Features & Pricing

Excluding the destination charge, the GL320 Bluetec starts at $58,200, while the GL450 starts at $59,200. Both represent $3,000-plus increases over last year's prices, though larger standard wheels on the Bluetec and additional standard features — among them a six-CD changer and a moonroof — mitigate this a bit. Other standard features include four-wheel drive, faux leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a fixed third-row skylight and heated power front seats. The GL550 hikes the price considerably ($81,300) but comes standard with leather upholstery, keyless access with push-button start, a backup camera, heated second-row seats, Harman Kardon audio, xenon headlights and a navigation system. Many of those features are optional on lesser trims.

GL550 options include a rear-seat DVD system, upgraded leather and ventilated front seats. Fully loaded, the GL-Class tops out around $87,000.

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    General notes
    If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey, either the battery in the SmartKey is discharged, the SmartKey is faulty or the starter battery is discharged. Check the battery in ...

    Styling
    Like the ML350, the silver ML550 I tested had a big, bold grille with a large three-pointed star in it. This predominant feature lets everyone on the road know some money was spent on this SUV. I' ...

    Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
    - To check that the weights of the towing vehicle and the trailer comply with the maximum permissible values, have the vehicle/trailer combination (including the driver, passengers, and cargo ...