At an exclusive A.R. Albisher and Z. Alkazemi Co. unveiling event, VIP guests and media were welcomed to an exclusive lounge in the Shuwaikh showroom to witness the country launch of Mercedes-Benz’ new SUV flagship, the GL 500. The award winning large size SUV occupies the top position amongst luxury off-road vehicles and is built around the modern Arab family with its seven seats, best in class engines, powerful performance, space, refinement and cutting edge technologies.

With excellent driving dynamics and high levels of ride comfort – both on the road and on difficult terrain – the GL 500 pampers its occupants with the first-class comfort of a luxury saloon. Up to seven passengers enjoy an excellent amount of space and standard ON&OFFROAD package for the new GL 500 has six driving programs for optimising driving dynamics and handling safety, as the optimum drive system control is provided for an extremely wide range of on-road and off-road operating conditions. With the ability to travel almost 900 kms on just a single tank of fuel, numerous measures significantly increase the energy efficiency in the powerful V8 Biturbo 435 hp GL 500 4MATIC petrol model, with fuel consumption cut by about 18 percent.

While unveiling the new GL 500 along with other management personnel, Senior Manager – Sales and Operations, Ashraf Tamim; said: “Mercedes-Benz and Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co.’s 2012 Year of the SUV strategy has been an overwhelming success, with three exciting launches each achieving huge popularity amongst customers.

The flagship seven seater GL 500: Built around the modern Arab family

Comfort, safety, elegance, efficiency – the new GL 500 from Mercedes-Benz demonstrates leadership qualities in all the decisive SUV disciplines, boasting value that makes it an easy choice for those wishing to invest in the very best for their families. Innovations such as the Crosswind Assist, the STEER CONTROL steering assistance system, the load recognition and the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) increase the active safety.

Other new features available on the new GL500 are assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, together with a parking package incorporating an automatic function for entering and exiting parking spaces. In 2013 a 360° camera will also be available.

Even at first glance the 2013 GL 500 is recognisable as a characteristic representative of the Mercedes-Benz Sports Utility Vehicle family.. In the front area the hallmark GL 500 upright radiator grille with its central star and the clear, high-quality design of the headlamps with an LED flare dominate. The daytime running lamps featuring LED technology are integrated in a chrome insert in the bumper, and beneath the radiator grille the generously sized chrome-look underguard completes the self-confident appearance of the front.

With its balanced proportions and the large wheelbase the side view underlines the vehicle’s on-road emphasis. At the same time the short body overhangs at the front and rear, together with the large ground clearance, point to its off-road suitability. The hallmark-SUV high beltline with its high-quality trim, the feature line which rises dynamically and the chrome edging on the window surfaces highlight the vehicle’s effortlessly superior look.

For GL 500 customers who place particular importance on a sporty, dynamic appearance, an extensive AMG Exterior Sports package is now available for the first time as standard in Kuwait. In addition to the hallmark-AMG front and rear apron, it also offers special wheel-arch flarings, which span over the 21-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. Illuminated aluminium-look running boards also form part of the scope of supply, as do perforated brake discs and brake calliper covers with Mercedes-Benz lettering and V8 Biturbo badging on the side flanks and rear.

Inner values: the GL 500 offers automotive first class

Powerfully dynamic and elegant interior design, fine materials and lovingly crafted details, optimum ergonomics and a generous amount of space accentuated by a panoramic glass roof – the interior of the GL 500 oozes the ambience of wellbeing so characteristic of Mercedes-Benz. Generously sized trim in various wood or aluminium variants, controls in silver chrome and the upholstery with the breathable premium grade leather and the stitching in a contrasting colour underline the high-quality overall impression. Ambient interior cabin lighting is available in three colours.

The seats offer seven people a generous amount of space and follow the 2-3-2 system. Compared with the predecessor the occupants on all three rows of seats have more shoulder room, elbow room, headroom and 4 Zone Climate Control. As part of the standard specification the third seat row can be operated electrically. Another new feature is the EASY-ENTRY system on both sides – also available with electric operation on request – for access to the third row of seats.

The control and display concept impresses with excellent user-friendliness: infotainment, navigation and communication alike can be intuitively and very easily operated via the metal Controller on the centre console. Bluetooth connectivity allows for effortless wireless media and music enjoyment. As standard a multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather with steering-wheel gearshift paddles and 12 function keys is included on board.

Assistance systems take the GL 500 to the top of its market segment

It is above all the numerous assistance systems which ensure enhanced handling safety and driver-fitness safety in the new GL. As part of its standard specification the new GL 500 has some impressive new features alongside the usual dynamic handling control systems ESP®, ASR, ABS and the anticipatory safety concept PRE-SAFE®: on board for the first time are the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system and the optional COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) collision warning system. The new standard-fit Crosswind Assist, which helps the motorist if the car is affected by strong crosswinds. It does so through targeted brake actuations, therefore ensuring an enhanced feeling of safety.

Powerful V8 Biturbo engine

The new powerful GL 500 4MATIC V8 Biturbo engine produces 435 hp, roughly 12 percent more power than its predecessor 388 hp. At the same time, torque has been increased from 530 to 700 newton metres – a 32-percent increase. As the high maximum torque is already available at only 1,800 revs, the new V8 produces superior power even at low engine speeds and provides a smoothness of performance that is exemplary for an eight-cylinder engine. The driver will thus notice no turbo lag, instead perceiving the new V8 as pleasant and powerful.

The GL 500 has an NEDC consumption of 11.3-11.6 l/ 100 km, making it the most fuel-efficient V8 petrol model in its class. A charged 4.6-litre BlueDIRECT engine is used here.

Emerging from the Mercedes-Benz Affalterbach performance division as the globe’s most powerful SUV, a GL 63 AMG version will arrive in A.R. Albisher and Z. Alkazemi Co. showroom in Q1 2013.

For more information on Mercedes-Benz products and services in Kuwait, please visit: www.mercedes-benz.com.kw. Facebook:www.facebook.com/MercedesBenzKuwait

Twitter and Instagram: @MercedesBenzKWT. The iPhone application for Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co. can be downloaded for free by searching for ‘MB Kuwait’ in the Apple online app store.