2008 Mercedes-Benz GL Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 52 GL reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
Crash test ratings are not yet available for the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class from the federal government or insurance industry, so it is difficult to assess the GL-Class's safety.
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has a plethora of safety features. Edmunds says the GL has "a typically Mercedes-like selection of effective but unobtrusive dynamic safety measures." These safety systems include side-curtain airbags for the third row, a feature that usually isn't standard in this class.
Accident Avoidance
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class includes anti-lock disc brakes, an Electronic Stability Control system, an Electronic Traction system for avoiding skids, and Brake Assist, which applies additional force to the brakes during a hard stop. A rear-view camera system and Parktronic, a parking assistance system, are also available as options.
Crash Protection
A full complement of air bags are included in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, including side air bags for the front and second-row seats and side curtain airbags which cover the length of the side windows. The front row headrests move forward in the event of a crash to prevent whiplash. All the seatbelts include emergency tensioning devices, which instantly remove slack in the event of a crash. This model also includes a rollover sensor which will instantly cause the seatbelts to lose all slack if a rollover is detected.