The award-winning seven-passenger GL-Class – the first full-size SÚV from Mercedes-Benz – boasts a timely new model for 2009. Joining the fully equipped, 382-horsepower GL550 model and the highly successful GL450, the fuel-sipping GL320 BlueTEC diesel features a new AdBlue exhaust treatment system that helps the new model meet the most stringent 50-state emissions limits.

Price: $58,200 – 81,300.
Invoice: $54,120 – 75,600.

Power

The GL550 is powered by a 5.5-liter all-aluminum V8 that produces 382 hp and 391 foot-pounds of torque, wîth maximum torque available from 2,800 to 4,800 rpm, providing impressive engine response over a broader RPM range. The 4.6-liter engine in the GL450 and the 5.5 in the GL550 are part of the same engine family that comes wîth four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts in each cylinder bank and variable valve timing for both the intake and exhaust valves. The V8s also have ‘tumble flaps’ in the intake for better fuel economy and an electronically controlled two-stage intake manifold that broadens the power curve.

Fuel Efficiency

Valve timing is automatically adjusted by electro-hydraulic vane-type adjusters on the end of each camshaft. At partial throttle, the adjusters keep the exhaust valves open as the intake valves are opening, using this valve overlap for internal exhaust gas recirculation, reducing exhaust emissions and improving fuel economy. Approaching full throttle, the camshaft adjustment optimizes valve timing for maximum power.

Tumble flaps in the intake passages near the combustion chamber pivot open under partial load, improving combustion by creating additional turbulence around the intake valve and in the combustion chamber. During higher engine loads such as full throttle, the tumble flaps are completely recessed in the wall of the intake manifold. While better combustion helps improve engine torque, the primary purpose of the tumble flaps is to further increase fuel economy, and tests show that the tumble flaps indeed boost gas mileage by nearly two percent.

While variable valve timing gets a lot of credit for the engine’s unusually broad torque curve, a two-stage magnesium intake manifold plays a key role as well. Below engine speeds of 3,500 rpm a set of flaps in the manifold close off short intake passages, forcing intake air to take a much longer route into the engine. This creates pressure waves that help the intake process and improve torque. At higher engine speeds the flaps open and intake air flows the shortest distance to the combustion chambers, helping to make more horsepower.

Range

The GL320 BlueTEC is changing consumers’ dated perceptions about diesel engines – it gets surprisingly good performance and extremely low exhaust emissions, in the process of delivering 20-30 percent better fuel economy. With an EPA highway fuel mileage rating of 23 miles per gallon, the seven-seat SÚV also boasts impressive cruising range – up to 600 miles at highway speeds. What’s more, V8-like pulling power makes the GL320 BlueTEC ideal for towing when it’s equipped wîth an optional 7,500-lb. Class IV trailer hitch.

Technology

BlueTEC is a modular system that includes an oxidation catalyst and a maintenance-free particulate filter as well as new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions – the last type of exhaust gas that’s higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines. The BlueTEC diesels use an NOx storage converter in combination wîth an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions. The AdBlue system (technical name: urea SCR system) injects an aqueous carbamide solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR converter.

Just the right amount of AdBlue for a given engine load and speed is injected to get the greatest reduction of nitrogen oxides. On average, only a quart of AdBlue is needed for every 600 miles driven, so its tank only needs to be serviced every 10,000 miles as a part of regularly scheduled maintenance. Owners who are used to taking in their car for scheduled maintenance will hardly know the AdBlue tank is there.

The interior of the GL is fitted wîth real wood trim, eight-way power front seats and a Panorama sunroof over the third-row seats. The two third-row seats can be stowed electrically at the push of a button, either separately or together, to provide a totally flat cargo floor for 43.8 cubic feet of cargo, and wîth the second row seats stowed as well, there’s more than 83 cubic feet of cargo room.

With nearly all previous options as standard equipment, the GL550 comes fully loaded wîth the latest innovations in occupant safety and creature comforts. The GL550 can be easily identified by a unique exterior styling treatment that includes 21-inch AMG wheels fitted wîth all-season tires, fender flares, chrome trim, infra-red reflecting glass and a larger execution of the Mercedes-Benz star integrated into the front grille. For 2009, the GL550 receives the KEYLESS-GO system as new standard equipment.

COMAND System

A new, standard COMAND system features a large 6.5-inch color display screen wîth a standard in-dash, six-disc DVD / CD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car’s audio system. It can be equipped wîth an optional iPod/MP3 interface, SIRIÚS satellite radio, HD radio, and An enhanced voice control system. The COMAND screen can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or SD memory card.

The new system can also display maps and directions for the optional hard-drive navigation system, which can be set up for SIRIÚS real-time traffic info and Zagat restaurant ratings as well. All GL-Class models can be equipped wîth an optional 610-watt digital harmon kardon Logic7 audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated DVD player wîth dual-source capability.

