For the 2014 model year, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class touts no major changes with the exception of available heated and cooled cup holders and an optional split-view dashboard display. Mercedes-Benz designed the GL-Class to make sure you understand right away that this isn鈥檛 your typical SUV. Streamlined, sculpted lines come together to create an aerodynamic exterior that defies the limitations of large SUVs, while its sporty grille and sleek rear end add a touch of athleticism to its profile. Depending on the GL-Class model you choose, the engine differs. For the GL350 Bluetec, you鈥檒l receive a diesel-powered 3.0-liter turbocharged V8 capable of 240 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a standard seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive, which is standard on all GL-Class models. A gas-powered 4.7-liter turbocharged V8 powers the GL450, producing 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the GL550 gets a more powerful version of this engine, churning out 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Finally, the GL63 AMG has the most powerful engine of the bunch with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 good for 550 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged V8 gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined, while the GL450鈥檚 4.7-liter gets 16 mpg combined, and the GL550鈥檚 version comes in at 15 mpg combined. The GL63 AMG鈥檚 engine is rated at 14 mpg combined. The GL-Class interior exudes comfort and luxury with high-end materials and technology that would make the GL perfect for any family road trip. Unlike other three-row crossovers, the GL-Class has a full-size third row, allowing passengers of all sizes to fit with ease. There is also a dual-screen entertainment system, panoramic sunroof, and a number of other creature comforts that make the GL-Class a top-notch crossover SUV. Standard safety features for the 2014 GL-Class include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front and rear side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, and a driver attention/drowsiness monitor. The mbrace2 communications system also comes standard with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, and an SOS button, among other features. Two levels of optional blind-spot and lane-departure protection are also offered.
With the regular GL, you can get a terrific On- and Off-Road package that includes a two-speed transfer case, skidplates, and six transmission modes. That isn't even an option in the GL63. In addition, there's a fairly low airdam in front, so if the lack of true four-wheel drive didn't stop you, the low ground clearance in front would. However, if you don't need to go off-road, the GL63 has a lot to offer. Its 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 has 550 hp and 560 lb-ft. It has the most towing capacity of the trio, and is the only one with three-row seating. The exhaust practically growls when downshifting. Handling was impressive, considering the vehicle's size, and there isn't a lot of body roll. The ride is even nicer in the AMG GL than in the regular sport/utility. At the track, the GL63 hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Interestingly, the GL63 is less than 100 pounds lighter than the G, yet it's 0.3 second faster to 60. There was a much bigger difference in braking. For sheer luxury, the GL's interior is the nicest of the group.
The GL had beautiful creamy vented white leather with black stitching and Piano Black accents throughout the cabin. It's probably better that this vehicle doesn't go off-road, as that leather would get dirty in 10 seconds on the trail. This isn't quite the icon that the G-Class is, but it is a great vehicle in its own right. While it may be a coincidence that the as tested price went down from first to second to third place, it isn't a coincidence that the level of capability decreases. No offense to the M-Class, but it is the least capable of the three SUVs here. Unlike the G and the GL, there isn't an extensive off-road package available. The AMG comes with air suspension, but no low range. The M-Class also doesn't offer the same seating capacity or cargo volume as the GL -- it's on a much shorter wheelbase -- nor does it tow as much as the other two SUVs.
The V-8 puts out 518 hp, which translated into a 4.3-second 0-60 time. This is the lightest of the three SUVs, weighing in at 5243 pounds. That's more than 600 pounds less than the G and more than 500 less than the GL. Even though the horsepower and torque are lower, considering the M's lighter weight, we would've expected less than a 0.4-second difference between the M and the GL. Braking wasn't as good as the GL's, either. While it was close, the heavier three-row SUV stopped 2 feet shorter than the 106 feet the ML63 took. If a vehicle lacks capability, ideally it would make up for it in performance. This one didn't make up for it enough. On paper, it has all of the right boxes checked: 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8, seven-speed automatic, power everything, Designo leather interior, panorama sunroof. Yet when we drove the AMG M-Class, we felt it was not the most rewarding experience of the three sport/utilities here. It is definitely a competent vehicle, and is genuinely fast, but the M-Class didn't have the same growl, the same attitude, and the same performance feel as the rest of the trio.
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