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:

    Automatic headlamp mode
    To switch on automatic headlamp mode: turn the light switch to . SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock: the parking lamps are switched on or off automatically depending on the brightness ...

    Panic alarm
    To activate: press button 1 for at least one second. An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting flashes. To deactivate: press button 1 again. or Insert the SmartKey into the ignition loc ...

    Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS
    There are several ways to deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS: •► Briefly press the cruise control lever forwards 1. or•► Brake, unless the vehicle is stationary. When you deactivate DIS ...