For those in the market for a full-size luxury SUV, the desire isn’t always about ostentatious displays of wealth. Many seek a vehicle that blends opulent comfort, generous space for up to seven passengers, robust power, and a prestigious brand image, all without resorting to garish oversized wheels and booming sound systems. For these more pragmatic luxury SUV shoppers, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 emerges as the definitive leader in its class.
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, with its GL450 and diesel GL320 CDI variants, immediately garnered industry acclaim upon its introduction the previous year. Earning Edmunds.com’s Editors’ Most Wanted award for SUVs exceeding $45,000, the GL-Class distinguished itself from competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Its winning formula combined expansive passenger and cargo room, impressive performance both on paved roads and off the beaten path, and a wealth of desirable features, all offered at a compelling value proposition. The GL450 model, in particular, stood out thanks to its potent 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering rapid acceleration that surpassed its rivals.
Alt text: The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 in motion, showcasing its elegant exterior design and road presence.
The 2008 model year saw the introduction of a new, even more luxurious trim level: the GL550. Harnessing the same formidable engine found in Mercedes-Benz’s flagship S550 sedan, the GL550 elevated the GL-Class’s performance capabilities. It could confidently challenge sport-oriented luxury SUVs like the Range Rover Supercharged and BMW X5 4.8i, all while maintaining comfortable seating for six adults. When fully equipped with the optional packages available on the GL450, the GL550 reached a price point nearing $80,000, placing it in a truly exclusive segment. However, this premium price brought with it visual enhancements such as flared fenders, striking 21-inch AMG wheels, and a redesigned front fascia featuring a larger grille and an oversized three-pointed star emblem, confidently proclaiming its Mercedes-Benz pedigree.
Alt text: Inside the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450, highlighting the luxurious dashboard, driver’s seat, and premium interior materials.
Within the GL-Class lineup, the GL320 CDI variant presented an intriguing alternative. The “CDI” designation denoted its turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine. Like other diesel-powered vehicles, the GL320 CDI offered substantial low-end torque and superior fuel economy compared to its gasoline counterparts. While not as quick as the GL450, the GL320 CDI provided ample power for daily driving and family needs. Furthermore, it was priced $2,500 lower than a comparably equipped GL450, and its generous 26.4-gallon fuel tank translated to an impressive 700-mile driving range. While older diesel engines might evoke memories of noisy and smoky operation, modern diesels like the one in the GL320 CDI are refined, clean, and remarkably quiet. Although the GL320 CDI initially did not meet the stringent emissions standards in California and the Northeast, Mercedes-Benz addressed this with the upcoming 2009 GL-Class Bluetec diesel, ensuring 50-state compliance.
Alt text: A detailed view of the powerful V8 engine of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450, showcasing its engineering and performance capabilities.
In the often flamboyant world of large luxury SUVs, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, and particularly the GL450, distinguished itself with understated elegance. Its sophisticated engineering, robust unit-body construction, and superior build quality set it apart from other seven-passenger full-size SUVs. Moreover, the GL450 and GL320 CDI models were offered at a price point that undercut similarly equipped Cadillac Escalades and other competitors in the segment. However, for those desiring a touch of flash, the GL-Class still offered features like available 21-inch wheels, a premium Logic7 sound system, and the undeniable prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand, ensuring it could confidently navigate even the most fashionable locales. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 truly represented a smart and sophisticated choice for luxury SUV buyers seeking substance and style without unnecessary extravagance.
