When the first-generation Mercedes-Benz GL-Class made its debut in 2006, many (rightly) viewed it as a super-sized version of the brand’s own ML-Class, designed to appeal to the US market hungry for large, 7-seat SUVs. But then as the second-generation model was facelifted in 2015, the company renamed it as the GLS, reflecting its new naming nomenclature, but also its desire for the model to be viewed as the “S-Class SUV”, and a genuine competitor to rivals such as Range Rover and even Bentley Bentayga. Now, the finer points on whether the GLS fulfills that brief have been debated elsewhere, but what always undermined the model’s luxury aspirations is the second-generation’s uncanny resemblance from the rear to an altogether less luxury model……the Dodge Journey (known to Italians as Fiat Freemont). Yes, the two models are very different from the front and side-views, but from the rear it’s hard to escape the fact that the taillights have pretty much the same shape! The similarity is further compounded by the same positioning of the license plate on both models, as well as a similar rear window, complete with a small spoiler above. Of course, when you stare at the two side-by-side you realize that the execution of the details on the Mercedes-Benz is from another class, while the Dodge looks exactly like what it is: an under-developed car conceived at one of Chrysler’s lowest points. Still, you have to wonder – should Mercedes stylist not have made sure the GL/GLSs styling steered further clear of such unflattering comparisons?
