New 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class - Price, Photos, Reviews & Features

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Spacious and muscular with exceptional on-road and off-road capabilities, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a rugged and luxurious line of SUVs that can tackle any adventure effortlessly. Available with a light, strong uni-body construction – a first for full-sized SUVs – as well as the flexible 4MATIC™ 4-wheel drive and fully independent multilink suspension, the GL Class is capable in a variety of conditions.

Three trim levels highlight the class, with a variety of powerful gasoline engines and an advanced clean, green diesel engine. The GL320 CDI features a fuel-efficient 3.0 liter 24-valve V-6 diesel engine with 215 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft. of torque, while providing 30 percent better fuel economy than vehicles equipped with comparable gasoline engines. The GL450 incorporates a 4.6 liter 32-valve V-8 engine producing 335 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque. The GL550 boasts a gutsy 5.5 liter 32-valve V-8 making 382 horsepower and 392 lb.-ft. of torque.  All engines are mated to an adaptive 7-speed automatic transmission, perfect for smooth cruising on the highway or immediate response for massing and merging.

The GL-Class incorporates a plethora of features to assist in a variety of driving maneuvers. The Off-Road Driving Program allows the driver to engage programming recalibrations of the traction system, ABS, engine management, and automatic transmission to enhance control in off-highway driving. Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) automatically modulates throttle, brakes, and ABS to maintain a consistent crawl speed when descending hills. Hill-start assist prevents unwanted vehicle rollback when taking off from a start on uphill or downhill grades (15 percent or over) by maintaining brake pressure for one second after the brake pedal is released.

Safety features are abundant in the GL-Class. The Integrated Restraint System incorporates dual-stage front air bags, second- and third-row side impact air bags, and window curtain airbags spanning all three rows. A standard 4-wheel Electronic Traction System monitors the speed of all four wheels to detect wheel slip and adjusts braking power as necessary, while the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) applies brake power and engine power to correct understeer or oversteer during evasive maneuvers.  

All GL-Class models boast impressive interior space, with a maximum 83.3 cubic feet of cargo space. With 8-way power adjustable heated front seats, second-row 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks, and power-folding theater-style third row seating, the vehicle can be arranged in a variety of configurations. A DVD-based Navigation System and Hands-Free Communication System with Bluetooth® are integrated into the COMAND Cockpit Management and Data System. Audio choices are strong as well, with a Harman/Kardon LOGIC7® digital surround sound system with 14 speakers, a 5.1 channel amplifier, multichannel digital surround sound technology, and a glovebox-mounted single-feed 6-disc CD changer with MP3 capabilities.

With a myriad of luxury features, active driving dynamics, and superior flexibility in a variety of terrain, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is an enticing choice in the luxury SUV market.