Our tester was also sporting the new-for-2010 20” alloy wheels (19-inchers with all-season rubber are optional), and the long-wearing ARTICO seating material (man made, looks like leather).
So that’s an even $75,000 for this big Mercedes-Benz, before taxes and any prep charges.
GL 350 BlueTEC is rated at 12.4L/100km city and 8.8L/100km highway. Not Honda Civic territory, but when companied to a V8 GL (16.6/11.4 for the GL 450, 17.1/11.9 for the GL 550), you can appreciate the diesel’s efficiency.
Likes
Topping our list of likes has to be that efficient and powerful diesel engine. It moves the GL with authority, and never feels over-extended or harsh. All GL models have a considerable tow rating of 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg), but if I were doing a lot of towing, the BlueTEC would surely be my GL of choice.
The 7-speed tranny shifts very smoothly, and is well teamed with the diesel, keeping it from revving very much. It can skip gears when downshifting, and you notice it when it does, slowing the vehicle a bit more than a usual “coast down”.
Steering is surprising tight and accurate for such a large beast, with the typical very strong “on centre” feel favoured by Merecedes-Benz.
The ride, courtesy of air suspension, is extremely comfortable — put-you-to-sleep comfortable. GL’s competitors from Audi (Q7) and BMW (X5) are sportier, but I don’t think Mercedes-Benz gives a hoot. A completely luxurious ride is what this GL has been programmed to produce and it does so without compromise.
As you would expect, the cabin is spacious and well appointed. There are copious amounts of head, leg, and shoulder room in the second-row seating area. The third row actually accommodates two adults in relative comfort.
It's super easy to fold all the seats down, if you need to carry something large and long in the cargo area.
The styling leans toward "old school" SUV, but I’m a fan. It doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t, and creates huge interior space. The new headlights and LED lighting bits are great modern touches.
 |
| Our tester was also sporting the new-for-2010 20” alloy wheels. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
So that’s an even $75,000 for this big Mercedes-Benz, before taxes and any prep charges.
GL 350 BlueTEC is rated at 12.4L/100km city and 8.8L/100km highway. Not Honda Civic territory, but when companied to a V8 GL (16.6/11.4 for the GL 450, 17.1/11.9 for the GL 550), you can appreciate the diesel’s efficiency.
Likes
Topping our list of likes has to be that efficient and powerful diesel engine. It moves the GL with authority, and never feels over-extended or harsh. All GL models have a considerable tow rating of 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg), but if I were doing a lot of towing, the BlueTEC would surely be my GL of choice.
The 7-speed tranny shifts very smoothly, and is well teamed with the diesel, keeping it from revving very much. It can skip gears when downshifting, and you notice it when it does, slowing the vehicle a bit more than a usual “coast down”.
Steering is surprising tight and accurate for such a large beast, with the typical very strong “on centre” feel favoured by Merecedes-Benz.
The ride, courtesy of air suspension, is extremely comfortable — put-you-to-sleep comfortable. GL’s competitors from Audi (Q7) and BMW (X5) are sportier, but I don’t think Mercedes-Benz gives a hoot. A completely luxurious ride is what this GL has been programmed to produce and it does so without compromise.
As you would expect, the cabin is spacious and well appointed. There are copious amounts of head, leg, and shoulder room in the second-row seating area. The third row actually accommodates two adults in relative comfort.
It's super easy to fold all the seats down, if you need to carry something large and long in the cargo area.
The styling leans toward "old school" SUV, but I’m a fan. It doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t, and creates huge interior space. The new headlights and LED lighting bits are great modern touches.
 |
| As you would expect, the cabin is spacious and well appointed. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |