2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review

With a 23-mpg diesel version now available in all 50 states, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a more viable option for SUV-needing families — though the appeal of a $60,000-plus four-wheeler seems limited in today's economy. Even if you are in the market, the GL remains a debatable choice: stylish on the outside and elegant within, but hamstrung by spotty reliability and a drivetrain as indecisive as the North Carolina electorate.

Still, that's more praise than I can give last year's model, whose review serves as the basis for this update; its dated navigation system was onerous to sort through, but it's been vastly improved for 2009. The SUV also gets more high-tech safety features, though they might just be gilding the lily on a model that already had nine standard airbags and an electronic stability system.

Trim levels include the diesel GL320 Bluetec and gasoline GL450 and GL550; click here to compare them or here to compare the whole group to its '08 equivalents. I drove a 2009 GL320 Bluetec, and I've also driven a 2008 GL550.

See also:

Resetting to factory settings
For safety reasons, the Daytime Running Lights: function in the Lights submenu is only reset when the vehicle is stationary. – Press the or button on the steering wheel to select the Setting ...

Important safety notes
The rear view camera is an optical parking aid. It shows the area behind your vehicle in the COMAND display. WARNING Make sure that no persons or animals are in the maneuvering range. Otherwi ...

Tradition: 40 years of accident research at Mercedes-Benz
This close cooperation between Daimler safety specialists, the emergency services and the police has a long tradition: in 1969 Mercedes-Benz started its ongoing accident research programme, in whi ...