Mercedes GL 320 CDI

What will amaze you is how quietly the 3.0-liter Common rail Direct Injection (CDI) V6 engine operates and carries the 5,236 pound body of the GL 320 CDI. The turbocharged v-6 generates a respectable torque of 398 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm and yet delivers a combined fuel mileage of 24 mpg. There are no tell tale signs of sulphur exhaust from the diesel due in part to the oxidizing catalytic converter close to the engine as well as the particulate filter.

The 2008 GL 320 CDI SUV comes with an All-wheel, 7-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted shift buttons. While descending hills, the driver activated Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) is a cool feature that sets that throttle to 4mph for a crawl speed and can be overridden by pressing the accelerator or switching off the DSR. An equally cool feature is the Hill-start assist which helps prevent unintentional rollback when taking from a stop on steep grades. The hill-start assist maintains the brake pressure for a second after the driver releases the brake pedal, allowing the driver sufficient time to press the accelerator.

The interiors of the car are plush with 8-way power adjustable heated driver and passenger seats, driver adjustable lumbar support, second row 60/40 split folding seats and third row split folding seats. The car comes with all the trimmings of a luxury Mercedes such as premium audio, satellite navigation, DVD, multi-zone climate control, tire pressure monitoring, standard safety features, etc.

Priced at an estimated $58,000, the 4-door GL 320 SUV will not be sold in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York or Vermont which have the strictest emissions standards and will only be available in the remaining 45 states.

Specifications:
Engine3.0L 24-valve V-6 diesel engine
Net power215 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Net torque398 lb-ft @ 1,600 — 2,400 rpm

Engine 2,987-cc turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V-6. Cast-iron cylinder block. Aluminum-alloy head.

Net power 215 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Net torque 398 lb-ft @ 1,600 — 2,400 rpm
Compression ratio 17.7:1
Fuel requirement Ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel.
Fuel tank (capacity - reserve) 26.4 gal — 3.4 gal