New GL Class Facelift interior and exterior

New (2013) Mercedes GL350 CDI Review: Dressed Up Devil

Interior / features

New GL Class Facelift interior and exterior (35)

Inside the cabin, the GL350 CDI has space as one of its biggest virtues. It’s a genuine seven-seater which can carry adults in the third row for a few hundred kilometers without any trouble. The seats are comfortable, there is ample light coming in thanks to the big windows and glass all around, and the really enormous triple section sunroof puts the proverbial halo above the GL’s head as regards interior. The space in all three rows is generous, and we would be stressed to think of a car that could carry seven in more comfort than this one. As for boot space, even with all seven seats up, there is more luggage space available at the back than you would find in a mid-segment sedan.

New GL Class Facelift interior and exterior (45)

Our test car came draped in hi quality perforated leather in brown shade, with a criss-cross pattern on seats and door panels. The colour and quality of the leather along with the ‘matte’ finish genuine wood inserts made the GL-Class cabin look and feel something really special.

The dashboard has been laid out in a familiar Mercedes fashion, which, after remaining unchanged for a very long time is only now getting transformed with new designs incorporated in the new A, S and C-Class. The central screen on the dashboard offers a good combo of control and information. Various functions related to Audio, Telephone, Video, Navigation and other car systems can be controlled via the COMAND system represented on the screen. The big knob ahead of the central armrest facilitates navigation and selection of menus. The one generation old system could have been more intuitive in our opinion.

New GL Class Facelift interior and exterior (2)

Like most Mercedes Cars, positioning of the drive selector behind the steering wheel releases ample space for a pair of (chilled and heated) cup holders and a cavernous storage area under the central armrest. The doors too have ample space to carry big bottles of water and then some more space to store documents. The last row of seats can be electrically dropped down to enhance the loading area. With the second and third rows down, the GL-Class boasts 2300 liters of space.

New 2013 GL Class GL350 CDI Interior (24)

For the driver, the steering is adjustable for reach and rake, and the seat is adjustable to the finest preference. It’s easy to find the perfect driving position and the visibility all round is good too, enhanced further by the cameras which show live images on the central screen to ease maneuverability in tight conditions.

In terms of equipment and features, the GL-Class impresses with its long list of toys. For safety, the GL features nine airbags, Pre-Safe and Attention Assist. ABS, intelligent lights Electronic Stability Program and the whole bevy of trusted Mercedes safety gear is provisioned for.

New GL Class Facelift interior and exterior (39) New GL Class Facelift interior and exterior (43)

In terms of comfort and convenience features, you get a three zone automatic climate control, a fab sounding audio with DVD changers, cruise control and the ease of being able to control most of the things through the steering wheel. You also get the miraculous Active Parking Assist which would parallel park the GL by itself, once you have shown it the spot.

New GL Class Facelift interior and exterior (4)

The GL is unparalleled when it comes to the in-cabin space. Its feature list may not have the tech-wizardry of some of the more recent models, but it’s impressively well- kitted and boasts a cabin which looks really premium.

Next page for engine performance, ride and handling>>>

1 thought on “New (2013) Mercedes GL350 CDI Review: Dressed Up Devil”

  1. Superlative review and photos. Awesome job! Keep it up and consider… a you tube video review while driving.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top