Under the Hood

Adapted from the engine in the automaker’s S-Class sedan and SL-Class roadster, the all-aluminum, 5.0-liter V-8 in the G500 produces 292 horsepower and 336 pounds-feet of torque. Each engine cylinder uses a three-valve twin-spark setup. An electronically controlled five-speed-automatic transmission sends the power to a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a Low range, which is fully synchronized for shift-on-the-fly operation at up to 15 mph. Mercedes-Benz’s Electronic Stability Program is also installed.

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    Important safety notes
    WARNING Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and possible death. Do not run the eng ...

    Exterior & Styling
    Particularly from the rear, the GL's appearance looks a bit like Mercedes' original M-Class — so much so that a passenger walked up to an older M thinking it was the GL. The GL550's 21-inch wheels ...

    Through-loading facility in the rear compartment
    WARNING Do not transport any unsecured items in the through-loading area. The through-loading facility is opened from the cargo compartment. – Unlatch the rear seat backrests and tilt th ...