The GL's price spread gives it a wide range of competitors. At the low end it competes with Infiniti and Lincoln, and at the high end there's Lexus and Land Rover. Though sales are down these days, the GL hasn't tanked as fast as the rest of Mercedes' lineup, which is tracking about even with the auto industry's general decline.

The GL is doing better than it should, and I can see why: The Bluetec's national availability coincides with a dramatic decline in gas prices, which should go a long way toward sweetening the prospect of buying a large luxury SUV. Indeed, there are enough strengths to make the GL a worthy steed for some, but until Mercedes irons out the drivetrain kinks — and improves the reliability — I can't recommend it for everyone.