Major Options / Build: Third Row Seating

Additional Description: Beautiful SUV with brand new Continental tires, recent service, detailed and ready to roll... Beauty and Power, Smooth and Sleek... it doesn't get any better than this and won't last long If you want the benefits of Mercedes-Benz engineering, German build quality, American-style accommodations and the optional availability of a fuel-efficient turbo-diesel engine, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL delivers in spades.One look at the luxury import segment and you see very quickly the preponderance of growth in the SUV category. While the M-Class has certainly enjoyed its share of success, its reception was hampered by the lack of a third-row seat at launch and, once a third row was finally introduced, the marginal comfort and accessibility of that seating did not impress buyers. Because many consumers required a larger vehicle, Mercedes-Benz created the GL-Class, a seven-passenger SUV with surprisingly modest exterior dimensions and host of engine choices including a 50-state legal diesel. With the GL, consumers retain the same sporty character and luxurious trappings of the M-Class, but in a slightly more expensive package offering far better utility.Driving the Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-ClassSubjected to highly variable road conditions, including some fairly aggressive on-road twists and turns and an equally aggressive off-road experience, the GL450 handled itself with grace, especially when equipped with the standard air suspension and optional adaptive damping. Despite almost 5,300 pounds of curb weight and an overall length right around 200 inches, the GL450 drives like a much smaller, significantly lighter SUV. Response from the 4.6-liter DOHC V8 is great, made more so by the excellent seven-speed automatic transmission. The GL450 can handle anything an owner with payments remaining would care to give it. It may not be quite as off-road capable as a comparably priced Range Rover, but we like its balance between on-road practicality and off-road capability.Favorite FeaturesAdaptive Damping SystemThe GL’s air suspension can constantly react to road surface variations, with an ability to change shock absorber settings 20 times per second. If the road is smooth, the system delivers relatively softer shock absorber action and a smooth ride; if the road gets bad, the shock absorbers become more firm for increased control. The result is an SUV with a comfortable ride when you want it and appropriately more responsive handling when you need it.BlueTEC V6 Diesel EngineEmissions guidelines kept the old GL320 CDI from being sold in all 50 states, but the new BlueTEC clean diesel not only clears the stringent NOx bar, it can cruise nearly 600 miles on a single tank of fuel.Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class InteriorThe GL’s bucket seats are well-shaped and supportive. The driver is fronted by a four-spoke steering wheel and what Mercedes-Benz describes as a "sport-oriented" instrument panel. The horizontal grab handles on the console are notable, alluding both aesthetically and functionally to the GL’s off-road capability. We remain undecided regarding the shift lever being mounted to the steering column; it does provide for a clean, uninterrupted console, but is less-than-intuitive in its operation. To its credit, the design team has provided reasonably easy access to the third row and generous headroom throughout the interior.Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class ExteriorWith the 2010 GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz hits all the right exterior notes. In profile, the GL is very well-proportioned, disguising its overall length (200.3 inches) with short overhangs, an aggressive windshield angle, generous greenhouse, flared wheel arches (similar to the S-Class) and careful detailing. The traditional Mercedes-Benz face is framed by high-tech halogen headlamps; optional bi-xenon lamps include a swiveling feature for additional visibility in turns. Privacy glass covers both the "B" and "C" pillars, giving the appearance of one uninterrupted glass panel along the entire side of the vehicle. It is, from any angle, a highly unified design.Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Standard FeaturesWith assembly in Alabama, the GL-Class like both thIf you want the benefits of Mercedes-Benz engineering,German build quality,American-style accommodations and the optional availability of a fuel-efficient turbo-diesel engine,the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL delivers in spades.One look at the luxury import segment and you see very quickly the preponderance of growth in the SUV category. While the M-Class has certainly enjoyed its share of success,its reception was hampered by the lack of a third-row seat at launch and,once a third row was finally introduced,the marginal comfort and accessibility of that seating did not impress buyers. Because many consumers required a larger vehicle,Mercedes-Benz created the GL-Class,a seven-passenger SUV with surprisingly modest exterior dimensions and host of engine choices including a 50-state legal diesel. With the GL,consumers retain the same sporty character and luxurious trappings of the M-Class,but in a slightly more expensive package offering far better utility.Driving the Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-ClassSubjected to highly variable road conditions,including some fairly aggressive on-road twists and turns and an equally aggressive off-road experience,the GL450 handled itself with grace,especially when equipped with the standard air suspension and optional adaptive damping. Despite almost 5,300 pounds of curb weight and an overall length right around 200 inches,the GL450 drives like a much smaller,significantly lighter SUV. Response from the 4.6-liter DOHC V8 is great,made more so by the excellent seven-speed automatic transmission. The GL450 can handle anything an owner with payments remaining would care to give it. It may not be quite as off-road capable as a comparably priced Range Rover,but we like its balance between on-road practicality and off-road capability.Favorite FeaturesAdaptive Damping SystemThe GLs air suspension can constantly react to road surface variations,with an ability to change shock absorber settings 20 times per second. If the road is smooth,the system delivers relatively softer shock absorber action and a smooth ride,if the road gets bad,the shock absorbers become more firm for increased control. The result is an SUV with a comfortable ride when you want it and appropriately more responsive handling when you need it.BlueTEC V6 Diesel EngineEmissions guidelines kept the old GL320 CDI from being sold in all 50 states,but the new BlueTEC clean diesel not only clears the stringent NOx bar,it can cruise nearly 600 miles on a single tank of fuel.Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class InteriorThe GLs bucket seats are well-shaped and supportive. The driver is fronted by a four-spoke steering wheel and what Mercedes-Benz describes as a "sport-oriented" instrument panel. The horizontal grab handles on the console are notable,alluding both aesthetically and functionally to the GLs off-road capability. We remain undecided regarding the shift lever being mounted to the steering column,it does provide for a clean,uninterrupted console,but is less-than-intuitive in its operation. To its credit,the design team has provided reasonably easy access to the third row and generous headroom throughout the interior.Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class ExteriorWith the 2010 GL-Class,Mercedes-Benz hits all the right exterior notes. In profile,the GL is very well-proportioned,disguising its overall length (200.3 inches) with short overhangs,an aggressive windshield angle,generous greenhouse,flared wheel arches (similar to the S-Class) and careful detailing. The traditional Mercedes-Benz face is framed by high-tech halogen headlamps,optional bi-xenon lamps include a swiveling feature for additional visibility in turns. Privacy glass covers both the "B" and "C" pillars,giving the appearance of one uninterrupted glass panel along the entire side of the vehicle. It is,from any angle,a highly unified design.Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Standard FeaturesWith assembly in Alabama,the GL-Class like both th