Fuel Economy

The diesel-powered GL320 BlueTEC delivers impressive performance, low exhaust emissions and great fuel economy. With 210 hp and a whopping 398 lb-ft. of torque, the GL320 BlueTEC features an innovative V6 diesel engine wîth the torque of a V8 and the fuel economy to rival some four-cylinders. Equipped wîth the latest CDI (Common Rail Direct Injection) technology, this electronically injected diesel engine is changing consumers’ dated perceptions about diesels.

BlueTEC diesel technology is helping to expand the company’s already broad product portfolio in the Ú.S. market. In addition, Mercedes-Benz’ pioneering role in modern diesel engines is playing a key role in the company’s future products that could also include hybrids, advanced piston engines and fuel cells.

Safety

The GL-Class lines come standard wîth ESP® stability control, ABS anti-lock brakes, two-stage adaptive air bags for the driver and front passenger, driver’s knee air bag, seat-mounted side air bags in front and rear, curtain side air bags and adaptive belt tensioners and belt force limiters. In addition, active front head restraints move forward nearly two inches and upward by about an inch in the event of a severe rear collision, helping to support the head and reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries. And, a rollover sensor can activate the belt tensioner and curtain air bags if the vehicle senses an imminent rollover.

New standard equipment on the 2009 GL-Class, PRE-SAFE® is a revolutionary safety system that can actually sense an impending collision before it happens and take measures to protect occupants during those valuable seconds before impact. The PRE-SAFE system that made its debut on the S-Class automatically tightens the front seat belts before a possible impact, and the front passenger seat moves to a position that can provide better protection. Side windows also close to provide better support for the window curtain air bags. If the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes.

For 2010, the diesel-powered GL-Class gets a slight torque increase and a higher model designation to match, now dubbed GL350 Bluetec. That model and the GL450 get revised front and rear fascias, as well as a redesigned instrument cluster and seats.

Price: $59,950 – 82,850.
Invoice: $55,754 – 77,050.

Introduction

Not everyone wants their ride pimped. Full-size luxury SUVs might be the official vehicle of 24-inch wheels and subwoofers the size of garbage cans, but plenty of folks are simply looking for a plush interior with room for seven, a powerful engine and a prestigious brand image. For them, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class delivers on all counts, yet it also manages to stick out in this ostentatious segment by actually having meticulous engineering and refinement, too.

Unlike some of the traditional luxury SUVs it competes against, the GL-Class is a crossover, and as such its car-based design leads to improved road manners and better interior packaging. Its ride is worthy of a luxury sedan, and though its handling is hardly up to Porsche Cayenne territory, the GL is nevertheless better than several of its truck-based competitors. And while it doesn’t have as much cargo capacity as the Cadillac Escalade, for instance, its power fold-flat third-row seat makes transforming it from family hauler to stuff hauler that much easier.

There are three graduates in the class of GL: two featuring V8 engines and the other a turbocharged clean-diesel V6. The latter gets a minute increase in displacement for 2010 (it still rounds out at 3.0 liters of displacement, mind you), along with an additional 2 pound-feet of torque for a grand total of 400. Yet this is apparently enough justification for Mercedes to up the model’s nameplate number from last year’s GL320 Bluetec (referring to its “Bluetec” clean diesel technology) to GL350 Bluetec.

Regardless of these trivialities, a diesel engine in this sort of vehicle makes a lot of sense, delivering ample torque around town and excellent fuel economy for a big luxury SUV. Indeed, it achieves only 1 mpg combined fewer than the Escalade Hybrid, which is slower and more expensive. The top-of-the-line 2010 GL550, meanwhile, maintains its 21-inch wheels, fender flares and giant three-pointed Benz star that’s so brash it practically screams “Ich bin ein Mercedes!” This is certainly the flashiest choice within the GL-Class lineup, but its negligible acceleration benefit over the GL450 and its loaded-to-the-gills features list and resulting sky-high price make it our least favorite model of the range.

Even so, no other luxury SUV provides the same balance of driving refinement and interior space as the 2010 Mercedes GL-Class. While some like the Audi Q7 or Range Rover models provide the former, they can’t comfortably haul around seven adults. Meanwhile, models like the Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and Infiniti QX56 have the space but struggle to match the GL in terms of refinement. That makes the GL-Class the sensible choice — though with available 21-inch wheels, rear-seat entertainment and inherent Benz-based street presence, it’s got some appeal for the pimp-my-ride crowd, too.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL’s cabin is comfortable and luxuriously appointed. Fit and finish is superb, the seats are exceptionally supportive and headroom and legroom are ample in nearly every position. However, even though the GL had its COMAND electronics interface upgraded last year, we’ve still found it finicky to use. It employs awkward push-buttons on a center-stack-mounted circular control pad instead of the preferred console-mounted control wheel used in more recently introduced Mercedes-Benz models.

