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:

    All-weather tires and winter tires
    Not all tires that have the M+S identification offer the driving characteristics of winter tires. Winter tires have, in addition to the M+S identification, the snow flake symbol on the tire ...

    Other status indicators of the navigation system
    - : you have reached the destination or an intermediate destination. - New Route... or Calculating Route: a new route is being calculated. - Off Map or Off Mapped Road: the vehicle position ...

    Active Lane Keeping Assist
    Important safety notes Active Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area in front of your vehicle by means of a camera at the top of the windshield. Active Lane Keeping Assist detects lane markings ...