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Three rows of seating for the biggest Mercedes SUV.
2008 GL-Class Review Summary & Specifications
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The full-size Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUVs are larger than the mid-size M-Class. The GL provides more car-like dynamics than the traditional, full-size, body-on-frame SUVs from other automakers, yet can tow big trailers. NewCarTestDrive.com contributor Larry Edsall filed this report from California's Napa Valley.
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| Vehicle Category | Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor | Larry Edsall |
| Model Lineup | Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI ($53,000); GL450 ($55,500); GL550 ($76,975) |
| Engines (standard) | 5.5-liter dohc V8 |
| Engines (optional) | 215-hp 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6 turbodiesel; 335-hp 4.6-liter dohc 32-valve V8; 382-hp 5.5-liter dohc 32-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 7-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 7-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front airbags, side airbags for first two rows and curtain airbags for all three rows, active front head restraints, four-wheel electronic traction control, Electronic Stability Program, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist Plus, LATCH tethers for child safety seats |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | Parktronic, bi-xenon headlamps with active cornering, Distronic active cruise control, rear-view camera |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-367-6372 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.mbusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 53000 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Mercedes-Benz GL550 ($76,975) |
| Standard Equipment | full leather trim, power and heated front seats, burl walnut interior trim, Easy fold second-row heated seat, power folding third-row seat, heated mirrors, three-zone climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with curve-following, infrared-reflective glass, power tilt/telescoping steering column with multi-function controls on steering wheel, navigation, rear-view camera, Parktronic, HomeLink, cruise control, 11-speaker audio with CD player and auxiliary jack for external devices, four reading lights, cup holders for each row, retractable cargo cover, rear stationary sunroof with shade |
| Destination Charge | 775 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Rear-seat entertainment ($2,670), Keyless go ($1,100), trailer hitch ($510), wood/leather steering wheel (no charge) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 82030 |
| Layout | four-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 382 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 391 @ 2800-4800 |
| Fuel Economy | 13/17 |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 |
| Length/Width/Height | 200.6/76.9/72.4 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 39.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.1/58.3/43.0 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.6/58.9/40.0 |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.2/50.5/34.0 |
| Trunk Volume | 83.3 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent, air springs |
| Rear Suspension | independent, air springs |
| Ground Clearance | 7.8 |
| Curb Weight | 5434 |
| Stock Tires | 295/40HR21 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS, ESP, traction control |
| Fuel Capacity | 26.4 |
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