The Mercedes-Benz GL-class seems, to me, to be caught in a funk between a full-on, tough-guy SUV and a soft-roading, nice-guy crossover. As Jennifer Misaros notes, the styling is split between butch and overly rounded. And although the Mercedes drives and rides well, there's still no question it's a big boy. I caught myself ducking as I passed under the support beams in our parking garage, an instinct that usually surfaces only when I'm piloting our huskiest pick-up trucks.
On the bright side, the interior is beautiful and comfortable. Mercedes-Benz's nav/audio interface isn't quite as intuitive as what you'll find on the latest BMWs and Audis, but having recently spent time with an S-class, I was able to find my way around quite easily.
If I were in the market for a full-size Mercedes SUV (I'm not, unless someone wants to give me a big raise), I would just go whole hog and get a Geländewagon. The G-class has its limitations and quirks to be sure, but at least it feels extraordinarily special and capable. What's another fifteen grand to a rich guy like myself?
David Zenlea, Assistant Editor ...next page >>