Mercedes's first sport/utility tried to cover all bases: optional third row, low range, body-on-frame for towing, etc. Its replacement leaves the heavy lifting to this new GL-Class. The Alabama-built trucks share front doors and most structure ahead of the B-pillar, behind which the GL stretches a foot longer. At 200 inches, it's about as long as an Escalade but narrower and lower. With a 335-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8, the GL can tow 7500 pounds and carry 83 cubic feet of stuff--down 600 pounds and 22 cubes from the Caddy. But an optional low range, center- and rear-diff-locks, and a foot of ground clearance will take a GL way farther off-road.
Bottom line: With a base price in the $60,000s, this big Benz might just outflash the Escalade.
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