Dislikes
A few of the interior pieces feel a bit dated. The navigation screen seems small, compared to the rest of the interior, and you need to option up to obtain iPod and USB connections.
The COMAND APS interface is no easier to use than other such systems. But it’s no worse either. The ultimate interface has yet to be invented, as automakers bring more and more adjustable parameters into their vehicles.
As is the case with all third-row endowed vehicles, when that rearmost seatback is up, cargo space is quite compromised.
And price. No question you can find less expensive 7-seater alternatives, even among luxury brands.
Verdict
You can’t argue with the space and luxury the GL provides. But I never expected to enjoy the driving experience as much as I did. I gravitate to more sporty and small stuff, but the GL 350 BlueTEC offers the driver lots of entertaining stimulus.
Maybe not in the sporting mode, but entertaining nonetheless. The steering makes you feel in control, almost making the vehicle drive smaller than it is. The torque-laden diesel is fun and satisfying to modulate through traffic and on the highway. Everything you touch is well crafted. It’s super smooth over any road surface. You have a sense of well-being behind the wheel, and there is lots of electronic stuff to keep you busy if you get bored.
A few of the interior pieces feel a bit dated. The navigation screen seems small, compared to the rest of the interior, and you need to option up to obtain iPod and USB connections.
The COMAND APS interface is no easier to use than other such systems. But it’s no worse either. The ultimate interface has yet to be invented, as automakers bring more and more adjustable parameters into their vehicles.
As is the case with all third-row endowed vehicles, when that rearmost seatback is up, cargo space is quite compromised.
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| You have a sense of well-being behind the wheel, and there is lots of electronic stuff to keep you busy if you get bored. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
And price. No question you can find less expensive 7-seater alternatives, even among luxury brands.
Verdict
You can’t argue with the space and luxury the GL provides. But I never expected to enjoy the driving experience as much as I did. I gravitate to more sporty and small stuff, but the GL 350 BlueTEC offers the driver lots of entertaining stimulus.
Maybe not in the sporting mode, but entertaining nonetheless. The steering makes you feel in control, almost making the vehicle drive smaller than it is. The torque-laden diesel is fun and satisfying to modulate through traffic and on the highway. Everything you touch is well crafted. It’s super smooth over any road surface. You have a sense of well-being behind the wheel, and there is lots of electronic stuff to keep you busy if you get bored.
2011 Mercedes GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
2011 Mercedes GL-Class GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
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