Mercedes-Benz GL450 aces Motor Trend One-Year Road Test

Newsbot submitted on 04/09/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 8:51 AM
from: www.motortrend.com

Tags: Mercedes-Benz GL450 aces Motor Trend One-Year Road Test

The Gulfstream jet of SUVs

When Mercedes-Benz announced a new, three-row-seat sport/utility would be built on the second-gen M-Class chassis architecture and that it would replace the mil-spec G-Wagen, one of our editors wrote, "There goes the neighborhood. Mercedes is wimping out by killing off an icon and replacing it with an overwrought station wagon. How could they?"

That editor was me. But I'm pleased to advise you that it all came out fine. Continued customer demand garnered the brick-shaped G500 and G55 AMG a reprieve from the axe, and the new GL-Class came out so well it earned our 2007 Sport/Utility of the Year award. The latter draws it an automatic berth in our long-term-test fleet. The bad news is the party's over, because our Barolo Red over Macadamia beige tester was one of the most popular SUVs to ever spend a year in the MT garage.

Most cabin cruisers like this have 5.3- to 6.2-liter engines, so we wondered if the GL's 335-horse, 4.7-liter V-8 would have enough punch for fully loaded duty. Not a problem. Part of the credit goes to the superb seven-speed automatic transmission, which offers a ratio for every occasion without hunting. This powertrain combo drew universal praise from the staff as quiet, smooth, and powerful. Mercedes has since launched the even gutsier GL550, but we're not sure you need to go there unless you want to. Mileage over our test was a respectable 15.6 mpg, which included off-roading, gas-wasting photo-shoot support, and track testing.

One of the elements that elevated the GL to SUOTY-winning levels is its useable rear seat. There's room back there for real adults, not just 50th percentilers. Our GL had the power 60/40-split third-row seats, and positioning them up and down at the touch of a button proved super-handy, although one editor was bummed that you can access the way back only via the passenger side of the truck. The interior held up well, showing virtually no wear even after 25,000-plus miles of hard work, although the light cabin color dirtied easily.

Not everyone was thrilled with the environment, though. One staffer complained there were just too many buttons and their layout and function weren't intuitive. Mercedes has made great strides in this area of late, particularly in terms of its audio/nav systems, but you'll still need to spend a few hours in the driveway, with the owner's manual on your lap, to learn where everything is and how it works. Two editors observed that the rearview mirrors were on the smallish side for such a large truck that's likely to be towing a boat or trailer.

The GL's adjustable airbag suspension is a thing of wonder. Damping can be set to your choice of Sport, Comfort, or self-adjusting between the two. Most preferred the Sport setting, as the GL just handles better that way. The underguts also are adjustable for ride height, particularly handy for off-roading, although positioned at the highest ground-clearance setting renders the ride a bit choppy, as there's very little suspension-rebound travel left. A staffer took the GL to the home-improvement store and filled the SUV's rear with 20 50-pound sacks of gravel. The suspension adjusted itself to where the GL was level again, and the ride and handling were unaffected, as if to say, "So-what else ya got?"

Service issues were minimal. The tire-pressure-monitoring system signaled two low tires at the same time, and so we assumed something was amiss. There was: The system was properly warning us that two tires had nails in them. The DVD player froze up just after we took delivery, so the dealer rebooted it, and the problem never recurred. The tires were shot at just over 22,000, so on went a new set. We installed rear brake pads at the 25K-mile service, and the dealer also replaced a whirring engine idler pulley (under warranty). Otherwise, it was steady as she goes.

Like Sinatra sang, "It was a very good year" for the Mercedes-Benz GL450. It was always on the move, demonstrated a ton of capability in many areas, and proved no hassle in terms of reliability. Even after the chance to discover its every foible-and there aren't many-we were pleased with the GL450's long-term test and that we chose it as a Sport/Utility of the Year winner.

