GL350 Bluetec in the Market

The GL350 Bluetec rides and handles as well as anything in the full-size luxury SUV segment, and its interior is appropriately luxurious. Despite its problems, it's also a strong seller in its class. Perhaps its most formidable challenge, however, is the stricter fuel economy standards that loom on the horizon.

Whether through eliminating weight, downsizing drivetrains or adding advanced technology, automakers will need to increase the efficiency of big SUVs. Even the Bluetec diesel version of the GL may need to become more efficient. All these steps are likely to raise vehicle prices, so if you're interested in a big luxury SUV as it is today, you may want to act soon.

    See also:

    Activating/deactivating SPORT handling mode
    WARNING The SPORT handling mode should not be switched on during normal driving. Switching on the SPORT handling mode will result in the following: - no restriction to the engine torque ...

    Notes on the oil level
    Depending on the driving style, the vehicle consumes up to 0.9 US qts. (0.8 l) of oil over a distance of 600 miles (1000 km). The oil consumption may be higher than this when the vehicle is ne ...

    Ride & Handling
    The GL has a unibody frame — rare among full-size SUVs — and its four-wheel-independent air suspension swaps traditional coil springs for inflatable air bladders. Ride height can be varied to enha ...