Mercedes-Benz GL

Mercedes have always tried to deliver the maximum luxury per square inch and the GL class takes that to a whole new level. It is one of the largest passenger cars available today and that’s not just restricted to the Mercedes-Benz range; the GL is behemoth by any stretch of the imagination. Inside, you have typical Mercedes luxury, but for 7 seats. While the long wheelbase R class may have spacious seating for 7, the GL adds butch design and greater off road credibility to the mix. It certainly looks the part and on the inside it feels every bit as special as any high end Mercedes. Powering the GL are some of the most versatile engines Mercedes has on offer. The base 350 has the 306 hp 3.5L direct injection V6 which also makes a decent 273 lb-ft of torque. The 500 has the larger 5.4L V8 making 388 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, but will soon be replaced by the 4.7L twin-turbocharged direct injection V8 with 435 hp and 516 lb-ft. There are also two diesel engines on offer. The 350 CDI uses a 3.0L V6 with 265 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. While that torque figure may seem rather astounding, Mercedes has the even more powerful 450 CDI which has a 4.0L V8 making 306 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The 7-speed GTronic automatic transmission and 4matic intelligent all wheel drive system are offered as standard on all models.

The GL class is Mercedes’ largest passenger car to date but that’s about it. It gets the job done well, is very comfortable and safe but it isn’t really fun to drive as such. It seems that someone must have mentioned that to Mercedes which explains why there’s an AMG model on the way!

Mitsubishi Pajero

While Mitsubishi isn’t the most popular brand worldwide, it certainly makes a good crop of cars, or should I say a great crop!