The all-new, second-generation Mercedes-Benz GL-Class sport utility, built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has won the 2013 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year® award. The GL model lineup for 2013 includes the 240 horsepower GL350 BlueTEC turbodiesel, the 362 horsepower GL450, the 429 horsepower GL550 (above) and the high-performance 550 horsepower GL63 AMG. The GL-Class, which also won the 2007 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year® award, is measured against six criteria by Motor Trend – advancement in design; engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value and performance of intended function. The GL-Class beat out 10 other of the latest SUVs that were tested.
The new GL-Class has 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 also has ATTENTION ASSIST, ADAPTIVE BRAKE technology, mbrace2 telematics and Crosswind Stabilization. Slightly longer, wider and taller than the first-generation SUV, new 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 GL-Class starts at more than $62,000.
