It was inevitable really: SUVs are fast replacing conventional saloons and estates in all the smaller mainstream classes, so it was only a matter of time before it happened to the largest of them all. This new Mercedes-Benz GLS is larger in every dimension than its predecessor and is so clearly trying to be the S-class of the SUV world that those exact words form the tagline with which it will be marketed.<\/p>\n
Unlike a Range Rover, Rolls, Bentley or Lamborghini SUV, there\u2019s not just space for seven in here, but space to spare. Given its aspirations I expected it to be luxurious and comfortable, refined and laden with gadgets. What I absolutely did not expect was for it to be quite so good to drive.<\/span><\/p>\n At present only two versions are earmarked for the UK, the as-yet-unseen 600-plus horsepower AMG 63, and this 325bhp 3-litre 400d model. The motor is smooth, punchy and works wonderfully well with its nine-speed gearbox, but it\u2019s the chassis that\u2019s the real surprise. OK, this is no Lotus Elan, but the car is wieldy in a way you\u2019d just not expect of one so high and heavy. It is genuinely pleasurable to drive yet ride quality has not been compromised.<\/span><\/p>\n No, it\u2019s not quite an S-class in SUV form, but it gets closer than I had imagined possible. For a big family in need of doing big distances, I can\u2019t think of a car on sale that would do the job better than this.<\/span><\/p>\n Andrew Frankel<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>Price <\/b>\u00a374,075<\/span>
\nMercedes-Benz GLS 400d<\/h2>\n
\nEngine <\/b>3.0 litres, 6 cylinders, turbo<\/span>
\nPower <\/b>325bhp@3600rpm<\/span>
\nWeight <\/b>2490kg<\/span>
\nPower to weight <\/b>131bhp<\/span> per tonne
\nTransmission <\/b>nine-speed double clutch, four-wheel drive<\/span>
\n0-60mph <\/b>6.3sec<\/span>
\nTop speed <\/b>148mph<\/span>
\nEconomy <\/b>32.8<\/span>mpg
\nCO\u2082 <\/b>227g\/km<\/span>
\nVerdict <\/b>Surprisingly excellent<\/span><\/p>\n
\nDIGITAL EXTRA<\/h5>\n