Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: The Pinnacle of SUV Excellence in 2014

Overview

The Sport Utility Vehicle began garnering attention and popularity in the early 90s. Over time, more individuals started leaning towards this genre of vehicle due to its combination of luxury, convenience, and stately presence. For 2014, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class stands out as the epitome of this popular trend.

Quick Review

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, acclaimed as the best SUV of 2014, is a marvel of modern automotive engineering. Priced at $63,000, it boasts a spacious interior, an extensive range of powertrains, and a robust aesthetic. It comes in four distinct configurations, each offering more luxurious features and potent engines:

GL350 Blue-TEC 4MATIC
GL450 4MATIC
GL550 4MATIC
GL63 AMG 4MATIC

Under the Hood

The base model features a 3.0-liter intercooled turbo diesel V6 engine, producing 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The specifications and pricing of the other configurations are as follows:

Model	Price	Engine	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)
GL450 4MATIC	$64,550	4.6-liter twin-turbo V8	362	455
GL550 4MATIC	$88,600	4.6-liter twin-turbo V8	429	516
GL63 AMG 4MATIC	$118,160	5.5-liter twin-turbo V8	550	516

All models feature a 7G-Tronic Plus 7-Speed Automatic transmission which provides a smooth, quiet, and confidence-inspiring drive. Designed primarily for comfort rather than sportiness, the vehicle still offers a ‘sports’ mode for sharper handling.

Exterior

Defining rugged elegance, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class shuns excessive chrome in favor of tough SUV aesthetics. Subtle curves and prominent grilles lend it a refined yet robust appearance. Notable features include LED lighting on both front and rear ends. Each configuration differentiates itself with unique rim and tire sizes.

Interior

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class redefines luxury with its reconfigured interior, presenting a neater and more sophisticated look. A standard seven-inch screen for infotainment adorns the matte-finished dashboard. High-quality leather upholstery elevates the cabin’s comfort. More opulent configurations feature perforated design leather and olive ash wood trims.

Comfort and Quality

This model is more spacious and efficient compared to its predecessors, seating up to 8 passengers comfortably. It features split 50/50 third-row seats with power-folding capabilities, ensuring ample space for a family. The front seats excel in comfort and quality, making long journeys enjoyable.

Safety

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a paragon of safety, adorned with advanced tech features like night vision, a 360-degree camera, auto-parking, collision prevention assist, and cross-traffic alerts. The stability control system also includes a crosswind stabilization feature, aiding control during sharp turns.

Features

Standard

Standard features include heated front seats, a seven-inch HD screen, a 6-disc CD/DVD changer, a rearview camera, power-folding third-row seats, a sunroof, a power tailgate, dual-climate control, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, tilt/telescopic steering, auto-dimming mirrors, satellite radio, and navigation.

Optional

Optional add-ons come as packages or stand-alone features. For instance, a $6000 package includes soft-close doors and a premium Kardon sound system, while additional stand-alone options include a 6-mode drive selector, 3-zone climate control, and a night-vision assist system.

In conclusion, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class stands as a testament to luxury, comfort, and advanced engineering. It represents the pinnacle of what an SUV can achieve, ensuring every journey is an extraordinary experience.