FIRST CLASS ON AND OFF-ROAD, THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ GL-CLASS FULL-SIZE LUXURY SUV WILL BE PRICED STARTING AT $76,500

TORONTO, ON – As Mercedes-Benz enters the large luxury sport utility market with its all-new seven-seat GL-Class, it will do so with very competitive pricing starting at $76,500 for the GL450.

Produced in the company's Alabama plant along with the M-Class and R-Class, the GL-Class will be available for sale in the 53 Mercedes-Benz authorized dealerships across the country as of May1st, 2006.

Mercedes-Benz Canada President and CEO, Marcus Breitschwerdt said, "With the launch of the GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz is branching out yet again into a very important segment of the Canadian Market.  A veritable contender in the popular and important full-size luxury SUV category, the very well appointed GL450 starting at $76,500 will now allow Mercedes-Benz to reach many new prospective buyers. In addition to exceptional on and off-road capabilities, many safety firsts in its category and fuel consumption of 14.2 l/100km (11.7 l/100km for highway), this agile large SUV also offers remarkable passenger and cargo space."           

The new GL450 is equipped with a 4.6-litre four-valve-per-cylinder V8 engine producing 335-horsepower, 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT as standard equipment and 4MATIC™ permanent all-wheel drive. 

The new GL450 is 5,088 mm in length, 1,920 mm wide and 1,840 mm tall, boasting an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.37.  Its steel unit body provides outstanding passive safety with a high-strength occupant cell protected by technologically advanced front and rear crumple zones that include new provisions to help reduce potential injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.  The GL is offered with two-stage front air bags for the driver and front passenger, side air bags in the front and 2nd-row seats, and curtain air bags that span all three rows of seats.

The GL450's superior handling dynamics is a direct result of the four-wheel independent suspension, precise speed-sensitive power steering and 18-inch 265 / 60 all-season tires.  The vehicle has a 7,500 lb. (3,402 kg) Class V towing capacity and is available with optional height-adjustable AIRMATIC air suspension system with ADS adaptive damping.

Inside, the GL-Class is fitted with real burl walnut wood trim, power front seats and a glass sunroof with a fixed glass panel over the third-row seats.  The two third-row seats can be stowed electrically at the push of a button, either separately or together, to provide a totally flat cargo floor.  As a five-seater, the GL can carry 1,240 litres of cargo, and with the second row seats stowed as well, there's more than 2,300 litres of cargo room.

In addition to the widely acclaimed Mercedes-Benz  permanent 4MATIC™ all-wheel drive system, standard features such as DSR downhill speed regulation, hill-start assist, and a special off-road ABS algorithm which will help drivers during off-road excursions.  An optional Off-Road package also includes a two-speed transfer case and locks for the centre and rear differentials.  The package also includes modified air suspension that can increase ground clearance to a maximum of 30.7 cm, which also raises its low-speed fording depth to 60 cm.

For more information, visit our media site at www.media.mercedes-benz.ca or contact us at:

JoAnne Caza               416-847-7550              caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Arden Nerling              416-847-7556              nerling@mercedes-benz.ca