Exterior & Styling

Particularly from the rear, the GL's appearance looks a bit like Mercedes' original M-Class. The 21-inch wheels, oversized grille and chrome running boards on my test car gave it a look similar to that of Mercedes' AMG performance cars — perhaps that was the intention, given that there is no AMG GL-Class — and should secure the car a front-row spot at most valet stands.

Less-expensive GLs have 18- or 19-inch wheels. An optional offroad package on the GL450 raises the air suspension to yield 12 inches of ground clearance — some 2 inches higher than a Hummer H2's. The package also has a two-speed transfer case and locking center and rear differentials.

    See also:

    Overall evaluation
    This function is shown if you have stored at least one lap and stopped the RACETIMER. •► Press on the steering wheel to select the AMG menu. •► Press the button repeatedly until ...

    Vehicle
    Activating/deactivating the automatic door locking feature If you select the Automatic Door Lock: function, the vehicle is centrally locked above a speed of around 9 mph (15 km/h). For fur ...

    Deactivating cruise control
    There are several ways to deactivate cruise control: Briefly press the cruise control lever forwards 3. or Brake. Cruise control is automatically deactivated if: • you depress the parking bra ...