Maybe they have power steering assistance to make it feels easier to drive. I do not know. You need to find it out.
I do not know much about maintenance requirements.
I tested drive once. The door is so heavy. When you close it, it sounds like 北京212吉普。
You can not compare CL500 with GX450. One is a truck and sits much higher. You can buy the G500. It is still a good car. Just kind out dated for me.
If you want a SUV, I suggest you look into Cayenne or even Land Rover LR3.. I personal think the Cayenne is the best mid size SUV in the market so far. I bought a used S model not long ago. Love it. Last weekend I talked my friend into a Turbo. He will pick up the car tomorrow. The Turbo is really nice. It runs and handles like a race car with 500hp and Porsche tuned air suspension.