The lineup of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has received a new optional diesel engine. The GL-Class is an elongated version of the M-Class premium SUVs. The GL-Class seats seven occupants in luxurious comfort, as does the Land Rover Range Rover and offers excellent safety standards across the board. There are three trims available: the GL320 BlueTec with a 3.0L 210hp V6 turbodiesel. The 4.7L 335hpV8 GL450 and the GL550 that features a 5.5L 382hp V8. All feature an AWD 7-speed automatic transmission to complete their drivetrains. MSRPs begin at $58,200.

The GL-Class vehicles from Mercedes-Benz for 2009 have a maximum towing capacity of 7500 pounds and offer you more than an adequate amount of cargo space. There are loads of available and standard safety features including ABS braking, electronic traction and stability control, side airbags for the second row of seating, a 3rd row of seating that is foldable by powered controls and more.

On the side of luxury, you will enjoy genuine wood trim, heated front seats, all leather upholstery and a high-tech navigational system. There's also a rear backing camera and a DVD entertainment system available. Both V8 engines offer you plenty of gumption regardless of the task at hand. The base trim turbodiesel V6 can feel a bit heavy starting out, but quickly gains the necessary power to instill driver and passenger confidence. All trims are graced with the alertness and smooth operation of the 7-speed auto tranny. The V8s require premium gasoline and all models are quite thirsty .

The 2009 GL-Class from Mercedes are some of the quietest large-sized SUVs on the planet. Noises from winds, other traffic and all else is handled very well - even the diesel is coffin-quiet at cruising speeds. The large and easily-read gauges make operating the GLs that much more convenient. They are well-placed and very straightforward to understand. Shifting gears is performed via a steering wheel level located on the column. It requires a bit to get used to, but makes up for that by significantly increasing the room that you are granted in the central console area. All interior materials are of optimal quality and present solid, classy looks and feels .

Legroom, shoulder room and headroom are all at least adequate - everyone has plenty of room to do their own thing in both the front and the back. Seating is firm and comfortable and very generously sized. Big doors make entering and exiting simplistic and the step up required to enter is likewise stress-free. The third row of seating is suitable only for children on extended trips .

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class of large premium SUVs are some of the finest available from any manufacturer. Fresh styling, excellent safety standards, luxurious comfort and loads of optional features make the GL-Class completely worthy of your serious consideration.