Car News - ReviewItOnline.net

All SUVs are not created equal- especially when it comes to their roomy interiors. Luckily, luxury auto brand Mercedes-Benz knows exactly what its family-friendly buyers desire, and the company has worked diligently to address many of the issues large families face. In short, if you’ve been searching for a large, family-friendly SUV that got both luxury and style, you should check out the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL- Class, which has been stretched quite a bit for the next model year.

Power: The newest GL- Class boasts more clout than its predecessor, with a 3.0-liter BlueTec diesel engine that produces 240 horsepower and 455 lb.-ft. of torque (an increase of 40 hp and 50 lb.-ft.) The GL 550 models, for their part, feature a new 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged gasoline engine, with engine output varying depending on the trim level of the model. All GL- Class models come with a seven-speed automatic transmission that’s also available on the smaller Mercedes-Benz M- Class.

Exterior:The exterior of the new Mercedes-Benz GL- Class has seen several edits since the last model year, from the new flared wheel arches and side stampings on the back of the vehicle to its new LED and bi-xenon lights. This style makeover seems to be inspired most by the newest Mercedes-Benz M–Class. Of course, as mentioned, the new Mercedes-Benz GL- Class models have also been stretched. The U.S.-made GL- Class is longer, wider, and taller than the current 2012 model.

Safety Features: Include Crosswind Assist, Parktronic with Active Park Assist, Collision Prevention Assist (to help prevent rear-end collisions), Pre-Safe (which prepares drivers for collisions), Adaptive Brake Assist (prepares the braking system for an upcoming collision), a rear-view camera, Attention Assist (to help protect and alert drowsy drivers), and adaptive high-beam assist for the headlights on the new Mercedes-Benz GL 350 and the Mercedes-Benz GL- 450 models. The most luxuriously-appointed GL- Class model, the Mercedes-Benz GL 550 adds Lake Keep Assist and Passive Blind Spot Assist (optional on other models). Adaptive cruise control is optional for all models as well.

Inside the Cabin: The new GL- Class also looks quite a bit like the Mercedes-Benz M-class inside, with such features as: the brand’s multi-function COMAND control system, an optional hard drive-based navigation system (which is standard for the 550 model), a seven-inch display that control’s the vehicle’s audio and entertainment options, tailored leather seating (on the 550 model- faux leather Artico material for the other trims), a climate control system, 10.4 cubic feet of storage in the rear cargo area, and three rows of seating.

Overall, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL- Class is quite luxurious, well-appointed, and provides ample space for large families. Of course, it’s not the speediest vehicle around at zero-to-sixty in 8.8 seconds for the base model, but it does achieve an amazing 5.6 seconds for the 550 model, which is quite impressive for a family-hauler. Families of five or more are sure to appreciate the room it has to offer, and it has the capacity to hold up to seven persons. The GL 350 starts at $73,700, while the top-of-the-line GL 550 starts at $95,900.

Stay tuned with reviewitonline.net for more SUV updates, and don’t forget to check out our fantastic new vehicle reviews!