What's it like to drive?

There's no disguising the GL's bulk, but the engines are more than equal to the task. There's a 383bhp 5.5-litre V8, a 3.0-litre 224bhp V6 turbodiesel and a muscular 4.0-litre V8 diesel that almost matches the petrol V8 for pace, while delivering slightly better fuel economy. Because of its size, the GL is not the easiest car to slot in and out of traffic. However, its body is well controlled around corners and the steering provides enough feel and precision to help plot an accurate course. The ride is smooth thanks to standard air suspension, which has three settings to tailor the ride towards comfort or sportiness. The GL is fitted with large tyres and a host of four-wheel-drive equipment, so it's all the more impressive that there's very little road noise or transmission whine allowed to enter the cabin. Despite the car's bluff shape, wind noise is well suppressed. The gearshifts are generally smooth, although downshifts can be a little jerky. The engines are only audible when stretched to their limits, and even then they are far from coarse. Drivers can make themselves comfortable, thanks to the vast range of steering wheel adjustment and easy-to-use seat adjusters.

What's it like inside?

The dash is sensibly laid out and everything is within easy reach, including the gear selector, which is sited on the steering column. Rear visibility is impaired by the headrests on the two rows of rear seats, but large side windows and big door mirrors aid reversing. The GL offers ample headroom and legroom for all, although access to the rearmost chairs could be better. The rear doors open widely enough, but you can only gain entry from one side, because the larger portion of the 60/40 split middle row does not tumble forward. With all the seats in place, boot space is limited, but flipping all the rear seats flat creates a flat load bay that measures 2100mm in length and 2300 litres in volume. Front, side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard, along with a full range of electronic braking and stability aids. Headlamps switch on automatically if it's dark. All versions feature an alarm and immobiliser, but Mercedes rejects deadlocks on safety grounds, believing they make it harder to get occupants out of a car in the event of an accident. However, this also makes life easier for thieves. The GL comes with cruise and climate control, four electric windows, a seven-speed automatic transmission and alloy wheels. Mercedes off-road Pro system, which includes hill-descent control, low-ratio gears, locking centre and rear differentials and adjustable ground clearance, is also fitted as standard.

Will it break the bank?

Initial demand means that getting any discounts out of Mercedes dealers will be hard work. The blow of this initial hefty expense will be softened come resale time, as resale values are likely to be very strong. Even so, running costs will be high, because even the most frugal CDI version will return around 30mpg. All models sit in the top 35% company car tax band.