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:

    Deactivating/activating ESP®
    Observe the "Important safety notes" section. WARNING ESP® should not be deactivated during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling the system ...

    Storing stations
    Storing stations manually There are twenty presets available for the FM and AM wavebands. Quick save: press and hold a number key, e.g. , until you hear a tone. The station is stored. Direct ...

    Override feature for the rear sidewindows
    WARNING   When children ride on the vehicle's rear seats, activate the override switch. Otherwise, the children could be injured, e.g. by trapping themselves in the rear side window. ...