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:
Calling up a stored setting
•► Press and hold the relevant storage
position button 1, 2 or 3 until the seat,
steering wheel and exterior mirrors are in
the stored position.
The setting procedure is interrupted as
...
Ruts and gravel roads
Observe the following rules when driving
along ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with
loose gravel:
Check that the ruts are not too deep and
that your vehicle has sufficient clearance.
O ...
Important safety notes
WARNING
The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system. It is not intended to, nor does it replace,
the need for extreme care. The responsibility during parking and other critical
maneuvers always ...