From The Logbook

"Drove it to Vegas for a music festival (Tom Petty, My Morning Jacket, Jurassic 5, and Fiona Apple, to name a few). Filled the seats with seven adults and no one complained. Many remarked how smooth and quiet the GL was. Suspension set on Comfort, it just gobbled up I-15."
- Brian Vance

"Probably the best transmission in the entire SUV or pickup-truck kingdom. Battery location under the rear seat is a pain, though, for jumping or charging."
- Mark Williams

"SUOTY yes, but no, I don't like it. Laggy brakes, alternating between mush and harsh ride, incomprehensible second system controls. Give me a good minivan instead."
- Kim Reynolds

"Superb powertrain, do-it-all suspension, lots of creature features, and serious capability. Smooth and quiet; big, yet shrinks around you. So this is what owning a corporate jet is like."
- Matt Stone Read Article

Comments:

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/9/2008 9:34:09 AMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

Wow, you're so smart. And funny.

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enthusiastx11 - 4/9/2008 10:43:33 AM

+6 Boost

where, exactly, do you live?

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alsarea3 - 4/9/2008 2:01:40 PM

0 Boost

Are u tryin' to be funny ?

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simmonsdp - 4/9/2008 4:48:17 PM

+1 Boost

Obama, are you one can short of a six pack??? I think its time for you to go and lay on the couch, it's couch time Obama,,,, this is what a SUV is all about,a damn nice ride....

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C63AMG - 4/10/2008 1:59:52 AM

0 Boost

Yeah, because your a real idiot!

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Kinger - 4/10/2008 4:52:45 AM

+1 Boost

Another Lexus fan impersonator, probably LexusKing back from the dead....

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NItePhire - 4/9/2008 9:50:27 AM

-2 Boost

You know I am trying to figure out how some of these car mags measure third row seat space. I am not that tall (about 6'1") and I dont fit comfortably in that row if there is someone else my size in the second and first row. I always read the same about the Enclave, that you can fit in the third row but its always worded "when the second row is pushed up". Well hell i dont ride with guy who are 5'5", they are taller than I am and I cant push up the darn seats to get more room. The only CUV that I have come across that seats all of use is the R class thing. But its look to funky be seen in. I know that inorder to build a car that seats the way I would want I would need a big vehicle and car makers are trying to get away from that and make them able to park in most garages but hell I just want them to stop lying all the time about about third row space. I guess we are stuck getting a large full size truck based SUV.

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mmeecc - 4/9/2008 11:22:46 AM

+2 Boost

NItePhire

You're obviously talking about things you don't know. I own a GL 450 and I'm 6'3". The third row is in NO WAY affected by the second let alone the first row, you can't even move the second row forward.
The truth of the matter is, if I fit COMFORTABLY in the third row at 6'3" , than you should too. Don't just start blurting things out you know nothing about....

NItePhire - 4/9/2008 1:28:45 PM

-2 Boost

I dont own one but I have associates who do and I dont fit back there as far as knees are concerned. so Yes I do know what I am saying.

NItePhire - 4/9/2008 1:31:50 PM

-3 Boost

Next I guess you will tell me your fit in the back row of a Rav4

C63AMG - 4/10/2008 2:03:25 AM

-1 Boost

You have obviously never been in the back of a GL. I am 6'0 210lbs and have no problem with the third row of a GL

enthusiastx11 - 4/9/2008 10:44:46 AM

0 Boost

as big SUVs go, i really like the GL. driving it felt like driving a much smaller vehicle, really like the interior and i think it's a good-looking SUV.

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EL34 - 4/9/2008 10:46:09 AM

+5 Boost

Mercedes is #1 again!

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Homer008 - 4/10/2008 2:01:31 AM

-1 Boost

Yes, they are #1 for breaking down on the road, yer right! EL34, Ferraris are POS :)

Wimmer - 4/9/2008 11:25:52 AM

+4 Boost

I remember the two times I was able to properly testdrive a GL320 CDI. Man what a feeling that was. This car feels very comfortable despite the sturdier suspension and the although it isn't a very sporty SUV the handling is safe and gives the driver confidence. Loved the '320 CDI engine. You'd think it be "underpowered" when you look at the specs on paper but in real life it effortlessly moves the heavy GL around with ease. A very nice SUV. One of my favorites currently on the market.

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Wimmer - 4/9/2008 12:18:34 PM

+6 Boost

Maybe you should drive the GL first, because I have, twice. For a heavy car like this the braking was genuinely ok. Of course I didn't slam the brakes or test them under professional conditions but the response and stopping power seemed perfectly fine to me.

