2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: Road Test

In the GL450, a potent engine and smooth, alert transmission combine for effortless power delivery. Even more performance hails from the GL550. While the GL550 produces greater punch, the GL450 is plenty strong for any task. A GL320 CDI can feel slightly lethargic at takeoff, and some testers would have preferred quicker highway passing response. Yet, the turbodiesel V6 never feels underpowered. Every GL has 7500-pound towing capacity. Fuel economy with gasoline engines isn't the best. A test GL450 averaged 15.2 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving. GL450/550 models require premium-grade gasoline. The GL320 CDI requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel and has not been sold in California and certain Northeastern states. Impressively compliant over bumps, the GL320 CDI and GL450 with 18-inch tires are subject to unwanted body motions that compromise ride comfort. Models with optional 19-inch tires (or the GL550 with 21-inch) cannot absorb sharp ridges without some jarring. All models are stable at speed, but they sway and rock significantly on uneven surfaces. Steering has direct, accurate feel, which imparts a somewhat sporty character. In fast turns on smooth surfaces, the GL550 has tenacious grip and relatively little body lean, but all GLs stay flatter in corners than most large SUVs. However, the GL550 tends to "tramline" along channels in the road and can skitter sideways on bumpy corners, compromising the sure-footed security of all other GLs. Stopping control is good, but brakes on one test GL450 suffered mushy feel and long pedal travel. GL is among the quietest premium large SUVs. Wind rush is nearly absent; road noise is well controlled. Engines emit a refined, rewarding full-throttle growl, but is otherwise well muted. Even the diesel model is quiet at cruise. The GL550 exhibits more tire noise than others, along with a prominent exhaust note. Gauges are large and easy to read. Most controls are logically placed, and most adjust with a weighted, precise feel; but some have cryptic markings. Mercedes' navigation system absorbs most audio functions, complicating their use. Gear changes are accomplished via a short steering-column lever with an unfamiliar toggling action. High-quality materials, including genuine wood trim, give the cabin a premium feel, though the conservative design may appear too austere to some. Front occupants get ample headroom and legroom, though the cabin does not feel notably spacious. Seats are supportive and generously sized. Entry and exit are easy via large doors and no-stress step-in height. Visibility is good, but over-the-shoulder views for lane changing are hindered by small exterior mirrors. Most rivals are larger overall, so GL's rear-seat accommodations suffer by comparison. Outboard passengers have ample headroom and legroom, plus good seat support. But the relatively narrow cabin and low-hanging ceiling vents limit the center position to occasional use. The third row is best suited to children, though smaller adults will fit in a pinch. Only the right-side section of the second-row bench seat slides forward for third-row access, though it does create a large passageway. Cargo volume is restricted to a few grocery bags with the third row in place. Low floor height and second- and third-row seatbacks that fold flush with the deck ease loading and unloading. Relatively tight dimensions limit overall volume, however, and the rounded hatch opening curtails cargo-item size. Numerous cabin-storage areas are available, but none are generously sized.

Value for the Money
Measured against most premium large SUVs, the GL-Class comes up short in outright passenger and cargo space. Even so, interior accommodations are more than adequate for the majority of buyers, and relatively trim exterior dimensions ease parking and maneuverability. Impressive power and high levels of refinement seal this SUV's Recommended status. Availability of a relatively frugal diesel model is another mark in Mercedes' favor.