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Driving Impressions

Driving the Mercedes GL-Class SUVs doesn't feel at all like driving the typical full-size sport utility vehicle. While this is a substantially sized vehicle, it is not truck-like. The Mercedes GL dynamics mirror a large car more than a truck.

Factory estimates say the flagship GL550 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The 382-hp V8, with four valves per cylinder, generates 391 lb-ft of torque from 2800-4800 rpm with all the smoothness you'd expect in a flagship. It also generates EPA ratings of 12/17 mpg.

The GL450, which is $21,000 less because it doesn't include as many standards, is more than adequate with its 335-hp (339 lb-ft; EPA 13/17) 4.6-liter V8 if towing or speed contests aren't on your agenda; Mercedes says only a half-second longer than the GL550 (and their estimates are conservative). Apart from the 21-inch wheels and more aggressive bodywork, a lesser GL can be optioned to match a GL550 in features. Indeed, for poor road areas, severe winter climes that frequently require snow chains, or those inclined to use the low-range gear in the Off-Road package, the GL450, with its standard 19-inch wheels, or GL350, are better choices.

For $1000 less than the GL450 you can get the renamed GL350 BlueTEC turbodiesel. While this 3-liter V6 delivers 210 hp it also brings 400 lb-ft of torque from 1600 rpm upwards, and torque is more important for most heavy SUV driving; though any combustion engine is affected by altitude the turbodiesel will lose a smaller percentage of its power as elevation rises. The GL350 will take about two seconds longer to reach 60 mph, which it does right in line with most 7-seat hybrid SUV's; diesels don't snap your neck from a standing start but once clear the crosswalk accelerate with more than adequate verve. The GL350 is also clean (the exhaust cleaner than ambient air in smoggy areas) and delivers EPA ratings of 17/23; our test drives have found EPA diesel ratings a bit pessimistic as we averaged better than 24 in myriad conditions. Every GL-Class may be equipped to tow 7500 pounds, giving the high-mileage diesel a substantial advantage over hybrids in this respect.

A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard on all GL models and operates seamlessly as an automatic, or shift it yourself with paddles on the steering wheel.

The four-wheel-drive system, called 4MATIC, uses open front, center and rear differentials. Quite sophisticated, 4MATIC is designed to maintain mobility even when only wheel has traction by electronic intervention; this system should not be confused with the genuine locking differentials of the G-Class which deliver the utmost in traction. In normal driving, the system distributes power equally to front and rear wheels. The system includes DSR, a sort of low-speed cruise control for regulating downhill speed, and Hill-Start Assist, which keeps the GL from rolling backward when launched after being stopped on an uphill slope. 4MATIC also adjusts anti-lock brake controls to provide quicker stops on slippery and unpaved surfaces, an important benefit many vehicles with ABS do not offer.

Airmatic is an air suspension system that uses air bladders instead of coil springs to adjust ride height by as much as three inches, and with the GL550's adaptive damping the driver can select from comfort and more aggressively sporty settings. The system automatically lowers the vehicle to enhance handling and aerodynamic efficiency at speeds of 77 mph or higher, and it levels the car regardless of load for stable handling, towing and visibility.

We did our driving on freeways, back roads, fire roads, and those marked for off-highway vehicles. Steering feedback was consistent, brakes (14.7-inches in diameter on the front wheels and 13.0 inches on the rear) were responsive and consistently predictable and the GL offered nice balanced dynamic capabilities when hustled through the curves on the narrow, hilly roads that wind through the vine-covered hillsides. The 550's fat 21-inch tires contribute commendable grip, and like the majority of wide, low-profile tires, follow pavement grooves, give sharper impact sensations, have notably higher replacement costs and can not use tire chains.

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