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:

    ADS (Adaptive Damping System)
    General notes ADS adapts the damping characteristics to the current operating and driving situation. This depends on: - your driving style - the road surface conditions - the ADS setting - the ...

    Driving with summer tires
    At temperatures below 45 °F (+7 °C), the elasticity of summer tires and therefore also traction and braking capability are reduced considerably — equip your vehicle with M+S tires. Using summe ...

    Deactivating/activating ESP®
    WARNING Under no circumstances should you deactivate ESP® when the ESP® warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. Proceed as follows: • when driving off, apply as little throttle as ...