Overview & Reviews

For 2015, GL450 models get a new turbocharged V6 engine that's just as powerful as the V8 it's replacing but much more fuel-efficient. All gasoline-powered models also receive an automated engine stop-start feature designed to boost fuel economy. Finally, the six-CD changer has been dropped and the optional panoramic sunroof loses the glass panel over the third-row seats.

• Available fuel-efficient diesel V6
• Classy and quiet interior
• Strong brakes.
• Authoritative power
• Room for seven adults

• Overly light steering effort.
• Ponderous handling

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 13.00

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  Great vehicle just not for us - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Mike Williams - December 22 - 10:49 am

  We decided on something larger

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  3rd GL. Still an impressive vehicle - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Bill L. - June 28 - 4:15 pm

  This is our 3rd GL. We have owned a 2007 GL450, a 2011 GL550 and now a 2015 GL450. Each time we have test driven other vehicles and ended up back at the Mercedes dealer. PROs: Real 7 adult capacity - The back seat is a little of a climb but it can comfortably seat 2 reasonably sized adults for moderate distances. Drives less "trucky" that the truck-based SUVs - This is a unibody and therefore is not built on a truck frame. That allows for lower ride height and more stable feeling SUV with a lower lift height to put stuff in the back. Decent power and ride - This is a change from the old V8s and is a little more slow to respond when accelerating from a moderate pace (the old V8s were quicker) but it is still very reasonable for a vehicle this size. It is also a great highway cruiser with comfortable seats and non-fatiguing driving position. Many safety gizmos available - Lane departure warning, front impact warning, blind spot monitoring, automatic high beams, headlights that follow the curves all make for a safer ride. Interior - Although the electronics are not the best the interior is pretty darn nice. Leather wrapped dash, doors, real wood and solid overall feel to the controls and buttons. CONS: Expensive to fix/maintain - MB is one of the more expensive models to maintain. Just a fact. New sets of brakes/rotors every 30-40K miles, general maintenance in the $300-$500 range and this isnt a cheap car to own. Add in that it requires Premium Unleaded and this isnt a cheap vehicle Transmission can range from smooth to harsh - Usually, it shifts very smoothly but every once in a while it will hard upshift/downshift. All 3 I have owned have done this. It never inspired confidence but I ran my last one to 144K miles and it was still going strong when I traded it. Electronics are only ok - Nothing overly exciting about the NAV or Command system as a whole. It works but is a little clunky and low resolution. Summary: Safe, comfortable vehicle that performs well and feels like a luxury vehicle. Electronics are only okay and your wallet/pocketbook wont be thrilled but for some people that extra cost is worth it.

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  Excellent 7 seat luxury SUV with nice & improved features - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By h82bl8 - April 10 - 9:59 am

  We purchased the 15 GL450 as a family vehicle/daily use vehicle for my wife. Its a perfect luxury 7 seat SUV in my opinion. Its roomy, both elegant and athletic inside. I was sort of hesitant on the new V6 bi-turbo engine but what a pleasant surprise! Though the engine sound is not as pleasing as the V8, the performance speaks for itself. It has similar performance as the naturally aspirated V8 in the X164 (GLs before 13) while getting better gas mileage. Weve owned the previous version GL450 & GL350 and the interior, especially the "technology" has definitely improved significantly. The navi system is now somewhat user friendly, though not as nice as the Japanese cars and Audi MMI.

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  High Quality and Technology - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Kenneth Taylor - December 18 - 6:01 am

  This car seems very well made; its a tank. MB uses materials that seem very durable, even if unusual and hard to clean. This SUV is a good size, big but not huge. The front seats arent quite as comfortable as I expected but not bad. The SatNav is easy to use and up to date with lots of search options. Connectivity is top notch, USB, iPad, WiFi Hotspot, and more (MB is a button push away like OnStar). Lots of technology innovations that you wouldnt know about unless someone told you. The 2nd, 3rd row seats are very easy to raise and lower with a push of a button. Lots of convenience items, like 120 V outlet, full size spare with jack, electric park brake, push button/lever shifter. If you want to keep the price down you will likely have to special order which is what I did (2-3 month wait). I cant comment on the advanced techno features like Park Assist, Lane Keeping, Night Vision, etc. since I didnt get those features. The vehicle is heavy but has enough power to accelerate well from start (with a lot of gas pedal). This car is designed to save gas and it does that well (e.g. Eco Start/Stop). I love the Brake Hold feature! Also has first ever eco-friendly tires from Pirelli that seem pretty good plus quiet. The car drives remarkably well and is well mannered when parking. Perfect soccer mom car with some luxury and glitz. I look forward to driving again. My last car was a Shelby GT500 which was fun but tiring compared to this car. Not liking the bare aluminum running boards so much. After several years they will look nasty if you dont take good care of them. This car is the widest in its class so lots of room. I compared a LOT before buying this one. Rumor: MB will be cutting supply to the US.

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  GL550, multitude of small problems undermines confidence in the brand - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By cargourmet - November 20 - 10:37 pm

  Just got this family mover four months ago. It is no doubt a beautiful truck, and is loaded with all kinds of technological gizmos. However, that may be it downfall because a multitude of annoyances keep cropping up and sending us to the dealer: LED lights not working, tire sensor failure, power seat failure, etc. Finally, one morning the car was dead in the garage. A $100K car that would not give any sign of life or start with only 4000 miles on board. Had to have it towed to the dealer where they are still "trying to figure out what happened".