2008 Mercedes-Benz GL Class

Having owned several large lux SUV's, I was especially excited in '06 when I first read of the coming GL450. Fearing a longer version of the stiff and tinny ML, I was apprehensive about what I might find when I finally ventured in to "kick the tires." Mercedes hit a homerun with this vehicle, part of a pattern of new and/or newly redesigned vehicles that have come into their fleet.

The GL is a marvel in that it's a large vehicle, competing more directly with the Escalade XL and Infiniti QX, that doesn't drive or feel like such a large vehicle. BMW is silly to compare its reworked X5 to this vehicle, they're not at all parallel. The GL is spacious yet has supple steering, lots of power (though it's no sprinter)and a wonderful, roomy, thoughtful interior. The electric third row seats work beautifully and disappear into the floor leaving a perfectly flat and oh so large cargo area. When the third row is up, full size adults sit comfortably AND there's still cargo room behind the seats.

The only criticisms I can drag up would be two things that really aren't deal breakers. 1. This is a HEAVY vehicle and as such doesn't win the green light sprint race if you're prone to such things. 2. Some people think that Mercedes' seating is too stiff. This is NOT a Caddy, for sure, but we've had many Benzes and, as with the new S-class, changes have been made and comfort is now part of the equation.

My partner and I are both tall, we have a large Golden Retriever and we have lots of family and friends who visit us in Arizona. The Mercedes GL is truly the utility vehicle that perfectly suits our needs. When it's full, we're amazed at the amount of people and cargo we're hauling in COMFORT. The first time you have seven adults in one vehicle going to dinner, it certainly becomes a topic of conversation for the evening! Funny looks at the valet, too, as you all keep piling out. Then again, when it's just the two of us, unlike the Escalade or a Navigator, we don't feel as if we're alone in the front of a cavernous bus. It offroads surprisingly well, yet pulls up to a valet amidst the Bentleys, Ferraris and Rovers with no thought of embarassment. The profile of this vehicle is sexy and the iconic Mercedes emblem is the size of a grille mounted dinner plate. Pay extra for the chrome package! The subtle accents make all the difference.

We've had wonderful service experience, unlike my '04 Range Rover HSE that broke my heart. Gas mileage is respectable, too, which was another Rover disappointment. This is an SUV for couples or large families, executives, architects, designers, realtors, housewives, roadtrippers... anyone who wants a larger, lux, and very usable hauler. Drive it today!

- DD, Scottsdale, AZ