Mercedes GL350 BlueTec Stumbles in Emergency Handling Test: Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports recently put the redesigned 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTec to the test and found its emergency-handling performance concerning.
During the consumer magazine’s key standard emergency handling test, which is an avoidance maneuver with a rapid double-lane change at increasing speeds, the GL350 BlueTec reached its limits. The stability control system on the SUV got overwhelmed and the vehicle bogged down while running wide of its cornering line. Though the GL350 didn’t threaten to roll over or spin out, the performance in the test is low and is enough cause for concern that Consumer Reports wouldn’t even recommend the GL.
Overall, Consumer Reports was impressed by the GL’s performance and the luxury it offers, but its emergency-handling performance is startling. It’s definitely something the German automaker can address however, recalibrating the stability control system to help rectify the performance.
Watch the video below of the GL350 BlueTec being put through its tests.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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