The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s biggest SUV. It is capable of carrying 7 passengers and is a full size SUV. The new GL550 launched in the year 2008 is powered by a larger engine and it joins the GL320 diesel model and the GL450 gasoline model.
The new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is large and luxurious and is manufactured in the U.S. The GL class is designed in such a way as to lure those who own Mercedes-Benz sedans and want the seven-passenger, off-road and 7500 pound carrying ability that the full size SUV is capable of, accompanied with the safety and luxury features in built in other Mercedes automobiles.
The new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is as large as an SUV and has off road capabilities, yet it feels like a car on road. This feel of a car is possible because the GL class is built using unibody architecture rather than the usual construction using body-on-frame technology. All GL class trims are equipped with a seven-speed transmission which is automatic and a four-wheel drive. All are capable of seating seven passengers.
There are 3 trims under the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL class each different in terms of engine and features. The GL550 is powered with a 382 hp, 5.5 lt. V8 engine. All GL class models are quipped with a seven-speed transmission which is automatic, the all-wheel-drive system manufactured by 4MATIC and the air suspension system manufactured by Airmatic.
The GL320 and GL450 trims are equipped in a similar way, although all the options available in the GL550 are not available in both these models. All models feature driver’s seats which are power operated, heated windshield, heated mirrors, washer nozzles and reservoir, burl walnut trims etc. The available options include cruise control which is radar controlled, an entertainment system for the rear seat with 2 screeds; Partronic, which is a sonar based technology and can detect any obstacles close to the vehicle. They also include a power rear tailgate; a logic 7 sound system which is manufactured by Harman/kardon and navigation which is DVD-based.
The GL550 is equipped with leather fully, Parktronic, premium audio, rear-view camera, bi-xenon lamps which are adaptive, heated steering wheel, infrared reflective glass, damping suspension which is adaptive and heated middle and front seats.
The standard safety features include 8 airbags, which include side airbags and side curtain airbags, which protect all passengers in all the three rows. There are also head restraints in the front which are active, and for the safety of children there are LATCH tethers. There are three-point safety belts to protect passengers in all the seating positions. Other safety features which help to avoid a crash are inclusive of an Electronic stability technology, brakes which are equipped with Brake Assist Plus and are anti-lock. There is also traction control on all the four wheels and runs on electronic technology.
Thus all the three trims available under the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class are par excellence when it comes to off road performance and yet have all the comforts associated with a car on the road.
Engine: 4 out of five: The V8 proves itself
Transmission: 4 out of 5: The seven-speed automatic transmission is excellent
Handling: 5 out of 5: Has immense off-road capabilities, but handles like a car on the roa
Value: 5 out of 5: It is excellent value for money
Tech Specs:
Engine: 5.5 lt. V8 engine capable of 382 hp
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic transmission
Body: Built on unibody structure.
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