It is the final model in the new lineup from MB and it puts style into a true off-roader. The original G-Class may have been boxy and functional but now the emphasis is on high technology and comfort to take on all the challenges that the great outdoors throws up.

Safety gets a high priority and there is a neck protection system and eight airbags, with window bags across all three rows of seats to protect the seven passengers that can travel on board. The GL also has adaptive brake lights that flash during emergency braking to alert following traffic.

Underneath the new smooth lines, the GL is loaded with safety technology to make light work of dangerous terrain. It has an ESP trailer stability assist mechanism to cut down on the dangers associated with towing operations.

Power comes from four newly developed high-displacement petrol and diesel engines. The GL 320 CDI V6 is a three-litre diesel engine with 510 Nm of torque and is priced at 96,140; the GL 420 CDI is a V8 fourlitre developing 700 Nm of torque priced at 119,850; the GL 450 V8 is a 4.6-litre petrol unit developing 460 NM of torque priced at 117,110; and the GL 500 V8 is a 5.4-litre petrol engine developing 530 Nm torque priced at 129,155.

All models are fitted with 7GTronic seven-speed automatic transmission with direct-select gearshift mounted on the steering column and use permanent all-wheeldrive with 50:50 torque distribution between front and rear axles.