11,000. While that hardly makes the ML an economical option, it does net buyers a beautifully appointed SUV with Benz's outstanding diesel V6 and, on our tester, Active Curve Control, which yields almost magic handling for a 2.5-ton truck. About that lower weight: With the same stout engine as the GL and so much less tonnage, the ML is flat-out fast for the breed. As with most Mercedes products, the overall driving feel of the ML is one of solidness. The steering has heft and weight to the wheel, and there's no doubt this is a large SUV from the driver's seat. It's a feel that I like in trucks like this, though. Mercedes' older dash layout (as opposed to the newer, more fluid theme found in the C-class and CLA) still works well, even if it is a bit stern and monolithic. I have yet to drive the BMW X5 xDrive35d, and the Audi Q5 is a half-size smaller than the ML, so I can't make a fair comparison.

11,000. While that hardly makes the ML an economical option, it does net buyers a beautifully appointed SUV with Benz's outstanding diesel V6 and, on our tester, Active Curve Control, which yields almost magic handling for a 2.5-ton truck. About that lower weight: With the same stout engine as the GL and so much less tonnage, the ML is flat-out fast for the breed. As with most Mercedes products, the overall driving feel of the ML is one of solidness. The steering has heft and weight to the wheel, and there's no doubt this is a large SUV from the driver's seat. It's a feel that I like in trucks like this, though. Mercedes' older dash layout (as opposed to the newer, more fluid theme found in the C-class and CLA) still works well, even if it is a bit stern and monolithic. I have yet to drive the BMW X5 xDrive35d, and the Audi Q5 is a half-size smaller than the ML, so I can't make a fair comparison.

The front and rear suspension links, as well as the hood and fenders are made from lightweight and tough aluminum alloy. Relaxed, safe driving under all possible conditions both on-road and off-road is one of the strengths of the new GL-Class. NVH characteristics (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) are particularly impressive and on par with the S-Class. The foundation for the high comfort level is the extremely stiff bodyshell, an optimized driveline, improved chassis, aeroacoustic refinement and the intelligent application of new kinds of insulation. Excellent agility, dynamic onroad handling and outstanding off-road capabilities have long been among the benefits of the GL-Class. Standard equipment includes the AIRMATIC full air suspension system with self-leveling function. AIRMATIC delivers outstanding comfort paired with considerably improved stability. It compensates for all manner of driving conditions with features such as crosswind stabilization and the self-leveling function. The optional Active Curve System works at the front and rear axles with active anti-roll bars to compensate for body roll during cornering, delivering a considerable boost to agility and driver involvement.

Added stability, further improved comfort and enhanced off-road capabilities are further attributes of the Active Curve System. The GL is also superbly equipped for trips off of the asphalt. In addition to 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, standard equipment includes a hill start assistant, and Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR). The On- and Off-Road package, available as an option for the GL450 and GL550, enhances handling and safety with six programs, delivering optimum driveline control across the most diverse conditions on the road and on rugged terrain. Extensive standard equipment, individual equipment packages and an attractive range of paint finishes and premium interior appointments define the look of the new GL-Class. It comes to the U.S. GL350 BlueTEC with a V6 diesel, the GL450 and GL550 V8 biturbo gasoline versions. The comprehensive list of standard equipment has been significantly expanded in comparison with the previous model. It incorporates safety features such as ATTENTION ASSIST, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST and Crosswind Stabilization.

Comfort details like the power liftgate, an electric power/tilt sliding glass sunroof, MB-Tex upholstery with perforated surface finish and heated 8-way power front seats with driver 4-way lumbar support are also standard, as is the COMAND system with central controller. A wide range of optional packages provides customers with extensive choice and added refinement. The Premium 1 package for the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 includes the iPod/MP3 media interface, hard-drive navigation and voice control, satellite radio and multi-color ambient lighting with illuminated door sills, and memory function for the front seats. The Premium 2 package adds the harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround-sound system, KEYLESS-GO and soft-close doors. Further packages available for the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 are the Lighting package, the Parking Assist package, the Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. The GL450 also offers the Appearance package with 20-inch 10-spoke wheels, illuminated running boards and dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets. The Driver Assistance package is available for all three models, while the On- and Off-road package can be selected for the GL450 and GL550.

A further array of standalone and special order options is available for all three models. A fine choice of flat and metallic paint finishes spans from Black and Arctic White, to Cinnabar Red, Obsidian Black, Steel Grey, Iridium Silver, Pearl Beige, Dakota Brown, Diamond White and Lunar Blue. Inside, the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 are fitted with Eucalyptus wood trim as standard, while the GL550 comes with Burl Walnut. MB-Tex upholstery is offered in Black, Almond Beige or Grey, with genuine leather in a choice of Black, Almond Beige or Grey. DINAMICA headliner as well as designo Black Piano Lacquer Wood Trim and a designo wood/leather multifunction steering wheel are optionally available. Globally, the most diverse range of SUVs in the premium segment comes from Mercedes-Benz. A total of five model lines are available around the world. Alongside the GL-Class, the successful global family encompasses the distinctive GLK, the classic "G" all-terrain vehicle, the long-distance specialist the R-Class and the bestselling M-Class. Mercedes-Benz is also the premium SUV manufacturer with the longest tradition. SUVs account for around one fifth of the brand's global sales volumes, with the U.S. SUV family. With 27,000 units sold in 2011, this is where the GL-Class achieved a market share of around 30 percent, making it the absolute market leader in its segment. The second largest SUV market overall is China, followed by Germany.