2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review
With a 23-mpg diesel version now available in all 50 states, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a more viable option for SUV-needing families — though the appeal of a $60,000-plus four-wheeler seems limited in today's economy. Even if you are in the market, the GL remains a debatable choice: stylish on the outside and elegant within, but hamstrung by spotty reliability and a drivetrain as indecisive as the North Carolina electorate.
Still, that's more praise than I can give last year's model, whose review serves as the basis for this update; its dated navigation system was onerous to sort through, but it's been vastly improved for 2009. The SUV also gets more high-tech safety features, though they might just be gilding the lily on a model that already had nine standard airbags and an electronic stability system.
Trim levels include the diesel GL320 Bluetec and gasoline GL450 and GL550; click here to compare them or here to compare the whole group to its '08 equivalents. I drove a 2009 GL320 Bluetec, and I've also driven a 2008 GL550.
See also:
MB Info call button
► Open the stowage compartment under the
armrest.
► Press and hold MB Info call button 1
for
more than two seconds.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistanc ...
Tire pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/
26 psi) is reached
– Switch off the tire inflation compressor.
– Unscrew the filler hose from the valve of
the faulty tire.
After use, excess TIREFIT may run out of
the filler hose. This could cause stains.
...
Cleaning the exterior lighting
► Clean the plastic lenses of the
exterior
lights with a wet sponge and a mild cleaning
agent, e.g. Mercedes-Benz car shampoo or
cleaning cloths.
Only use cleaning agents or cleaning
cl ...