Overview & Reviews

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a full-size luxury SUV built at Mercedes' Tuscaloosa, Alabama, plant alongside the midsize M-Class SUV and R-Class luxury wagon. This is Mercedes' biggest SUV, with three rows of seating and plenty of cargo space. If you're in the market for such a vehicle -- and value on-the-road comfort and manners more than ultimate off-road prowess or tow capacity -- you'll definitely want to check out the GL-Class.

Current Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is offered in three variants: GL350 Bluetec, GL450 and top-of-the-line GL550. The latter features the more powerful V8 engine, a more pronounced front grille and most of the less expensive models' optional features. The GL350 Bluetec has a clean-burning diesel while the GL450 has a gas-powered V8, but these models are virtually identical in terms of equipment.

All GL-Class models have generous seating for up to seven passengers, a roomy cargo hold, capable all-weather performance and the ability to tow various lifestyle accessories, though not quite as effortlessly as some rivals. Standard niceties include powered and heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power-folding third-row seat. A hard-drive-based navigation system is available.

Under the GL450's hood is a 4.7-liter V8 making 335 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The GL550 features a 5.5-liter V8 that produces 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The 50-state-aproved GL350 Bluetec is powered by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 good for 210 hp and 400 lb-ft of low-rpm torque. That type of off-the-line power is well suited to a large SUV, and the diesel also yields superior fuel economy. All GL-Class models come equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. They also all come with an air-adjustable suspension and all-wheel drive.

In reviews, we've lauded the GL-Class' roomy seating, luxurious cabin and powerful engines. All of the expected luxuries are either standard or available, and the GL also offers the advantage of being slightly less enormous than some rivals. However, it is quite expensive compared to similar models from Audi, Infiniti and Land Rover. Overall, we highly recommend the GL-Class if the price is not too off-putting.

Used Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Models
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class was introduced for 2007 with two trim levels: GL320 CDI and GL450. The GL320 CDI's diesel power plant was similar in output to the current Bluetec diesel, but it was not cleared for sale in California-emissions states. The GL550 and its more powerful gasoline V8 arrived in 2008. For 2009, the GL320 Bluetec model replaced the GL320 CDI, boasting cleaner emissions that allowed it to be 50-state legal. Also for 2009, the navigation system received hard-drive-based functionality, and the COMAND interface was updated. For 2010, the diesel model became the GL350 Bluetec and received a smidge more torque.

User Reviews:

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  2014 GL450 - 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Mohamed Jalloh - October 18 - 6:46 am

  Smooth ride with luxury package.

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  An amazing value when purchased used! - 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Drew - October 11 - 10:02 am

  I bought a 2014 GL 550 w/ 40K miles in 2017 for $55K (original MSRP $95K in 2014 -- sharp depreciation!). Had been part of MBs certified vehicle offering. What a spectacular vehicle for the money! This big MB is so fast, and handles so incredibly well that I find Texass top, 80-mph speed limit to be frustratingly low. Although intended for the US market, this twin-turbo V8 with wide, performance tires would be more at home at much higher speeds on Germanys autobahns. The brakes are every bit as impressive as the engine. In addition to almost preternatural performance for such a big vehicle, the interior comforts are also great, starting with the Harmon Kardon stereo, but also the massaging, heated & cooled seats, and triple sunroof. Im not a fan of the cumbersome navigation system, however, and children over twelve are uncomfortable in the third-row seats. Finally, the MB dealer here in San Antonio has been delightful to deal with for routine maintenance.

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  Gl550 ccc - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Hasan - September 24 - 10:01 am

  Well warranty wont cover air ride which is shock absorbers and this car has issues with air ride in 65,000 miles I changed all my cost 5000$ i been ridin S class Mercedes all my life never had air ride issues this suv is junk belive me junk Mercedes be ashamed of production and German car i am for sure switching to American built cars snd suvs

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  The Best SUV - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Louis Magnani - September 16 - 4:43 pm

  I have had other SUVs Mercedes Benz, BMW, Cadillac, lexus and I love my new GL the Best. I t can tow my boat with no problem and I can go on vations with my family. I love the handling and the drive.

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  New M-B GL450 Review - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Gary S. - September 16 - 2:36 am

  I have only owned it a week and love it. It has more room than my previously owned 2006 VW Touareg, which was a good crossover SUV which did not enough room for my three sons, even after one just departed for college. Also, the M-B GL450 is so much nicer then my previous 2000 Lincoln Navigator relative to ride, gas mileage, and just plain sophistication. The M-B Tex interior is well worth forgoing the extra $1650 for leather, too. The only feature that could be improved is the back-up camera showing the actual orientation of the vehicle for parking, etc. My VW Touareg had this at $20K less. All in all, this is not a lot different in features then my wifes 2005 M-B S500. Just Great!

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  GL450 - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By terp97 - September 2 - 2:10 pm

  This GL is awesome. It rides so smooth the transmission is flawless. I really do feel like Im in a G500 jet or something. Great acceleration when needed.

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  2013 has been a Very Bad Year. - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By cc57 - August 27 - 9:49 pm

  Purchased new, our 2008 GL320 has been eating us out of house and home in 2013. Since it hit 80,000 miles, weve had multiple, expensive repairs with each being about $1,500 to $1,800. In this order, left front air strut replaced, turbocharger replaced, fuel pump replaced, right front air strut and air compensator valve replaced. Both the turbo and fuel pump failures left us stranded and required towing it to the dealer. Unfortunately, we did not purchase the extended warranty as I thought that a diesel would be bulletproof. Obviously, I was very wrong.

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  Dont buy used - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By mbpoorquality - August 11 - 7:00 am

  A used Mercedes, who brags about quality, should not need a new cylinder head at 65,000 miles. Running rough? When they do a compression test, dont be suprised if it is number 2 or number 4 on the passenger side. It will cost you $5000 and you can forget about warranty coverage. The electronics are way out of date. Save yourself money and frustration...do not buy used. And dont be misled when you get a call from Mercedes "corporate". It is some hourly employee who gets paid to tell you how special you are but they wont do a thing about their crappy motors. I will never buy another one. My AUDI Q7 is much better all the way around.

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  Perfect truck but poor technology - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Gurmeet Singh - July 8 - 9:36 pm

  It is a pleasure to drive this car with comfort seating and the excellent engine it has - very quite and smooth/gliding ride which we love. However, on technology and interior space usage, it is quite poor - My Sienna 2006 had better technology and interior space usage than this truck.

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  Extraordinary - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By robert - June 24 - 10:30 pm

  I have owned many Mercedez over the years. I almost bought the new S class because of its beauty and drive until this car showed up and it is a dream. Perfect for my travel needs to the mountains. Only have 1,200 miles today and I love the car. Far better than the R or M class. And far better than Range Rover or the new Audi SUV!