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:
Overview of interior lighting
Front overhead control panel
1 Switches the left-hand
reading lamp
on/off
2 Switches the rear interior
lighting
on/off
3 Switches the front interior
lighting
on/off
4 Switc ...
Entering a point of interest using the
phone number search
This function gives you access to all points of
interest that have a phone number.
Select By Telephone Number and press
to confirm.
You will see a list of phone numbers.
Enter the phone numb ...
EASY-PACK rear sill protector
(Wagon)
The EASY-PACK rear sill protector is attached
to the underside of the EASY-PACK folding
luggage-compartment floor by means of
magnets. It is designed to prevent clothing
becoming stained and th ...