Today's UK Sunday Times thinks it is large even for the USA:

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,12929-2208307,00.html

DAS

           Mercedes-Benz GL
           By Gavin Conway of The Sunday Times

           Too big for its boot

           The story of the Mercedes-Benz GL is, inevitably, about size.
This thing is so massively proportioned that even American observers have
called it crass. The Los Angeles Times described it as a vehicle for
"selfish rotters" and "morally retrograde". If it gets that reaction in the
land of the Big 4x4, what sort of welcome can it expect over here? To put
the GL in perspective, consider that other Merc off-roader, the
not-inconsiderable M-class. Well, the GL is 308mm longer, 25mm taller and
300kg heavier. Over here, it'll make the Range Rover look diminutive by
comparison.
           Blame America. Everyone else does, after all. The GL was
designed as an upmarket alternative to behemoths like the Lincoln Navigator
and Cadillac Escalade. Mercedes knows this and that's why it is noncommital
about how many will be sold in the UK.

           All that said, for a beast that weighs nearly 2½ tons, the GL
acquits itself remarkably well. The speed-sensitive steering responds
swiftly to inputs, and its precision makes it easy to fix a cornering line.
That such a monster can be driven so swiftly won't, though, endear it to
other road users cowering in its shadow.

           Airmatic suspension is standard on UK GLs, as is the Adaptive
Damper System (ADS). In Sport mode the ADS helps tie down the GL's body
control through dips and surprise off-camber moments, but the ride
predictably suffers. In Comfort mode the ride is really very good, but you
do trade off a bit of body control.

           For off-road going, Mercedes wanted to give the GL credentials
to stand comparison with a Range Rover. So with permanent four-wheel drive
there is a low-range two-speed transfer case with multiple-disc limited-slip
differential, which can be locked for really serious going. And to match
Land Rover's Hill Descent Control the GL features Downhill Speed Regulation,
which trumps Land Rover by letting the driver set the maximum descent speed.
So like the Range Rover, the GL has vastly more off-road capability than
99.99% of owners are ever likely to need.

           Climb aboard and you'd be forgiven for expecting stadium-class
accommodation. In fact this massive Merc is something of a reverse-Tardis.
Three six-footers sitting behind each other in the GL's three rows will find
legroom tight. Simply put, this car isn't as spacious as it looks from the
outside. That optional third row of seats folds away electrically at the
touch of a button, which is kind of neat. If you need more carrying space,
the middle row of split-fold seats can be stowed by moving the seat squabs
forward and dropping the backrests.

           It's a quick old truck, too. I drove the 340bhp 4.6 litre V8
(yet to be confirmed for the UK), which does the 0-62mph sprint in 7.6sec
with a top speed of 146mph. The 7G-Tronic gearbox is a good match for this
lively engine, too, as it is less prone to hunting for the right gear as it
does on smaller-engined M-class models. It also has a manual sequential
shift feature via rocker switches on the back of the steering wheel. When
you're pressing on a bit this can be quite handy. You almost forget you're
driving an apartment block.

           There will be three engines available including the latest
version of the excellent 320 CDI, which will probably be the pick of the
range. Merc's first V8 diesel for the UK, the 420 CDI, and a 388bhp 5.5
litre petrol V8 will also be on offer.

           The GL models will be priced from about £50,000-£60,000.
Mercedes says that there will be a universally high specification, so no
different trim levels will be introduced.

           Honestly, though, this has got to be the most pointless Mercedes
launched here in memory. The only possible reason to buy the GL over the
M-class is because you really need the optional extra two seats. And even
then I'd urge buyers to look at the long-wheelbase Merc R-class, which has
six seats and much more interior space.

           This time, and for all the wrong reasons, size really does
matter.

           Vital statistics

           Model     Mercedes-Benz GL
           Engine type   4663cc, eight cylinders
           Power/torque  340bhp @ 6000rpm / 339 lb ft @ 2700-5000rpm
           Transmission  Seven-speed automatic
           Fuel/CO2    21.2mpg / 322g/km
           Performance   0-62mph: 7.6sec / Top speed: 146mph
           Price     £50,000-£60,000
           Verdict    An unnecessary addition to the Mercedes range
           Rating     2/5
           Date of release  September 1

           The opposition

           Model Range Rover 4.4 V8 SE £51,045
           For Great style, image, unrivalled off road
           Against Quality still an issue, only seats five

           Model Land Rover Discovery V8 HSE £48,540
           For Spacious seven-seater, very good to drive
           Against Quite heavy and consequently very thirsty