffee cup icon appears in the instrument cluster.