The GL is equipped as standard with the Off-Road Pro engineering package with integrated off-road ABS. This can reduce braking distances on downhill gradients, particularly when driving on loose surfaces. The six-piece underbody panelling made of high-rigidity plastic and a stainless-steel reinforced underguard at the front provide outstanding protection on off-road terrain. The modified AIRMATIC system with level control and Adaptive Damping System (ADS) offers a maximum ground clearance of 307 mm and a maximum fording depth of 600 mm in the highest off-road setting. This means that even rocky stretches and stream crossings are no longer an obstacle.
Operating on sloping terrain and under suitable ground conditions, the GL achieves a climbing ability of up to 100%, which corresponds to a 45 degree slope angle.
The driving dynamics system, consisting of the ESP® electronic stability system and 4ETS electronic traction system adapts itself to the challenges of off-road driving e.g. by reprogramming the timing for brake actuations at the wheels and by raising the 7G-TRONIC shift points.