Mercedes will unveil the final link in its off-roader trilogy, the GL-Class, at the Detroit motor show in January.
The new model does not replace the legendary G-Class, but the two will be built alongside each other.
The GL aims to provide the same superb off-road ability as the G-Class, while being more luxurious and comfortable on-road.
The GL shuns a separate chassis in favour of an all-in-one construction. Mercedes claims this provides improved driving dynamics, while retaining the mud-plugging ability.
Full-time four-wheel drive is helped by downhill speed regulation (DSR), which works in much the same way as Land Rover's hill descent control. This helps control speed on steep descents.
All European GLs will come with a low-range transfer gearbox and differential locks for serious off-road duties.
The GL-Class uses a beefed-up version of the ML's air suspension, which can be lifted to give an overall ground clearance of 307mm.
Mercedes' range of V6 and V8 engines appears in the GL.
Petrols are taken care of by the 4.6-litre and 5.5-litre V8s in the GL450 and GL500 models respectively.
Meanwhile, the ML's 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel is joined by a 4.2-litre V8 turbodiesel with 306bhp and 516lb ft of torque. All have a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
The interior has much in common with the new ML- and R-Class models, and offers seating for five to seven passengers.
The third row of seats can be stored electrically and with all of the rear seats folded, there's 2,300 litres of load space.
The GL goes on sale in the US in April, followed by the UK at the end of 2006.
No prices have been released yet, but expect to pay from £40,000 for the GL320 CDi.
from topgear
http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/348/
click link for pics
1 true whp... 
better yet, RWD 1 true whp... 
Linear Mode
