Features & Pricing

Excluding the destination charge, the GL320 Bluetec starts at $58,200, while the GL450 starts at $59,200. Both represent $3,000-plus increases over last year's prices, though larger standard wheels on the Bluetec and additional standard features — among them a six-CD changer and a moonroof — mitigate this a bit. Other standard features include four-wheel drive, faux leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a fixed third-row skylight and heated power front seats. The GL550 hikes the price considerably ($81,300) but comes standard with leather upholstery, keyless access with push-button start, a backup camera, heated second-row seats, Harman Kardon audio, xenon headlights and a navigation system. Many of those features are optional on lesser trims.

GL550 options include a rear-seat DVD system, upgraded leather and ventilated front seats. Fully loaded, the GL-Class tops out around $87,000.

    See also:

    Muscular Moves
    Shortly after last year's GL450 arrived, Mercedes introduced a diesel GL320 CDI; click here to compare the 2008 GL-Class with the 2007 model. Thanks to the higher efficiency of its diesel engine, ...

    Activating the HOLD function
    Make sure that the activation conditions are met. Depress the brake pedal. Quickly depress the brake pedal further until HOLD display 1 appears in the multifunction display. The HOLD ...

    The Inside
    The C-Class wears the three-pointed star, but closer scrutiny reveals areas of cost-cutting versus the $35,000 competition, let alone Mercedes' pricier cars. It's the sort of thing that requires a ...