First Drive: 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550

This First Drive article smells of Mercedes marketing, with endless praises!
The GL feels smaller, because it actually is smaller than both the Cadillac Escalade and the Buick Enclave in all external dimensions.
 
The GL has the dimensions of an extended midsized SUV, such as a Trailblazer EXT.
The GL is great though, especially compared to the Escalade's mismanaged interior, 4 passenger + pets capacity.
 
I don't get the airplane ticket comment. 7 passengers... $10,000 per airplane ticket? That's a lot of silly flights around the world.
Show me how to drive the GL from Texas to Paris, without Google Maps! And no my car can't swim!

Dang Louis, talk about eagle eyes!

Nice ride. This and the RR are the tops in this segment IMO, but I'd probably never be a customer of either unless I won the lottery.
 
I'm anxiously awaiting the smaller Benz ute instead, the MLK350.

I don't like the oversized grille. It's a pretty handsome truck with the regular grille.
 
Every review I've read said the 450 was plenty powerful enough. I'd prefer the diesel though, that seems pretty cool.
 
However, given the extensive standard equipment, it is about the same price as a 450 comparably equipped, so you might as well get the 550 if you want all the toys.
 
Speaking of standard equipment though, there are a couple of things that aren't included, which seem odd. Keyless Go and Bluetooth are $1100 and $400 options, respectively. If this is supposed to be the top of the heap, include with standard equipment those things you can get in a dang Nissan Sentra...

Ahightower, you can get get those features in the nissan versa... Cheaper and smaller than the civic...
 
Nice but I prefer the GL320CDi or a v8 diesel!
 
-Cj

Looks Lexus GX470 influenced...at least from the side profile
 
Didn't know what to do about the front end/grille - therefore supersized it...an unclassy move from a supposedly classy company