BY THEODORE OPARA

LOVERS of premium cars will definitely find this news very interesting. “The special edition of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class “Grand Edition” is now in Nigeria, courtesy of Weststar Associates Limited, authorised general distributors of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria.

This special edition which is unique in every sense will be available for only ten months due to its exclusivity.

Announcing this, the Managing Director of Weststar Associates, Mr. Mirko Plath explained that the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is loaded with features like never before. It has got amazing power in its two V8 engines and comfort like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

“The exclusive front end of the “Grand Edition” comes with dark-tinted headlamps, a radiator grille with black, high-gloss louvers and a redesigned front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lamps. To add further exclusivity, Light-alloy wheels in Himalaya grey metallic with a high-sheen finish is also available as an option. There are other visual highlights too, such as special metallic paint finishes, heat-insulating and infrared-reflecting laminated glass all round, aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs, and separated exhaust tailpipe trim”.

The interior of the GL-Class accommodates up to seven occupants creating the luxurious atmosphere you would expect from Mercedes-Benz in this case comparable to the S-Class. The interior of the “Grand Edition” has refined further through the use of stylish materials. Exclusive appointments include two-tone seats (black/porcelain or black/maroon) in leather (or in nappa leather as an option) with a special piping design and contrasting stitching.

Also, available for the “Grand Edition” are door centre panels, armrests and dashboard instrument panel with double-lapped felling, as well as trim and a wood/leather steering wheel in black ash.

Other high-quality appointments include: comfort headrests for the driver and front passenger, ambient lighting, roof liner in black designo fabric, velour floor mats with contrasting stitching and “Grand Edition” lettering, “Grand Edition” badge on the centre console, sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs and door sill panels in stainless steel.

Reversing camera

The “Grand Edition” models are equipped with parktronic and reversing camera. The two petrol V8 models with superior power delivery and maximum smoothness comply with the EU3 emissions standard – requested for Nigeria. The 5.5-litre V8 engine in the GL 500 outputs 285 kW (388 hp) and delivers 530 Newton metres of torque.

At 6.5 seconds its acceleration time from a standstill to 100 km/h is almost worthy of a sports car. On the GL 450, the V8 petrol engine has a displacement of 4.6 litres, outputs 250 kW (340 hp) and generates maximum torque of 460 Newton metres. It takes 7.2 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h.

It’s innovative 4matic all-wheel drive, airmatic air suspension, accurate direct-steer system and adaptive damping system ADS, all of which comes as standard, guarantees that the commanding GL-Class offers impressive handling and excellent ride comfort coupled with outstanding active safety.

While the GL cuts an imposing figure on the asphalt, it also has genuine off-road credentials. The modified airmatic air suspension enables ground clearance of up to 307 millimetres. Thanks to its low-range ratio and limited-slip rear-axle and centre differentials, the standard off-road pro technical package opens up considerably more possibilities on challenging terrain.

Other electronic dynamic handling control systems such as off-road ABS, downhill speed regulation (DSR) and hill-start assist also make life easier for the GL-Class driver.