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:

    Parking position for the exteriormirror on the front-passenger side
    Setting and storing the parking position You can position the front-passenger side exterior mirror in such a way that you can see the rear wheel on that side as soon as you engage reverse gear. Yo ...

    Attaching the roof carrier
    ► Secure the roof carrier to roof rails 1. ► Observe the manufacturer's installation instructions. ...

    Automatic engine switch-off
    The ECO start/stop function switches the engine off automatically if the vehicle is braked to a standstill and the brake remains depressed with the transmission in position D or N. You can s ...