Mercedes Benz GL450 Sport Utility 4-Door

If you want the benefits of Mercedes engineering, erman build quality, merican-style accommodations and the optional availability of a fuel-efficient turbo-diesel engine, he 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL delivers in spades.

Driving the GL450
Driving Impressions Subjected to highly variable road conditions, ncluding some fairly aggressive on-road twists and turns and an equally aggressive off-road experience, he GL450 handled itself with grace, specially when equipped with the air suspension and adaptive damping. Despite almost 5,300 pounds of curb weight and an overall length right around 200 inches, he GL450 drives like a much smaller, ignificantly lighter SUV. Response from the 4.6-liter DOHC V8 is great, ade more so by the excellent seven-speed automatic transmission. Venture off-road, specially if the vehicle is equipped with the Off-Road package, nd you won't be disappointed. The GL450 can handle anything an owner with payments remaining would care to give it. It may not be quite as off-road capable as a comparably priced Range Rover, ut we like its balance between on-road practicality and off-road capability.

Favorite Features:
Adaptive Damping System:
Few vehicle types confront changing road conditions more often than an SUV. The GL's air suspension is constantly reacting to road surface variations, ith an ability to change shock absorber settings 20 times per second. If the road is smooth, he system delivers relatively softer shock absorber action and a smooth ride; if the road gets bad, he shock absorbers become more firm for increased control. The result is an SUV with a comfortable ride when you want it and appropriately more responsive handling when you need it.
Unitized Body/Chassis
In contrast to its domestic competition, ercedes-Benz builds the GL-Class using a unitized body and chassis. This offers many benefits, ncluding less weight, lower center of gravity and, long with the all-independent suspension, more car-like ride. The GL-Class remains a fully capable, ll-season SUV, ut with the on-road manners of smaller crossover vehicles. It's a compelling combination.

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Details

The GL's bucket seats are well-shaped and supportive. The driver is fronted by a four-spoke steering wheel and what Mercedes describes as a "sport-oriented" instrument panel. The horizontal grab handles on the console are notable, lluding -- both aesthetically and functionally -- to the GL's off-road capability. We remain undecided regarding the shift lever being mounted to the steering column; it does provide for a clean, ninterrupted console, ut is less-than-intuitive in its operation. To its credit, he design team has provided reasonably easy access to the third row and generous headroom throughout the interior.

Exterior

With the 2008 GL-Class, ercedes hits all the right exterior notes. In profile, he big Mercedes is very well-proportioned, isguising its overall length (200.3 inches) with short overhangs, n aggressive windshield angle, enerous greenhouse, lared wheel arches and careful detailing. The traditional Mercedes face is framed by high-tech halogen headlamps; optional Bi-Xenon lamps include a swiveling feature for additional visibility in turns. Privacy glass covers both the "B" and "C" pillars, iving the appearance of one uninterrupted glass panel along the entire side of the vehicle. It is, rom any angle, highly unified design.

With assembly in Alabama, he GL450 -- like both the M-Class and R-Class -- is value-driven. That's reflected in a long list of standard equipment, here several items are notable. Passive safety is addressed with two-stage front airbags for front-seat occupants, ide airbags for both first- and second-row seats and side-curtain airbags spanning all three rows. Audiophiles will enjoy a glovebox-mounted six-disc CD changer, uxiliary input for MP3 players and eight speakers. Those living in the sunbelt should appreciate the rear (stationary) sunroof with shade, hile inhabitants of the snowbelt will benefit from standard full-time four-wheel drive. The GL450 also comes with a rearview camera, unning boards, ull leather interior, arktronic park assist, eated rear seats, VD navigation, nd the harman/kardon LOGIC7 sound system.

The GL450 is powered by a marvelous 4.6-liter V8. If, s advertised, he GL450 represents "more Mercedes to love," then this new V8 is more performance to adore. With four valves per cylinder, he engine delivers a seamless 335 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque and, ore impressively, elivers that power and torque over a broad engine speed range. Connecting the smooth power to all four wheels is a seven-speed, lectronically controlled automatic transmission.
4.6-liter V8
335 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
339 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2700-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18

Text directly from Kelley Blue Book - KBB.com