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:

    Displays and controls
    1 Speedometer with segments 2 Adjusts the instrument cluster lighting: dimmer 3 Reset button 4 Adjusts the instrument cluster lighting: brighter 5 Tachometer 6 Fuel gauge 7 Multifunction ...

    Active multicontour seats with massage function from the S-Class
    The active multicontour seat package (optional) includes newly developed multicontour seats with comfort head restraints and a two-stage massage function in the backrest that has proven highly suc ...

    Raising the vehicle
    WARNING When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack which has been specifically approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle. The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the vehicle at t ...