The GL is one of the most spacious luxury crossovers on the market, as its third row is big enough to seat two average-sized adults in comfort — something the Audi Q7 can’t claim. The second row could use a sliding adjustment, however, to allow for more legroom in both the second and third rows. The GL provides 83 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, which falls in below truck-based large SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Infiniti QX56.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a full-size luxury crossover that seats seven people. It is available in GL350 Bluetec, GL450 and GL550 trim levels, which correspond to the engine choice. The GL350 Bluetec comes standard with 20-inch wheels, an adaptive air suspension, a sunroof, automatic headlights, roof rails, automatic wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning controls, heated eight-way power front seats, MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery, third-row power split-folding seatbacks, the COMAND electronics interface and an eight-speaker stereo with in-dash six-CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack. The GL450 substitutes 19-inch wheels and a gasoline-powered V8 engine.

Standard on the GL550 and optional on the other trims are the following packages. The Premium I package adds a power tailgate, power-folding mirrors, a rearview camera, driver memory functions, auto-dimming driver-side and interior mirrors, a hard-drive-based navigation system, voice controls, 4GB of digital music storage, HD radio, satellite radio, an iPod interface and a 115-volt AC power outlet. The Premium II package adds all the previous items, plus keyless ignition/entry and a Harman Kardon surround-sound system. The Full Leather Seating package adds leather upholstery, “comfort headrests” and ambient interior lighting. The Lighting package adds LED daytime running lights and adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers. Parking sensors, running boards, ventilated front seats and tri-zone climate controls are options on the 350 and 450, and standard on the 550.

The GL550 further adds 21-inch AMG wheels, performance tires and a more aggressive-looking front fascia. Also standard are “multicontour” front seats with enhanced lumbar support, a massage feature and passenger memory functions. The GL Appearance package available on the GL450 adds brushed aluminum running boards and 20-inch wheels. Stand-alone options available on all GL-Class models include a trailer hitch, roof crossbars, a wood-and-leather steering wheel, a heated steering wheel, a rear-seat entertainment system and heated rear seats.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec features a 3.0-liter diesel-powered turbocharged V6, which features 50-state-legal “clean diesel” technology. This engine produces 210 hp and more importantly, 400 lb-ft of torque. Like all GL-Class models, it is attached to a seven-speed automatic transmission and “4Matic” all-wheel drive. Though we haven’t tested the latest GL diesel, we estimate it will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 9 seconds. Fuel economy for the Bluetec is 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.

The Mercedes GL450 gets a 4.7-liter gasoline-powered V8 good for 335 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It went from zero to 60 mph in a rapid 6.7 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 13/17/14. Bumping up to the GL550 brings with it a 5.5-liter V8 that produces 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. It goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while estimated fuel economy is 12/17/14. When properly equipped, each of the GL-Class models can tow up to 7,500 pounds.

Driving Impressions

Power is impressive with either of the V8-powered GLs. Both are quicker to 60 mph than any other comparable large SUV we’ve tested. The Benz is also pleasantly quiet on the highway, with minimal wind and road noise. Although the diesel GL350 Bluetec isn’t going to break any acceleration records, passing and merging maneuvers come easily. In addition, the GL320′s V6 is so quiet and refined you’re scarcely aware it’s actually a diesel.

Some may find the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL’s handling to be a bit wallowy — but it’s generally better than the handling of many truck-based behemoths that the GL competes with. Meanwhile, the GL’s steering, although a bit slow, is nicely weighted and never numb.

Safety

Standard safety features on the 2010 Mercedes GL-Class include stability control, antilock brakes, a driver knee airbag, first- and second-row side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and whiplash-reducing front head restraints. Hill start assist, hill descent control and the TeleAid emergency communication system are also standard. A rearview camera and parking sensors are optional on the GL350 and GL450, and standard on the GL550. In brake testing, the three GL-Class’ stopping distances from 60 mph ranged from 122 feet to 126 — excellent performance for a large luxury SUV.

The GL550 front grille and bumpers sport a more contemporary look for the 2011 model year, including a redesigned lower fascia and LED daytime running lights. With similar changes made to the other models last year, all GL models now utilize LED technology for taillights and daytime running lights. Chrome window trim and redesigned front and rear skid plates with trapezoidal exhaust pipes complete the fresh exterior look of the GL line. Inside, the luxury SÚVs come with ‘saddle’ head restraints for the second- and third-row seats, burl walnut interior trim, a redesigned rear-view mirror with an integrated compass and an enhanced instrument cluster.

