This impressive profile obviously translates into an equally impressive cabin space-wise. All seven occupants, front and rear, have the necessary space to enjoy the drive in a cabin where the quality of the finish is exceeded only by the abundance of features and luxury materials.
Honestly, even if the interior isn’t quite manly enough (let me just point out that while I’m a fan of this type of large SUV, I prefer those with an obvious he-man quality), it is sober and efficient, in the image of the German brand. Of course, the plethora of tiny buttons isn’t as user-friendly as it could be, but they all prove intuitive enough in the end.
Ready for anything
The GL320 is not only a luxury hauler that’s good for city driving (and your social status), it’s also a vehicle able to tackle more obstacles that you’re likely to encounter in your career.
It benefits, for instance, from a rather efficient all-wheel drive backed up by a series of systems able to propel you down the most sinuous of roads, from a height-adjustable air suspension system that increases ground clearance (or reduces it to help you load your gear), to electronic hill descent and ascent control, to an off-road mode activated at the touch of a button.
I admit, dragging a $75,000 colossus through muddy backwoods is probably not high on the activity list of Merc owners. But the GL is begging for adventure.
Conclusion
I have to add one last thing: the GL is also an extremely safe vehicle. As expected, it calls upon Mercedes’ own Pre-Safe system (which virtually anticipates collisions and prepares the car in consequence), not to mention numerous on-board systems, to keep its occupants safe and sound.
The Mercedes GL320 is undeniably a truck. An extremely luxurious truck, but still a truck. However, only the most well-informed drivers will notice that they’re dealing with a diesel engine. On the other hand, with 20% savings at the pump, your wallet will know the difference.
photo:Philippe Champoux
Honestly, even if the interior isn’t quite manly enough (let me just point out that while I’m a fan of this type of large SUV, I prefer those with an obvious he-man quality), it is sober and efficient, in the image of the German brand. Of course, the plethora of tiny buttons isn’t as user-friendly as it could be, but they all prove intuitive enough in the end.
Ready for anything
The GL320 is not only a luxury hauler that’s good for city driving (and your social status), it’s also a vehicle able to tackle more obstacles that you’re likely to encounter in your career.
 |
| The interior isn’t quite manly enough , it is sober and efficient, in the image of the German brand. |
It benefits, for instance, from a rather efficient all-wheel drive backed up by a series of systems able to propel you down the most sinuous of roads, from a height-adjustable air suspension system that increases ground clearance (or reduces it to help you load your gear), to electronic hill descent and ascent control, to an off-road mode activated at the touch of a button.
I admit, dragging a $75,000 colossus through muddy backwoods is probably not high on the activity list of Merc owners. But the GL is begging for adventure.
Conclusion
I have to add one last thing: the GL is also an extremely safe vehicle. As expected, it calls upon Mercedes’ own Pre-Safe system (which virtually anticipates collisions and prepares the car in consequence), not to mention numerous on-board systems, to keep its occupants safe and sound.
The Mercedes GL320 is undeniably a truck. An extremely luxurious truck, but still a truck. However, only the most well-informed drivers will notice that they’re dealing with a diesel engine. On the other hand, with 20% savings at the pump, your wallet will know the difference.
photo:Philippe Champoux
2009 Mercedes GL-Class GL320 BlueTEC 4MATIC
2009 Mercedes GL-Class GL320 BlueTEC 4MATIC
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