The first-generation Mercedes-Benz GL 450 has long been considered one of the apex vehicles of the luxury, 3-row mom-mobile set. Swaddled in leather, four-wheel air suspension, and powered by an aluminum V8, it rides like a cruise liner with massive interior space and comfort. But at the time, few people knew — and fewer people paid for — option #334. This was the then $2,250 “Off-Road Package,” which added these amazing goodies:
- Adaptive Damping System – ADSIL. This air suspension system can raise the vehicle 4.1 inches higher, resulting in around 12 inches of ground clearance.
- A 2-speed transfer case
- Locking center and locking rear differentials
- Steel front and rear skid plates
- ‘Underride Protection’, (which looks to be non-existent in our eyes)
- Crossbars for the roof rack
The transfer case, locking diffs, and height-adjustable air suspension make this Benz a true unicorn in the off-roading world. Or does it? We wanted to find out and put out the call to the TFL community.
Say hi to TFL’s Mercedes-Benz GL 450 4MATIC
A long-time TFL viewer answered to let us know that his mother was selling her 2008 GL, which she custom-ordered. The sticker price was $75,285.00 in 2008 or $109,405 in 2024 dollars. The GL has been 100% dealer-serviced ever since. The SUV had 122,000 miles on the clock and looked mint, so we bought it for $8,000. Yes, that’s a scary amount of depreciation in 15 years.
Our goal? To see if the GL with the Off-Road Package could be the next VW Touareg, a beast of an off-roader few people know about here in the U.S. that we loved and drove hard for more than a year. Accordingly, the first thing we did with the GL was take it to Moab. As Roman and Tommy discovered, the GL’s off-road goodies were operable and ready to go as soon as the Benz hit Moab dirt. But Tommy quickly realized that the old all-season tires were not up to the task. And neither were the low-profile running boards combined with the horrible break-over angle on this beast of a family hauler.
Stay tuned for the continuation of TFL’s GL saga!
Coming up, Tommy takes the Benz to the mechanic to see if we bought a gem or whether or screaming $8,000 deal was indeed too good to be true. Then we slap some BF Goodrich Trail Terrain tires on the GL to see if that makes the difference in turning this SUV into a legit off-roader that can compete with the Chevy Tahoe Z71 or Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro. For now, enjoy Roman and Tommy’s first drive and dirt adventures in the video below.