Maybe you're just annoyed that the new Toyota Landcruiser performed very poorly in the braking department in one of the last Auto Motor und Sport tests...

Come to think of it "poorly" is being too nice. I should change that word with "pathetically poor".

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Kinger - 4/10/2008 4:57:12 AM

-1 Boost

One complaint from one person amongst what is a glowing review and suddenly its a crap car? Come'on, if you followed that principle you definitely wouldn't drive a Lexus.

I could just as easily say that the guy who said that was a Lexus fan, but i'll give him more credit than that, the car just didn't match his personal preferences.

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Anthony - 4/9/2008 11:58:06 AM

-8 Boost

The exterior design is already dated-looking to me. The Range Rover still looks fresh outside and in, and the new Lexus LX aces the interior bid.

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Anthony - 4/9/2008 1:01:16 PM

0 Boost

The Land Cruiser's interior is quite nice all its own. I used to have a LR Range Rover HSE before it got totaled in a mall parking lot by a semi that veered off the highway. Recently I have been looking to replace it. I have test-driven a new LX570 and there was nothing cheap about it. The interior was superbly finished in high-quality leather all the way up the center console, and wood. It was very elegant and it did not feel inferior to my Range Rover.

enthusiastx11 - 4/9/2008 10:59:23 PM

-1 Boost

problem with the RR sport is that its interior is really cramped and cheap looking. the sport is a wanna be. the big boy toy is the real range rover.

ThierryHenry14 - 4/9/2008 12:54:59 PM

-1 Boost

GL is nice, but the G-wagen is the way to go...

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w209w114 - 4/9/2008 1:02:37 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Let me tell you... If it wasnt for the 12mpg City I would be driving one right now. When are they putting a Bluetec diesel on the darn thing!? :)

ThierryHenry14 - 4/9/2008 7:32:17 PM

+3 Boost

I have an acquaintance who owns one and she says she puts about $100 per week. absolutely brutal...

But beautiful, never the less...

JUGNU - 4/9/2008 4:59:02 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Jesuschrist

u can very well praise the new GL but don't just make things about LX570. cheap, fat, ugly. Clearly shows u r too biass and ignorant.

I like MB's new GL a lot. Much much better than the ML. It's only downside in the oversized grille and ML/RL type interior. but only styling wise. I am not questioning it's quality and all that.

and LX570 i tried other day was extremely good too. Great style inside and out. Downside is the rear lights view from side. They look odd and not very well integrated into the body same case with Land cruiser but in LC taillights look bad from behind too.

Inside it was very nice. Way better interior then the Land Cruiser and better driving position. Ride is also quite different as it's more smoother and feels way powerful. It has that luxury heaviness in it. Make u feel like it's over luxury as even small small detials are full of luxury. all that and it can do the work of LC in the sand.

JUGNU

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/9/2008 6:12:58 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I just don't like the LX's profile. It looks awkward. Someone described as "standing on tiptoe." The Range Rover and GL have more muscular, elegant stances that completely finish their looks.

jt716 - 4/9/2008 7:51:23 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

The Range Rover and the GL are the best SUV's on the market! I have just seen the new GL550 around here and at first by looking at pics i thought it was horrible what they did to the grill , but once you see it in person it has such a muscular, classy, and elegant look to it. This is SUV is absolutely fabulous and it only competitor is the Range Rover which is great as well!

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Denali - 4/10/2008 2:14:10 AM

-3 Boost

^^^^
is u mad, the GL is nice but the G-wagen is Better, RR and LC/LX Best SUV ever, i never heard any SUV living up 2 those SUV's name yet..................

""There goes the neighborhood. Mercedes is wimping out by killing off an icon and replacing it with an overwrought station wagon"

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/12/2008 1:44:32 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

You do realize that they put that quote in there for effect--they were EXPECTING the GL to be that way. But the next couple sentences read:

"That editor was me. But I'm pleased to advise you that it all came out fine. Continued customer demand garnered the brick-shaped G500 and G55 AMG a reprieve from the axe, and the new GL-Class came out so well it earned our 2007 Sport/Utility of the Year award."

autopro - 4/11/2008 4:37:56 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Hail to the king!!!!LX570 nothing beats it!!!!!

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