Used 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

One look at the luxury import segment and you see — very quickly — the preponderance of growth in the SUV category. With the launch of its M-Class over eight years ago, Mercedes anticipated what has since become an industry-wide trend. And, while the M-Class has certainly enjoyed its share of success, its reception was hampered by the lack of a third-row seat at launch and, once a third row was finally introduced, the marginal comfort and accessibility of that seating did not impress buyers. The introduction of the GL-Class remedied this situation, creating a full-size SUV with seating for seven in an easy-to-maneuver package.

Subjected to highly variable road conditions, including some fairly aggressive on-road twists and turns and an equally aggressive off-road experience, the GL450 handled itself with grace, especially when equipped with the standard air suspension and optional adaptive damping. Despite almost 5,300 pounds of curb weight and an overall length right around 200 inches, the GL450 drives like a much smaller, significantly lighter SUV. This is in contrast to recent drives in the M-Class, which we felt drove "larger" than its physical size suggested. Response from the 4.6-liter DOHC V8 is great, made more so by the excellent seven-speed automatic transmission. Venture off-road, especially if the vehicle is equipped with the Off-Road package, and you won’t be disappointed. The GL450 can handle anything an owner with payments remaining would care to give it. It may not be quite as off-road capable as a comparably priced Range Rover, but we like its balance between on-road practicality and off-road capability.

The GL’s bucket seats are well-shaped and supportive. The driver is fronted by a four-spoke steering wheel and what Mercedes describes as a "sport-oriented" instrument panel. The horizontal grab handles on the console are notable, alluding — both aesthetically and functionally — to the GL’s off-road capability. We remain undecided regarding the shift lever being mounted to the steering column; it does provide for a clean, uninterrupted console, but is less-than-intuitive in its operation. To its credit, the design team has provided reasonably easy access to the third row and generous headroom throughout the interior.

With the 2008 GL-Class, Mercedes hits all the right exterior notes. In profile, the big Mercedes is very well-proportioned, disguising its overall length (200.3 inches) with short overhangs, an aggressive windshield angle, generous greenhouse, flared wheel arches (similar to the new S-Class) and careful detailing. The traditional Mercedes face is framed by high-tech halogen headlamps; optional Bi-Xenon lamps include a swiveling feature for additional visibility in turns. Privacy glass covers both the "B" and "C" pillars, giving the appearance of one uninterrupted glass panel along the entire side of the vehicle. It is, from any angle, a highly unified design.

{Adaptive Damping System
Few vehicle types confront changing road conditions more often than an SUV. The GL’s air suspension is constantly reacting to road surface variations, with an ability to change shock absorber settings 20 times per second. If the road is smooth, the system delivers relatively softer shock absorber action and a smooth ride; if the road gets bad, the shock absorbers become more firm for increased control. The result is an SUV with a comfortable ride when you want it and appropriately more responsive handling when you need it.

Unitized Body/Chassis
In contrast to its domestic competition, Mercedes-Benz builds the GL-Class using a unitized body and chassis. This offers many benefits, including less weight, a lower center of gravity and, along with the all-independent suspension, a more car-like ride. The GL-Class remains a fully capable, all-season SUV, but with the on-road manners of smaller crossover vehicles. It’s a compelling combination.

With assembly in Alabama, the GL-Class — like both the M-Class and R-Class — is value-driven. That’s reflected in a long list of standard equipment, where several items are notable. Passive safety is addressed with two-stage front airbags for front-seat occupants, side airbags for both first- and second-row seats and side-curtain airbags spanning all three rows. Audiophiles will enjoy a standard, glovebox-mounted six-disc CD changer, auxiliary input for MP3 players and eight speakers. Those living in the sunbelt should appreciate the rear (stationary) sunroof with shade, while inhabitants of the snowbelt will benefit from standard full-time four-wheel drive. The GL550 adds 21-inch wheels, a rearview camera, running boards, full leather interior, Parktronic park assist, heated rear seats and the harman/kardon LOGIC7 sound system.

Despite all that is standard, the GL’s extensive list of options won’t disappoint feature-oriented consumers. Driving in congested areas is a good argument for Distronic, Mercedes’ adaptive cruise control. For occupants not in the front seats, the rear-seat entertainment system should provide plenty of entertainment. The Off-Road package includes a two-speed transfer case with locking center and rear differentials. Offerings also include SIRIUS Satellite Radio, DVD navigation, heated second-row seating, a rear-view back-up camera and a Class-IV trailer hitch to complement the GL450’s 7,500-pound tow rating.

There are three engine options for the GL. The GL320 CDI employs a powerful yet fuel-efficient 3.0-liter direct-injection turbo-diesel V6. With plenty of low-end torque for quick acceleration, the GL320 CDI delivers an impressive 24 miles per gallon in highway driving. The GL450 is powered by a marvelous 4.6-liter V8. If, as advertised, the GL450 represents "more Mercedes to love," then this new V8 is more performance to adore. With four valves per cylinder, the engine delivers a seamless 335 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque and, more impressively, delivers that power and torque over a broad engine speed range. The powerhouse 5.5-liter V8 in the GL550 cranks out 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Connecting the smooth power to all four wheels is a seven-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission.

3.0-liter V6 Turbo Diesel
215 horsepower @ 3800 rpm
398 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600-2800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24

4.6-liter V8
335 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
339 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2700-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18

5.5-liter V8
382 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
391 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800-4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17