For those seeking a full-size luxury SUV that prioritizes substance over ostentation, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class emerges as a compelling option. While some buyers in this segment aim to flaunt their vehicles, many others value a refined interior, ample space for seven passengers, a robust engine, and a prestigious brand image without the need for excessive extravagance. For these discerning individuals, the 2008 GL-Class stands out as a top contender.
Building upon its successful debut the previous year, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class continued to impress. The GL450 and the diesel-powered GL320 CDI models had already earned Edmunds.com’s Editors’ Most Wanted award for SUVs exceeding $45,000, underscoring their appeal. The GL-Class distinguished itself from rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator by offering an attractive combination of passenger room, cargo capacity, impressive performance both on and off-road, and a wealth of desirable features, all at a competitive price point. The powerful 4.6-liter V8 engine in the GL450 further solidified its position, delivering brisk acceleration that outpaced its competitors.
Alt text: Front profile of a silver 2008 Mercedes Benz GL-Class SUV, highlighting its elegant grille and headlight design.
Introducing the New Range-Topping GL550
The 2008 model year saw the introduction of a new, high-performance trim level: the GL550. Equipped with the same potent engine found in Mercedes-Benz’s flagship S550 sedan, this variant elevated the GL-Class’s performance capabilities. The GL550 offered the power to rival sportier luxury SUVs such as the Range Rover Supercharged and BMW X5 4.8i, while still comfortably accommodating six adults. When fully loaded with the optional packages available on the GL450, the GL550’s price approached the $80,000 mark, positioning it within a very exclusive segment. However, this premium price brought with it distinctive visual enhancements, including fender flares, imposing 21-inch AMG wheels, and a redesigned front fascia featuring a larger grille and an oversized three-pointed star emblem, making a bold statement of its Mercedes-Benz identity.
The Intriguing Diesel Option: GL320 CDI
For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and torque, the GL320 CDI presented an intriguing alternative within the 2008 GL-Class lineup. The “CDI” designation signified its turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine, which, like other diesel powertrains, provided substantial low-end responsiveness and superior fuel economy compared to its gasoline counterparts. While not as quick as the GL450, the GL320 CDI delivered ample power for daily driving and sufficient performance for most families’ needs. Furthermore, it offered a cost saving of $2,500 compared to an identically equipped GL450, and its substantial 26.4-gallon fuel tank translated to an impressive 700-mile driving range.
Alt text: Spacious 2008 Mercedes Benz GL-Class in motion, side view, demonstrating its large size and comfortable passenger capacity.
Concerns about noisy and smoky diesel engines from past decades were no longer relevant with the 2008 GL320 CDI. Modern diesel technology had advanced significantly, resulting in engines that were quiet, clean, and virtually odorless. Although the GL320 CDI did not initially meet the stringent emissions standards of California and the Northeast, Mercedes-Benz addressed this with the upcoming 2009 GL-Class Bluetec diesel, which was designed to be 50-state emissions certified, demonstrating their commitment to cleaner diesel technology.
Class and Sophistication in the Luxury SUV Segment
In the often flamboyant world of large luxury SUVs, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class distinguished itself by exuding a sense of understated class. Its sophisticated engineering, unit-body construction, and superior build quality set it apart from many other seven-passenger full-size SUVs. Moreover, the GL450 and GL320 CDI models were priced competitively, often undercutting similarly equipped Cadillac Escalade and other competitors in the segment.
Alt text: Luxurious interior of a 2008 Mercedes Benz GL-Class, highlighting leather seats, wood trim, and spacious cabin design.
For those who desired a touch of flash, the 2008 GL-Class still offered plenty of appeal. Available options such as 21-inch wheels, a premium Logic7 sound system, and the inherent prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand ensured that the GL-Class could confidently navigate both upscale suburban streets and trendy city hotspots. Ultimately, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class presented a rational yet luxurious choice for buyers seeking a full-size SUV that delivered on all fronts.
