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 without extended Off-Road Proengineering package
    Basic setting The extent to which the vehicle is raised or lowered depends on the basic setting selected. Select: • Raised level, for driving on normal off-road terrain • Highway/high-speed ...

    Climate control main menu
    COMAND allows you to set additional functions which cannot be selected using the control panel in the center console. Call up these functions using the climate control main menu. To open the ...

    Traction
    WARNING The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteri ...