Range Rover drivers take note. The Mercedes Benz GL Class is Mercedes' new full-size SUV. It is offered locally by Pichler GFG in Feutersoey. The GL 500 top-of-the-line model we drove (shown left) doesn’t come cheap, weighing in at over SFr 160,000 with such options as triple-screen DVD, Harman Kardon surround sound, Nappa leather, follow-distance control, and other mod-cons. But the car does well to justify its price. It does all the things you’d expect a car at this level to do, with particularly impressive handling and pickup for such a big vehicle. And make no mistake…it’s big. One of the few cars in its class that is built to transport seven people, it’s the only one that allows normal-sized adults to ride in full comfort in the last row of seats (but check the length of your garage before you buy!).

Even if you’re not transporting an army, a family with two or three kids will enjoy acres of space even with lots of luggage. What is really impressive, however, are the little things…the stitching of the dashboard leather, the tactile quality of the buttons, the way the nav screen dims and brightens independent of headlight use, and other small touches that make you feel like they really did think of everything. There are some quirks that take some getting used to, such as the keyless start system, the "nouvelle-American" gearshifter on the steering column, and a computer nagging you when you drive too close to the vehicle in front. And there's maybe some question as to whether the GL has the presence and character of a real "Gstaad car", but then sometimes it's nice to meet new characters (the introduction of the Porsche Cayenne a couple of years back springs to mind). Put simply, if you’re into space, luxury, 4WD and refuse to succumb to buying a minivan, this car must be on your list. Call Othmar Pichler directly on +41.79 432 78 33, or email him at othmar.pichler@pichlergfgag.ch to arrange a test drive. But don't wait too long, because the ones with all the whizzy features might get hard to find.