The GL-Class combines on-road luxury and refinement with genuine off-road credentials. Leave the asphalt behind and the vehicle comes into its own, using a range of technologies to tame the toughest terrain.

Permanent four-wheel drive and a 50:50 torque distribution make light work of poor road surfaces and if you venture into really rough country, simply hit the Off-Road button. This activates the ESP® / 4ETS dynamic handling control system, with specially configured Off-Road ABS for maximum traction on challenging ground. Off-Road ASR helps prevent slippage on tricky surfaces such as gravel while Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) enables safe, controlled descents. Likewise, Hill Start Assist enhances safety when you’re making a climb.

The six-piece plastic underbody panelling of the GL-Class offers extra protection for driving in off-road terrain. The Off-Road Pro engineering package included as standard supplements this with a reinforced underride guard at the front made from stainless steel. The fording depth can also be increased by 110 mm to a maximum of 600 mm, making light work of rocky stretches or stream crossings.

The double-wishbone suspension at the front and the four-link rear suspension, both of which come with self-supporting subframes, are ideally suited to the challenges of off-road driving. The isolated design of the subframes in terms of vibration ensures that very few jolts are transferred to the vehicle's body. The upshot is that the rough terrain will be much less perceptible to you and your passengers, producing a ride that is almost as comfortable off the road as on it.