GL-Class in the Market

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.

    See also:

    Switching the ECO function on/off
    The ECO start/stop function switches the engine off automatically if the vehicle is stopped under certain conditions. When pulling away again, the engine starts automatically. You can switch ...

    Engine
    Display messages Possible causes/consequences and Solutions The coolant level is too low. Add coolant, observing the warning notes when doing so. If coolant nee ...

    Upshifting
    Vehicles with the dynamic handling package: if the maximum engine speed for the shift range is reached and you continue to accelerate, the automatic transmission shifts up, except when manu ...