October 2008 | Mercedes Benz Car

2009 Mercedes-Benz B170

Mercedes-Benz B170

After three successful years, Mercedes-Benz has overhauled the design and engineering of the B-Class. The facelift programme focused on environmental comfort, with further advances being made. Thanks to a series of detailed improvements, the four-cylinder engines now burn up to seven percent less fuel than previously, and distinguish themselves with remarkably low exhaust emissions. Mercedes-Benz has developed the active parking assist, which helps drivers to find a suitable parking spot before manoeuvring into it.

Since its market premiere in summer 2005, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class has evolved into the blueprint for a new species of car which harmonises the benefits of various vehicle concepts: the four-door model boasts the dynamic design of a sporty saloon, the exterior dimensions of a compact car, the spaciousness of an estate, the versatility of a mini MPV and the trademark safety of a Mercedes-Benz.

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2009 Mercedes GLK by Brabus

2009 Mercedes GLK Brabus

The new Mercedes compact SUV will be getting a power boost of 48HP for the line-topping 320 CDI and 15 HP for the gas-powered V6 GLK 350. BRABUS is also offering the usual assortment of upgrades including a slightly lower stance, larger wheels (21-inch, the largest they can reasonably fit), LED foglights and all manner of visual tweaks. Oh, and there are specially designed seats with incorporated DVD player/LCD screens... for speed! No word on price, but you probably don't want to know

2009 Mercedes GLK Brabus

The new kit manufactured from high-end Pur-R-Rim plastics features a re-designed front bumper with integrated daytime running LEDs as well as optional auxiliary high beams and fog lamps, new side sills with integrated LEDs in order to illuminate the ground on either side of the SUV for safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark, a new roof spoiler and a new rear apron with integrated Brabus 4-pipe sport exhaust system. The new kit is completed with a multitude of tire/wheel combinations, from the Monobloc A wheels in size 8.5Jx17 to 21-inch high-end Monoblock S/ E/ VI light-alloy wheels. In order to improve the handling and the stability, the car received a new set of sport springs lowering it with up to 35 mm.

2009 Mercedes GLK Brabus

Under the hood Brabus offers several programs. For the GLK 320 CDI 4MATIC (215 hp), with the help of the Brabus ECO PowerXtra D6 (III) an extra power of 48 hp was obtained as well as a peak torque of 590 Nm. With these new number the car sprints from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 228 km/h (142 mph). For the GLK 350 4MATIC (272 hp), the Brabus B7 power kit offers an extra 15 hp obtaining a total of 287 hp. For even more power and with the help of Brabus 4.0 displacement engine, also available for the GLK 280 4MATIC(231 hp), making the engine capable to develop an impressive 332 hp. With these new numbers, the GLK 350 4MATIC sprints from 0-100 km/h (60 mph) in just 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

2009 Mercedes GLK by Brabus

2009 Mercedes GLK Brabus

2008 Mercedes GL450

Mercedes GL450

the three-row GL450. Not surprisingly, it drives almost identically to the M-class on which it is primarily based. The steering is light and smooth; no thumps or crashes mar the ride; and the quiet, comfortable, well-appointed cabin seals out road noise. Air springs are optional on the M-class, but here they're standard equipment, and they help keep body roll to a minimum. Under hard acceleration or braking, however, the GL pitches forward and back like a headbanging teenager. It doesn't help that the brakes take a good jab before they engage. Very little of the 4.6-liter V-8's rumblings make their way inside this unibody SUV. An estimated 0-to-60-mph time of 7.4 seconds demonstrates the 5249-pound truck's get-up-and-go, but, nevertheless, the GL feels slow-and it certainly won't get any livelier when you ask it to pull 7500 pounds, its maximum tow rating. However, a more powerful variant, the GL550, will be released in about a year if the GL450 sells well. Wisely, Mercedes plans no AMG version. The GL is a worthy entry in its segment, but it has none of the charisma of the Cadillac Escalade or Mercedes-Benz's own G-class, which it was supposed to supplant. In fact, Mercedes is hedging its bets by keeping the ancient, preternaturally cool Gel,,ndewagen in its lineup for at least four more years. The GL is certainly a comfortable and capable SUV, but there are plenty of those. There's only one G-wagen, though.

Mercedes GL450

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a superbly performing SUV, and earns a very good score and high performance ranking within the class. A powerful, but silent, V8 engine powers a car that Motor Trend says "never feels like a full-size brute that can swallow seven; rather, it drives small, coming across more as an S-Class sedan than an Escalade competitor." This luxury SUV provides an excellent driving experience, with nearly every review noting, as New Car Test Drive does, that "the Mercedes-Benz GL 450 is large and capable off road yet feels surprisingly car-like on the road." This is in large part thanks to its unibody construction, instead of the body-on-frame construction that is typically used in most large SUVs and trucks. Edmunds notes the GL "manages to present itself with a touch of class. Its mechanical sophistication, unit-body construction and superior craftsmanship also set it apart from other seven-passenger full-sizers" Ride comfort, as befits a luxury SUV, also puts the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class at the top of its class, thanks to standard all-wheel drive, an independent rear suspension, and features such as electronic stability control. AutoWeek adds that the GL550 offers "an impressive combination of power, smoothness, surefooted handling and luxury." As previously noted, the 2007 GL-Class was recognized with several awards, including Edmunds' "Most Wanted SUV of 2007."

Mercedes GL450

Most reviews say that the 2008 Mercedes GL-Class offers above-average handling, despite the lack of road feel. AutoWeek says that all GL models "drive smaller than they are; agile handlers, they hustle quickly through curves." However, Edmunds says some "might find the Mercedes GL's handling to be a bit willowy -- this isn't a truck you toss around for the sheer joy of it. But the ride and handling compromise is acceptable, and the GL's steering, although a bit slow, is nicely weighted and never numb." Car and Driver says the steering "feels as if road feel were being delivered to you on a tiny pillow by a tiny butler - but there is good precision and heft to the wheel."