2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI

The refined 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6 diesel engine that powers the 2008 Mercedes Benz GL320 CDI operates relatively quietly and doesn't produce the fumes that sometimes trouble older diesels, drivers and reviewers note. In fact, many drivers will barely notice that a diesel hides under the hood, instead of a typical gas-powered engine.

For the most part, the diesel V6, which produces 215 horsepower, capably powers the full-size GL320 SUV, which tips the scales at just over 5,300 pounds. However, acceleration isn't great, drivers note. On the positive side, the diesel V6 excels in fuel efficiency, getting as much as 24 miles per gallon at highway speeds.

While the CDI (common-rail injection) diesel runs on ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel, which helps lower emissions, the 2008 GL320 CDI has not been approved for sale in the states of California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Outside, the 2008 GL320 CDI displays a fluid, aerodynamic exterior appearance, with a silver grille, light-sensing headlights, dual square stainless-steel exhaust tips, and a sunroof with a retractable sunshade. Inside, the big SUV comes equipped with multifunction steering wheel, power-adjustable heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, brown bird's-eye maple wood trim, and dual-zone climate control.

The GL320 CDI also comes standard with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, four-wheel electronic traction control, an Electronic Stability Program, a seven-speed automatic transmission, antilock brakes, and a four-wheel air suspension, which automatically adjusts depending on passenger and cargo weight.

Drivers and reviewers note that the full-size SUV can often seem too big in small spaces like tight parking lots. However, it comfortably seats seven passengers in three rows, and with the second- and third-row seats folded down, it provides more than 83 cubic feet of cargo space.