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:

    Vehicles with a "Minispare" emergencyspare wheel
    ► Lift the trunk floor up. 1 Alignment bolt 2 Towing eye 3 Lug wrench 4 Ratchet wrench 5 Velcro fastener 6 Jack 7 Wheel bolts 8 Folding wheel chock 9 Fuse allocation chart 10 Stowage ...

    Off-road fording
    - Establish how deep the water is and the characteristics of the body of water before fording. - Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package: Select the highest possible vehicle level. - Restrict th ...

    Seats
    Important safety notes WARNING   In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle control, all seat, head restraint, steering wheel and rear view mirror adjustments, as well as fastening of s ...