2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review

Last year, Mercedes-Benz introduced the seven-seat GL-Class, an SUV that will inevitably find its way into the sort of neighborhoods where one Banana Republic just isn't enough. For 2008, Mercedes has added a rip-roaring GL550, whose steep price tag moves the lineup (which also includes the GL450 and diesel GL320 CDI) into Range Rover territory.

I spent a week ripping and roaring in a GL550, and my conclusions are mixed. The SUV's inconsistent acceleration obstructs an otherwise impressive driving experience, and issues with visibility and control usability sour the well-tailored cabin. Most troubling, though, is the GL's poor reliability record, which is tempered only by the fact that its competitors don't fare much better. The Benz has enough strengths that it might prove a worthy family-hauler, but be sure to consider its limitations before you buy.

See also:

Wet roads
WARNING After driving in heavy rain for some time without applying the brakes or through water deep enough to wet brake components, the first braking action may be somewhat reduced. You have ...

"Minispare" emergency spare wheel
The "Minispare" emergency spare wheel can be found in the stowage well under the trunk floor. – Lift the trunk floor up. Example: vehicles without lockable trunk floor – Vehicles ...

Switching traffic reports on/off
To switch on: set the route type to Dynamic Route. To switch off: select the Fast Route or Short Route route type. COMAND calculates a new route if you change the route type setting with ro ...