DRINKING and driving should never be concurrent activities. But driving, followed by some tasting, can be a pleasurable experience, especially if you happen to be in Bordeaux.
As anyone who can tell Ribena from Rioja will know, Bordeaux is the benchmark for fine wines, the oenological altar at which wine lovers gladly prostrate themselves.
It is no exaggeration to say that this wine-growing region in south-west France is one of the world's greatest, both for its quality and quantity. So it was with some delicious Latour, Margaux and various other first-growth chateaux in mind, that we set out from Paris to taste the 2007 vintage.
The road distance from the French capital to Bordeaux is more than 600 kilometres. And to ferry five adults, six full-size Samsonite suitcases and assorted cabin luggage quickly and comfortably would undeniably require something large. Yet it had to provide a satisfying drive while being sufficiently stylish to make sure we would not be mistaken for vineyard workers when pulling up at a nice estate. That, of course, ruled out vans or minibuses.
So the Mercedes-Benz GL420 CDI was chosen. This full-size SUV with seven seats is the three-pointed star's biggest passenger car model. It has seven seats, including an electrically operated third row that can be folded flat into the floor for more cargo space.
User-friendly GPS
The GL420 CDI has a four-litre V8 diesel engine with twin turbochargers. It was chosen over the two petrol models - the GL450 and GL500 - not only for its prodigious torque but because diesel offers better mileage, which is something essential when covering long distances.
No drive in a foreign country should be undertaken without GPS navigation - and Mercedes has one of the most user-friendly systems on the market. Destinations are input using a set of directional arrows to pick out letters and form town and street names. If you get stuck, hard keys allow you to go back easily.
Voice commands combine with clear on-screen directional signs for precise forward progress. If you are still able to take a wrong turn, then you must be hard of hearing or have impaired vision or both. Which means you shouldn't be driving in the first place.
We were headed for Medoc, one of the five main districts in Bordeaux, and also its best-known. We were looking for one chateau in particular: Rauzan Segla. This second-growth chateau in the Margaux commune, owned by Chanel, was where we would stay the night.
It is only on a long road trip that one truly appreciates the comfort and utility of the GL420 CDI. The interior of this massive Merc is spacious. There is ample elbow room and unless you are an NBA player, leg-room is unlikely to be an issue - in front or at the back.
Powerful and quiet
On the smooth, well-maintained French auto-routes, the all-wheel-drive GL420 CDI skims along confidently as it gobbles up the miles. There is usually a maximum of 130 kmh, but it is easy to exceed that in the GL-Class. The V8 diesel has big lungs, and with the windows up, it is pretty quiet too. Just watch for changing speed limits and cameras.
Despite its size, the big Merc is fairly agile, thanks to the light steering. Using the Direct Select gearshift buttons behind the steering wheel, the seven-speed automatic transmission can be manually changed when necessary, such as during an overtaking manoeuvre. The Airmatic air suspension is standard and offers a choice of three settings to suit your driving style.
With a full load, the GL420 CDI requires about 11.6 litres per 100 km. It may sound like a lot, but it comes with superb low-end torque. With just two people on board and a couple of bags, consumption improves to 10.9 litres per km - not bad for a four-litre V8 with permanent four-wheel-drive.
Driving the GL420 CDI long-distance is like savouring a good Bordeaux. You get to experience its complex character while slowly enjoying the overall well-balanced product. You could say it is the perfect match to any vinous pilgrimage.
This article was first published in The Business Times on May 31, 2008.
