I'm not sure what Mercedes-Benz was going for when they designed the GL. The oversized exterior elements - huge front and rear lamps, an in-your-face grille, obscenely wide footwear, and a hood-mounted three-pointed star that can be seen from space - give the GL a vaguely butch appearance, but the overall profile looks more R-class than Geländewagen. The running boards are nicely integrated into the body and the non-slip nubs look really cool. I thought the ride was a little rough for an ultraluxury SUV, but the comfort setting - selected through a switch on the dash - softened some of the impact harshness without turning the suspension to mush.
This specific interior color scheme - two shades of brown - is a common theme in Mercedes vehicles of late that I, for one, find unappealing. To me, the colors clash and make the interior look downmarket. The navigation system adds to this downmarket feeling with graphics that look like they haven't progressed past Version 1.0. I do like the analog-esque radio tuner graphic though, which was panned by Eric. While pointless when using AM or FM, it's actually perfect for flipping through satellite stations.
Perhaps I'll like the 2010 GL-class better; it's getting a mild facelift for both the exterior and the interior, with a new instrument panel, grille, headlights, bumpers, and the like. It goes on sale in July (GL450) and August (GL550).
Jennifer Misaros, Production Editor ...next page >>