For those seeking a full-size luxury SUV that prioritizes substance over showiness, the 2008 Mercedes-benz Gl-class stands out as an exceptional option. While some luxury SUV buyers are drawn to flashy vehicles for making a statement, many others prioritize a refined interior, ample space for passengers, robust performance, and a prestigious brand image without the need for excessive extravagance. For these discerning shoppers, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class presents itself as a top contender in its class.
The GL-Class, with its GL450 and diesel GL320 CDI models, had already garnered significant acclaim, earning Edmunds.com’s Editors’ Most Wanted award for SUVs priced above $45,000 the previous year. This recognition was a testament to the GL’s compelling combination of passenger and cargo space, impressive on- and off-road capabilities, and a wealth of desirable features offered at a competitive price point. It effectively distinguished itself from other full-size luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator by offering a more balanced and sophisticated package. Critics and owners alike praised the GL450’s potent 4.6-liter V8 engine, which delivered brisk acceleration that surpassed its rivals.
The 2008 model year introduced an exciting new addition to the lineup: the GL550. This range-topping variant borrowed its powerful engine from Mercedes-Benz’s flagship S550 sedan, granting it performance figures that could rival sportier luxury SUVs such as the Range Rover Supercharged and BMW X5 4.8i. Despite its athletic capabilities, the GL550 still comfortably accommodates six adults, maintaining the GL-Class’s commitment to practicality. When fully equipped with the GL450’s optional packages, the GL550’s price approached the $80,000 mark, positioning it within a truly exclusive segment. However, this premium price tag brought with it distinctive visual enhancements, including fender flares, striking 21-inch AMG wheels, and a redesigned front fascia featuring a larger grille and an oversized three-pointed star emblem, confidently asserting its Mercedes-Benz identity.
Within the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class range, the GL320 CDI emerges as a particularly intriguing model. The “CDI” designation signifies its turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine, which, typical of diesel powertrains, delivers substantial low-end torque and superior fuel economy compared to its gasoline counterparts. While the GL320 CDI might not match the outright speed of the GL450, it offers ample power for everyday driving and sufficient performance for most families’ needs. Furthermore, it presented a cost saving of approximately $2,500 compared to a similarly equipped GL450. Coupled with its generous 26.4-gallon fuel tank, the GL320 CDI boasted an impressive driving range of up to 700 miles. While older diesel engines from the 1970s and 1980s might evoke memories of noisy and smoky operation, modern diesels like the one in the GL320 CDI are remarkably quiet, virtually odorless, and significantly cleaner. Although the 2008 GL320 CDI did not initially meet the stringent emissions standards of California and the Northeast, Mercedes-Benz addressed this with the subsequent 2009 GL-Class Bluetec diesel, which achieved 50-state certification, demonstrating their commitment to cleaner diesel technology.
In the often-ostentatious realm of large luxury SUVs, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class manages to project an air of understated elegance and sophistication. Its advanced engineering, robust unit-body construction, and superior build quality further distinguish it from other seven-passenger full-size SUVs. Moreover, the pricing of the GL450 and GL320 CDI models, when comparably equipped, often undercut competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and other vehicles in the segment, presenting a compelling value proposition. And for those who desire a touch of visual flair, the GL-Class still offered options like available 21-inch wheels, a premium Logic7 sound system, and the undeniable prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand, ensuring it remained a suitable choice even for those who occasionally wished to make a stylish entrance.
