
Son of Testarossa
On January 2, the Ferrari 512TR was unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show. This replaces the Testarossa, launched at the Paris Salon in 1984, in the Ferrari range. Ferrari…
It was inevitable really: SUVs are fast replacing conventional saloons and estates in all the smaller mainstream classes, so it was only a matter of time before it happened to the largest of them all. This new Mercedes-Benz GLS is larger in every dimension than its predecessor and is so clearly trying to be the S-class of the SUV world that those exact words form the tagline with which it will be marketed.
Unlike a Range Rover, Rolls, Bentley or Lamborghini SUV, there’s not just space for seven in here, but space to spare. Given its aspirations I expected it to be luxurious and comfortable, refined and laden with gadgets. What I absolutely did not expect was for it to be quite so good to drive.
At present only two versions are earmarked for the UK, the as-yet-unseen 600-plus horsepower AMG 63, and this 325bhp 3-litre 400d model. The motor is smooth, punchy and works wonderfully well with its nine-speed gearbox, but it’s the chassis that’s the real surprise. OK, this is no Lotus Elan, but the car is wieldy in a way you’d just not expect of one so high and heavy. It is genuinely pleasurable to drive yet ride quality has not been compromised.
No, it’s not quite an S-class in SUV form, but it gets closer than I had imagined possible. For a big family in need of doing big distances, I can’t think of a car on sale that would do the job better than this.
Andrew Frankel
Price £74,075
Engine 3.0 litres, 6 cylinders, turbo
Power 325bhp@3600rpm
Weight 2490kg
Power to weight 131bhp per tonne
Transmission nine-speed double clutch, four-wheel drive
0-60mph 6.3sec
Top speed 148mph
Economy 32.8mpg
CO₂ 227g/km
Verdict Surprisingly excellent