Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.30/5 Average
213 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 181 through 190 of 213.00
  • GL 320 vs. Buick Enclave - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
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    I purchased an Acrtic White GL320 on 10/31/07. I love the vehicle and overall the fuel economy of the diesel is meeting my expectations. Now that I own both the MB and an 08 Enclave I can honestly say that GM has a winner on its hands. The MB certainly has some enticing things including the diesel offering, a firmer ride, etc. But dollar for dollar the Buick is pretty hard to beat. If they would simply upgrade the quality of some of their plastics and the fuel economy, I would be hard pressed to choose one over the other.

  • Still Have One of the First and Love It - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
    By -

    I bought one of the first off the assembly line and have been very happy overall. Only problems I had were at 40,000 miles with the cowling around the steering column coming loose and at 48,000 the front wheel bearings going bad. Of course all of these problems were fixed by the dealer. The interior of the vehicle is outstanding, but the view out the rear window is somewhat restricted. And getting into the third row seat takes a little effort. The third row seat has to be one of the most comfortable available. Adults can actually sit there comfortably without their knees in their chest. Im not crazy about the exterior design. No complaint with the power, its great!

  • Continuous Costly Maintenance - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
    By -

    Here is a list of repairs on our GL350, 2011: 1. Fuel system changed, fuel rail, high pressure fuel pump, all 6 fuel injectors $600 each in part, total cost > $5000. 2. AdBlue preheater, $1300 part, total $2100 3. Pending issues, oil cooler seal leak, estimate $2800, part and labor 4. Pending issues, cold start rattling noise; most likely due to timing chain stretch MUST buy extended warranty if you still want this car. Highly recommend to wait until next business management change at corporate level to bring back their quality products. Currently, its way below acceptable standard of practicing good business.

  • Awesome - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
    By -

    This truck is awesome! I drove every SUV under the sun and this one blows them all away. Not too big, not too small. Just right. Love the pick up. Pure luxury. Hope there wont be any problems to work out being its a new model and all.

  • The perfect SUV - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
    By -

    This is my wife/family car, we owned this GL320 CDI for more than a year and I love this SUV. Every time I drive it, I enjoy the ride. I drive a 335 convertible, but the handling, feeling and cornering of this truck is incredible. I strongly recommend this vehicle for big families, and if its diesel more.

  • Big & Green - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
    By -

    I gave my Acura MDX to my daughter and was looking for another solid SUV. Fell in love with the MB GL450 at first sight. Beautiful inside and out. Then saw the 320CDI version and drove it. Couldnt believe it was a diesel. Who would believe that you could have large comfortably luxury in an SUV and get 27 mpg on the highway? I was only worried about recent MB quality surveys on Consumer Reports but felt a little better given that the GL was totally redesigned.

  • Extremely slow parts delivery - 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
    By -

    i bought a new 2012 gl450 end of august 2012. i was in an accident on jan 14th 2013. took the car to the liberty mutual authorised body shop here in town on the same day. its been 11 weeks now and im still waiting on my car. reason- i have been told since early feb that they are waiting on the bumper. have called mercedes customer service several times, have a case manager there who updates me. first i was told that 60 bumpers were on back order, then a few days later i was told that 34 are still on back order. frustrating beyond belief. i dont think i will ever trust this car maker again.

  • Love this beast - 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
    By -

    Owned the car for a few years, put 64k miles, no problems, only regular maintenance which actually doesn’t cost that much. Oil change with filter only 130$ at the dealer, I think very reasonable, in comparison I paid 400$ for oil change for my cayenne so I’m pretty happy with reliability and cost of ownership. Resale value of course not great but it’s a good thing for people who buy this vehicle used. Great fit and finish of all the interior components. Headlight performance is not best but I updated the bulbs and it definitely made an improvement. Great acceleration and handling despite the size and weight of the vehicle. Would recommend it to anyone! Love mine

  • GL550, multitude of small problems undermines confidence in the brand - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
    By -

    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".

  • Great SUV - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
    By -

    Traded in a Land Rover Lr3 for the Gl450. Wow what a difference! Better and smoother ride, more power, more luxurious, more amenities. The car is a real head turner. We are very happy so far.

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Reviews By Year:
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