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:

Where am I?
You can view your current position whether or not route guidance has been interrupted. 1 Current position 2 Next intersection or exit 3 Most recent intersection or exit 4 Current street ...

Important safety notes
Observe the "Important safety notes" section. ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that the wheels do not lock when you brake. This allows you to continue steering the vehicl ...

Tire characteristics
Tire data is vehicle-specific and may deviate from the data in the example. This information describes the tire cord and the number of layers in sidewall 1 and under the tread 2. ...