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:

• 

  Flawless - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Tom Smith - June 21 - 8:06 pm

  This car is simply flawless. I have yet to find fault with it-The seats are wonderful, the ride is excellent, and the handling is amazing for such a large SUV. Test drove Q7, R Class, Escalade, Escalade ESV, and QX, only the ESV had a roomier third row, and the q7s 3rd row was smaller then my wifes BMW x3. The Escalades dash was a little nicer but it looked to flashy and no fold flat third row. The heated and cooled cup holders were very nice though and wish this car had them.Overall this car is perfect, and would highly recommend to anyone with a large family. Its served mine of 7 and 2 dogs very well, so well in fact Im selling my wifes x3 for one of these. Will be buying 2 more in a year.

• 

  Very nice car but... - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By BM - June 13 - 2:30 pm

  Driving the GL is a great experience, I am very happy with it. After having an Acura and a Lexus, I was happy to be back with MB. I was surprised to see a serious lack of technology. especially with the outdated navigation system (a portable one with a fraction of the price has more features and less complicated) and you should be able to change the radio station or CD without loosing the view of the map. Touch screen is standard in other cars. DVD in the back under the back seat make it imposible to change DVD or start it for the kids without stopping and diving under the seat (mainly it is for kids restrained in the back seat). Need child safety locks for the back doors.

• 

  Mercedes Failure - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By German cars - May 4 - 10:36 am

  Well, I wrote a review and was very pleased after 3 weeks. After a year, I had to get rid of, because I could not stand the tire/suspension problems. Car pulls badly to the right. Dealer says, "Oh, thats just the crown in the road causing that." No way! Wore out tires at 16000 miles and needs an alignment every 3 months. Car gets aligned, and runs true for a few months before starting to pull again. Sorry I ever doubted BMW. Do yourself a favor. Check out the driving characteristics first. If you go on the Mecedes forums, you will see many have the same disappointment.

• 

  Love this vehicle! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By summergirl - April 15 - 5:23 am

  Having owned 2 different Lexus SUVs and liking them, I can honestly say that this MB GL 470 is by far the best vehicle Ive owned. Just the right size for me. Not big, but roomy; not small, but manageable. Its a gorgeous vehicle, great sound system, incredible grade of leather, lacks nothing. Better on mileage than the Lexus GX I previously owned. Its solid and handsome. I travel to my sons home once a month, which is a 450 mile each way trip and I could not be more comfortable. I absolutely love this car. Cannot recommend it enough!

• 

  Its not that bad if youre previous car was a Range Rover:) - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By swfreeride - April 1 - 11:25 am

  Trust me when I say all European luxury SUVs have these kinds of issues. My previous car was a Range Rover HSE and a V8 Tuareg before that. Both had multiple air suspension issues, engine oil leaks, sensor failures, steering column replacements, etc... Friends with X5s dont fair well either. My RR even needed a drive shaft replacement. Fact of life unfortunately, if you want the luxury and style of the Euro SUVs the price you pay is well beyond the window sticker. The key is to enjoying the vehicle is pick the brand with a nearby dealership that treats you well and expect to spend your free time there:) - I tried the Lexus route for a year, just too bland and predictable.

• 

  Best SUV on the Market - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Rick C - March 31 - 4:13 am

  Weve owned the GL for three months now, and it has been flawless. Ive put 4,000 miles on it, with regular trips from the SF Bay Area to the sierras. Its incredibly solid and comfortable on the highway, completely stable on ice and snow, and easy to drive around town. The car is deceptive, there is a lot of room for both people and cargo hauling. We own this and an E-Class, and the GL feels even smoother to drive than the E. We tried all the 3-row SUVs and nothing on the market comes close to the GL.

• 

  Outstanding - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By JOE - March 26 - 11:40 pm

  The comfort and convenience is exemplary. Best seats of any vehicle that Ive owned. The vehicle was as steady as my SLK 55 AMG at higher speeds.

• 

  GL450 Falling apart at 65K miles - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By beachbenz - March 9 - 12:34 pm

  Ive got a 2009 GL450 with 65K miles. My wife drives it for light suburban driving only. In general, we like the vehicle, but it has been in the shop at least every three months. We are now out of warranty and have had a flood of issues in the past month. Three weeks ago the driver-side door lock mechanism went out. The audio (radio, phone, everything) went out last week and the system needed to be reset. This week, both front struts went out and nearly killed her (car was out of control). The bill for the struts and the doorlock is $5K, but the dealer offered to pick-up some of the tab. Ive owned a lot of new mercedes, but wont buy another one.

• 

  M-B Gets it Right - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By carl kaseman - February 23 - 7:16 pm

  Drives like a big M-B sedan, which is not perfect (like our BMW M5) but nonetheless very competent and solidly comforting. Unlike most other SUVs that weve driven, the steering feels well connected to the road and very safe at high speeds on the highway. And, it looks right at home in the country club parking lot. The exterior design combines elegance and muscularity in a way that should become the new standard for luxury SUVs. The same can be said for its ergonomics, which are simply outstanding. The controls for its many gizmos and gadgets are readily accessible and fairly intuitive, allowing us to avoid spending our nights reading the owners manual.

• 

  Good buy - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By neildd - February 23 - 8:33 am

  Have had the car for 2 months now P2 Appearance package. No problems. Technology takes getting used to. Great drive, nice ride. Kids love the rear ent system. Luxurious interior. Definitely a vast improvement in feel and comfort from MDX to a Mercedes.