Exterior & Styling

Particularly from the rear, the GL's appearance looks a bit like Mercedes' original M-Class — so much so that a passenger walked up to an older M thinking it was the GL. The GL550's 21-inch wheels, oversized grille and rubber-studded running boards give it a look similar to that of Mercedes' AMG performance cars — perhaps that was the intention, given there is no AMG GL-Class — and should secure the car a front-row spot at most valet stands. Lesser models can be dressed to match, albeit with a smaller grille.

Less-expensive GLs have 18- or 19-inch wheels. An optional offroad package raises the air suspension to yield 12 inches of ground clearance, 2 inches higher than a Hummer H2's. The package also includes a two-speed transfer case and locking center and rear differentials.

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    Multiple users
    Simultaneous use of the rearcompartment disc drive The two rear-compartment screens can be operated almost entirely independently from one another. However, there can be a conflict in some me ...

    Adjusting the backrests in the 2nd row of seats
    You can adjust the angle of the backrests in the second row of seats. There are ten detent positions to choose from. - Pull the left or right release lever 2 upwards in the direction of the ...

    Under the Hood
    Adapted from the engine in the automaker’s S-Class sedan and SL-Class roadster, the all-aluminum, 5.0-liter V-8 in the G500 produces 292 horsepower and 336 pounds-feet of torque. Each engine cylin ...