Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: The Luxury SUV Arrives in Japan

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

New Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Arrives in Japan

Mercedes-Benz Japan has launched a new model of its seven-seater luxury SUV, the GL-Class, the first update in seven years. Sales began today.

Text & Event Photographs by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)

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Debuting at theNew York Auto Showas a new model after a seven-year hiatus, one of Mercedes-Benz's flagship SUVs has finally been introduced to Japan.

The launch event for the new GL-Class in Japan connected the new Mercedes-Benz Connection in Kansai, which opened within Grand Front Osaka, with the Mercedes-Benz Connection in Roppongi, Tokyo. President Kintaro Ueno appeared at the Kansai venue for this occasion.

The Kansai Mercedes-Benz Connection offers 20 Mercedes-Benz models for test drives and is also collaborating with ORIX Rent-a-Car within Grand Front Osaka for car sharing services.

Mr. Ueno stated that the opening of the Mercedes-Benz Connection in Kansai was driven by a desire to make Mercedes-Benz more accessible to people in the region.

The new GL-Class is being introduced to Japan in two grades: the "GL 550 4MATIC" equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 biturbo direct-injection engine, and the "GL 63 AMG" powered by a 5.5-liter V8 biturbo direct-injection engine.

The GL 550 4MATIC boasts monstrous specifications, as the company describes, with a maximum output of 320 kW (435 ps) and peak torque of 700 Nm. Combined with the "7G-TRONIC PLUS" dual-clutch transmission and ECO start-stop function, it achieves a fuel efficiency of 7.9 km/l, a remarkable 44 percent improvement over the previous model. Despite its imposing dimensions of 5.1 meters in length and 2.5 tons in weight, it achieves a balance of high power and excellent environmental performance.

Furthermore, the second-row seats are equipped with electric easy-entry functions on both sides, improving access to the third-row seats.

For safety, a system integrating five millimetre-wave radars and one camera with automatic braking supports the driver. In tight spaces, the "360° camera system," a first for Mercedes-Benz, is available, along with "Crosswind Assist," which uses brake control to maintain stability when the vehicle is affected by strong crosswinds.

In Japan, it will be available with a left-hand drive configuration and is priced at 12.9 million yen. Optional packages include the "AMG Exclusive Package" (700,000 yen) for a more imposing exterior, featuring 21-inch AMG twin-spoke alloy wheels; the "Audio & Visual Package" (330,000 yen) with a Harman/Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system and rear entertainment system; and the "designo Interior Package" (700,000 yen) with diamond-stitched leather seats and wood interior trim.

Meanwhile, the GL 63 AMG, the first AMG model in the GL-Class lineup, delivers a maximum output of 410 kW (557 ps) and peak torque of 760 Nm, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 4.9 seconds. It comes equipped with the "AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension," the "ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM" to reduce body roll during cornering, exclusive Nappa leather sports seats, and a distinct instrument cluster.

This model is also available with left-hand drive and is priced at 17.5 million yen. Optional packages include the "designo Interior Package" (600,000 yen) and the "Audio & Visual Package" (700,000 yen), which includes the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG sound system.

While the GL-Class has traditionally appealed to owners in their mid-40s, relatively young for this vehicle class, Mercedes-Benz Japan believes this new model will strongly attract even younger, affluent individuals and owners of super sports cars.

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