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:
Displaying the range and current fuel
consumption
– Press the or
button on the
steering wheel to select the Trip menu.
– Press the or
button to select
current fuel consumption and approximate
range.
1 Approximate range
2 Current fuel ...
Ride & Handling
The GL has a unibody frame — rare among full-size SUVs — and its
four-wheel-independent air suspension swaps traditional coil springs for
inflatable air bladders. Ride height can be varied to enha ...
Fuel grade
You should only refuel with
premiumgrade
unleaded gasoline, as this avoids
damaging the catalytic converter.
Flexible fuel vehicles, identifiable from the
label inside the fuel filler flap, ...