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:

    Cleaning the exterior lighting
    – Clean the plastic lenses of the exterior lights with a wet sponge and a mild cleaning agent, e.g. Mercedes-Benz car shampoo or cleaning cloths. Only use cleaning agents or cleaning clo ...

    MB Info call button
    – Press and hold MB Info call button 1 for more than two seconds. This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center. The indicator lamp in MB Info call button 1 flashes ...

    ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
    A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the alarm system is armed and you open: • a door • the vehicle with the mechanical key • the trunk lid • the hood The alarm is not switched off, even ...