2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review

PROS  Lots of passenger and cargo room, Quality interior materials, Quiet Ride

CONS  Too many buttons and knobs, Slow steering and mushy brakes, Small outside mirrors

It is official, Mercedes-Benz offers more SUVs and crossovers than any other luxury automaker. Ranging from least expensive to most, the German brand has the GLK, ML, R, GL, and G. Each has its own unique identity and competes in different segments of luxury SUV landscape.

The GL is a stretched version of the Mercedes-Benz M. Compared to the M, the GL rides on a six-inch longer wheelbase, seats seven instead of five, weighs 500 pounds more, and has a higher towing capacity. The GL is considered to be a large SUV and competes with vehicles like the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX56, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX 570, and Lincoln Navigator.

Three models are offered. The GL320 BlueTEC has a 210-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. The GL450 has a 335-horsepower 4.7-liter V8. The top-line GL550 has a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8. All have a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. When properly equipped, maximum towing capacity for the GL is 7500 pounds.

The list of standard safety features includes antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, hill ascent and descent control, tire-pressure monitor, front-seat active head restraints, daytime running lights, and dual-front, front- and second-row side airbags, and curtain-side airbags with rollover deployment. Also included is a driver knee airbag and Tele Aid assistance system with one year service. Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system and a rear-view camera are standard on the 550 and optional on the 320 and 450.

The 320 lists for $58,200 and the 450 starts at $59,200. Standard equipment for those models includes the following: dual-zone manual climate controls, interior air filter, tilt-telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats with driver-side lumbar adjustment, center console, second-row split folding seat, thrid-row power-folding split seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors with integrated turn signals, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, sunroof with rear glass roof panel, AM/FM radio, six-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, Bluetooth cell-phone link, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers with heated nozzles, universal garage door opener, cargo cover, rear defogger, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, roof rails, rear privacy glass, front and rear fog lights, load-leveling and height-adjustable suspension, 275/50R20 tires (GL320) or 275/55R19 tires (GL450), and alloy wheels.

The $81,300 550 adds rear automatic climate control, power tilt-telescope wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, multicontour front seats, memory system, heated rear seats, keyless access and starting, navigation system with voice recognition, traffic information, harman/kardon sound system, high-definition radio, satellite radio, hard drive, iPod adapter, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, 115-volt power outlet, power liftgate, running boards, steering-linked adaptive HID headlights, adaptive suspension, and 295/40R21 tires.

Most of the equipment on the 550 is optional on the 320 and 450. Stand-alone options include heated rear seats and steering wheel, dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, and cargo organizer. All models have an $875 destination charge and are built in Mecerces-Benz' Tuscaloosa, Alabama assembly plant.

Get Up and Go  Both V8 engines provide ample acceleration. While the 450 is no slouch, the 550 is impressively quick for a 5000-pound SUV.

The 320's turbodiesel feels slightly underpowered off the line, but power builds seamlessly and quickly. Passing response can also be a bit lethargic, but as long as you keep your foot in the throttle, the 320 responds with enough verve to avoid trouble when merging or overtaking.

The seven-speed automatic is buttery smooth when upshifting and promptly downshifts when called upon.

The standard all-wheel-drive system's lack of a low range dooms the GL to light-duty off-road slogging. However, the GL does come standard with hill ascent and descent control and a driver-controlled height-adjustable suspension, so it's more off-road ready than your run-of-the mill crossover SUV.

Fuel economy isn't a strong point unless you opt for the 320. Both the 450 and 550 have combined EPA ratings of 15 mpg or lower. The diesel engine in the 320, though, sports a city rating of 17 mpg and a highway rating of 23 mpg. Those compare favorably to other vehicles in the class, which generally have combined ratings equal to or below the gas-powered GLs.

Real-world driving in the 320 will likely net about 20 mpg. That's quite impressive, given the size and performance of vehicles in this class. In straight highway driving, you might be able to average as high as 24 mpg.

On the Road  For the most part, the GL rides with the composure of a big luxury sedan. Larger bumps induce more bounce and bob than seem necessary, though. Thankfully, the adjustable suspension allows drivers to tailor ride comfort to taste. Comfort has the best bump absorption and also the most bounce. Sport firms up the suspension considerably, but also induces some unflattering jitter on rough roads. The automatic setting does a good job of tailoring the suspension to the driving situation.

The GL is a large SUV and drives like one. That doesn't mean it's dangerous or hard to maneuver, just that you can't throw it into turns like you could a luxury sedan. Thankfully the tires have plenty of grip and the automatic suspension keeps body lean in check. Still the slow steering and dead-feeling brake pedal remind drivers to keep the speeds down in the corners.

The GL's luxury lineage rings through in exceptionally low cabin noise levels. Wind rush and tire noise are nicely quelled and the V8 engines have a subdued growl in hard acceleration. The 320 isn't as quiet as the others as there is a slight hint of diesel clatter at startup and in hard acceleration.

Behind the Wheel  GL's interior sports materials and design befitting it's $50,000-plus price tag. The standard wood trim is a nice touch. Surprisingly leather seating surfaces cost extra on the 320 and 450.

Gauges are large and easy to read at a glance. Beyond that, most controls take some getting used to. The gear shift, for example, is located on a short stalk to the right of the steering wheel. Up for reverse, down for drive, and a push button for park. This feature is common in many Mercedes SUVs, but isn't very intuitive. Same can be said for many of the ancillary controls, which tend to be small and poorly marked. Thankfully, Mercedes is listing to consumer complaints and simplifying the COMMAND control system.

Front seats are generally supportive and softer than Mercedes tradition. Head and leg room are exceptional and it's easy for drivers to get comfortable behind the wheel. Entry and exit are easy via large doors, though the step-in height could be lower. Outward visibility is good, but larger mirrors would be greatly appreciated.

Second-row passengers are treated to comfortable seats and plenty of head and leg room. Sitting three across will force everyone to be uncomfortable. The third-row seats are kid size, but can accommodate adults for short time periods. Getting back there is a challenge as well--only the passenger-side second-row seat slides forward and then only after a lot of fussing.

With the third-row seats in use, cargo space is limited to a couple rows of grocery bags. Folding the rear seats creates large and flat load floor. Folding the second row seats is more difficult, but creates a very large cargo area. Interior storage is great, with lots of open and covered storage.

Bottom Line  No one needs a premium SUV, or any premium vehicle for that matter. There are plenty of quality vehicles that have similar capabilities for tens of thousands less. Still, the GL is a quality vehicle that proves to be both capable and comfortable. It's slightly smaller than most competitors and that gives it a slight advantage in parking lots and in the daily commuting grind.

Perhaps the most interesting model is the GL320 BlueTEC. It has the lowest base price and the best fuel economy. It takes a little while to get used to the diesels linear power delivery, but that's not something that should prevent people from considering this exceptional SUV.