Price: $60,950 – 84,450.
Invoice: $56,685 – 78,535.

Power

The first full-size SÚV from Mercedes-Benz, the GL-Class lineup for 2011 includes the fully equipped GL550 (382 horsepower, 391 lb.-ft. of torque), the award-winning GL450 (335 hp, 339 lb.-ft.) and the fuel-sipping GL350 BlueTEC diesel (210 hp, 400 lb.-ft.), now available in all 50 states with an innovative AdBlue exhaust treatment system that helps the diesel meet the most stringent emissions limits.

The GL550 is powered by a 5.5-liter all-aluminum V8 that produces 382 hp and 391 foot-pounds of torque, with maximum torque available from 2,800 to 4,800 rpm, providing impressive engine response over a broader RPM range.

The 4.6-liter engine in the GL450 and the 5.5 in the GL550 are part of the same engine family that comes with four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts in each cylinder bank and variable valve timing for both the intake and exhaust valves. The V8s also have ‘tumble flaps’ in the intake for better fuel economy and a two-stage intake manifold that broadens the power curve.

In Command

A standard COMAND system features a large 6.5-inch color display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc DVD / CD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car’s audio system.

It can be equipped with an optional iPod/MP3 interface, SIRIÚS satellite radio, HD radio, and enhanced voice control. The COMAND screen can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or SD memory card. The system can also display maps and directions for the optional hard-drive navigation system, which can be set up for SIRIÚS real-time traffic info and Zagat restaurant ratings as well.

All GL-Class models can be equipped with an optional 610-watt 12-speaker digital harman / kardon Logic7 audio system (standard on the GL550) and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated DVD player with dual-source capability.

Interior

All GL sport utilities are fitted with eight-way power front seats, genuine burl walnut trim and a retractable glass sunroof as well as a fixed glass panel over the third-row seats. The two third-row seats can be stowed electrically at the push of a button, either separately or together, to provide a totally flat cargo floor for 43.8 cubic feet of cargo, and with the second row seats stowed as well, there’s more than 83 cubic feet of cargo room.

All GL-Class models feature four-wheel independent suspension and height-adjustable Airmatic suspension for unprecedented comfort and handling. With many options as standard equipment, the GL550 comes loaded with the latest innovations in occupant safety and creature comforts. In addition to its 21-inch AMG wheels fitted with all-season tires, the GL550 can be easily identified by a unique exterior styling treatment that includes fender flares, chrome trim, infra-red reflecting glass and a larger execution of the Mercedes-Benz star integrated into the front grille.

Fuel Economy

The diesel-powered GL350 BlueTEC delivers impressive performance, low exhaust emissions and great fuel economy. With 210 hp and a whopping 400 lb-ft. of torque, the GL350 BlueTEC features an innovative V6 diesel engine with the torque of a V8 and the fuel economy to rival some four-cylinders.

Equipped with the latest CDI (Common Rail Direct Injection) technology, this electronically injected and turbocharged diesel engine is changing consumers’ dated perceptions about diesels. BlueTEC diesel technology is helping to expand the company’s already broad product portfolio in the Ú.S. market. In addition, the pioneering role of Mercedes-Benz in modern diesel engines is playing a key role in the company’s future products that could also include hybrids, advanced piston engines and fuel cells.

With an EPA highway fuel mileage rating of 21 miles per gallon, the seven-seat SÚV also boasts impressive cruising range – more than 550 miles at highway speeds. For greater utility, V8-like pulling power makes the GL350 BlueTEC ideal for towing when it’s equipped with an optional 7,500-lb. Class IV trailer hitch.

Technology

BlueTEC incorporates an oxidation catalyst and a maintenance-free particulate filter as well as new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions – the last type of exhaust gas that’s higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines.

The BlueTEC diesels feature an NOx storage converter in combination with an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions. The AdBlue system (technical name: urea SCR system) injects just the right amount of an aqueous carbamide solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR converter.

Safety

The GL-Class line comes standard with ESP® stability control, ABS anti-lock brakes, two-stage adaptive air bags for the driver and front passenger, driver’s knee air bag, seat-mounted side air bags in front and rear, curtain side air bags and adaptive belt tensioners and belt force limiters. In addition, NECK-PRO active front head restraints move forward nearly two inches and upward by about an inch in the event of a severe rear collision, helping to support the head and reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries. A rollover sensor can activate the belt tensioner and curtain air bags if the vehicle senses an imminent rollover.

PRE-SAFE® is a revolutionary safety system that can actually sense an impending collision before it happens and take measures to protect occupants during those valuable seconds before impact. The PRE-SAFE system automatically tightens the front seat belts before a possible impact, and, on some models, the front passenger seat moves to a position that can provide better protection. Side windows close to provide better support for the curtain air bags, and if the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes.