More power for more people
What it Is
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 Brief – New York Auto Show: For every move car manufacturers make toward clearing the air of harmful carbon emissions and minimizing their impact on the environment, it seems there’s a counteracting move toward additional power and performance. Witness the debut for 2007 of the Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDi with its clean diesel rating, and now for 2008 the introduction of the more powerful GL550 with the same 5.5-liter, 382-horsepower V8 found in other models within the German manufacturer’s lineup. Though 14 percent more grunt doesn’t sound like much, with 391 lb.-ft. of torque available between 2,800 and 4,800 rpm, the GL550 is gonna feel quick. The seven-passenger GL550 does not replace the GL450, instead serving as an upgrade with subtle styling differences and an extra dollop of standard equipment.Photos courtesy of: Christian Wardlaw