Autobloggreen Hearts 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec. Again. Still.

Yesterday, we took Autobloggreen (ABG) to task for running a thinly-veiled pimpatorial for the new Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec. Their post was disguised as a celebrity trend piece, supposedly informing eco-readers that Hollywood eco-warriors were exchanging their Priora for an equally PC Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec diesel. We so busted them, from the manufacturer’s plates on the carefully-posed cheesecake shot’s whip, to the fact that ABG printed the entire MB press release verbatim. And now, surprise! They’re reviewing the Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec. And do they like it? What do you think? But there is humor here, to be sure. “The garish graphics on the GM hybrid SUVs scream out to the world, ‘look I bought a hybrid! even though I’m still driving alone in an a 6,000 lb, seven passenger SUV!’ The Mercedes, on the other hand, only has discreet BlueTec badges on the front fenders and the tailgate. Aside from that and the GL320 badge, there is no other indication that this vehicle can get mileage in the mid-20s.” Whoa! Mid-20s? In an SUV? ABG’s planet saving mission is go! With 11k worth of options, no less…

“Part of the nearly $11,000 in options on this particular GL320 was the adaptive damping system. Unlike some systems, switching from normal to comfort or sport modes actually made a noticeable difference,” Sam Abuelsamid reports. “While the comfort was perhaps a bit wallowy feeling on some undulating surfaces, it was definitely helpful when dropping my son at school.”

It’s nice to see that Autoblog’s house style– counteract any criticism with an immediate compliment– has made it to their sister site. Anyway, as Lord Humongous said, “no more games!” Let’s get down to the serious bsuiness of justifying driving this behemoth instead of something with serious mpg.

“If you actually find yourself with a need to carry up to six other people with you and tow nearly four tons, and you have a budget commensurate with this level of luxury, the GL320 may be your best option. It offers fuel consumption that’s equal to or better than anything with its capabilities. The GL is not inexpensive with an as-tested price tag of $69,815 including delivery. Even at that elevated price point, it’s still nearly $4,500 less than the base price of the all-wheel-drive Escalade hybrid. Plus you won’t have to pester the dealer to remove those silly stickers.”

True. But even so, I call sell-out.