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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  Mercedes GL 320 CDI - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Ed Jette - September 26 - 9:00 pm

  I bought the 2008 MB GL CDI used with 14K miles on it. I have 50K on it now. I bought 4 Blizzak snow tires for it and it makes it go through any conditions like a tank. I had the air suspension replaced under warranty by MB. No other problems. On a ski trip to Vermont one night got down to -10 degrees. Failed to start without putting in a bottle of 911 diesel fuel treatment. Started right up after that with no more problems. What a ride, 2 adults, 5 kids loaded to the hilt with a roof rack and still got 23 miles per gallon.

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  Seduced by Styling - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By rcf8000 - September 22 - 3:52 pm

  The GL is a mixed bag of the great and not so great. The latter would include the ride quality and road noise, although my car has the 20 inch wheels and runflat tires, which may be worse than the standard 19 inch wheels. I find the seats to be a bit too firm, but then I find most luxury car seats to be too firm. The nav screen is a joke. Its too small, and the lettering is too small. And I cant read it at all when wearing sun glasses. But the guidance to programmed destinations works well. My car has the running boards, which make getting in and out somewhat awkward. They look good though!

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  Worst car I ever owned - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Done with it - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This car could be great if only it wasnt constantly returning to the dealer on the back of a tow truck. We bought it new and within 6 months the front engine gasket blew out. Two months later the same thing happened, but this time the leaking oil caused a serpentine belt failure and we lost the steering -- not good when driving down the road in a 3-ton SUV. A few months later the power steering pump failed. Today we discovered oil all over the garage floor. Absolutely unacceptable reliability. As soon as the Mercedes dealer patches the thing back together it will be off to the BMW dealer to trade it in.

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  In love with my GL - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Mb lover - September 18 - 2:03 am

  We came across the Gl450 looking at the R350. My GL, which was stickered at 70,000 was equiped with pk1 package, keyless go, 2 dual DVD players, trailer hitch, ipod integration kit and 19 inch wheel package. The GL which gets a 11,000( base price) premium over the R , its totally beautiful in the exteror is worth it ( although interior dimensions are a bit tighter.) In love with my GL.

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  Super Truck - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By A.C. - September 16 - 2:43 am

  Great performance, acceleration, handling etc. Considering its weight and size mileage is suprisingly good. usually 18MPG+ on the highway driving at 70+ MPH. ------------------------------------ - It has been fixed now but the rear hatch would sometimes open without any input from the remote.

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  Diesel Fun - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Kenneth Miller - September 11 - 12:23 pm

  I always wanted a turbo-diesel and the solid MB 350 Bluetec is an ideal vehicle for hauling people or material. Mileage is better than advertised and features are terrific. The deal I received was great and we really enjoy this terrific SUV, made in Alabama.

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  Love It - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Sajan - September 5 - 12:16 am

  This is my first Benz, dreamed for long time, before I test drive, I went test drive the FX50, Q7, and BMW, didnt look at the LX570, didnt any deal at the time, GX470 was too old. But IMO, i like the GL is much better than these. SO far its good, no problems at all. I love new NAV, only problem so far I find, when i am on call through bluetooth, if i turn off the car and open the door it will drop the call, it didnt do it on my 2008 G35. that is only -ive. when u buy this SUV, make sure u get P2 and appreance pkg, its very good

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  Our first Mercedes-Benz - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By KBKBDB - August 26 - 3:26 am

  So far, so good. We were in the market for a SUV. Test drove the Acura MDX, BMW X5 4.8i, and the GL. We were impressed by all three vehicles but ultimately the GL was the way to go--truly appreciate the usable third row seats.

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  Fun to Drive, lots of improvements - 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By avic - August 5 - 6:21 pm

  I was looking for a replacement for my 2011 GL450, and was getting tired of the poor user interface of the controls, hard to enter address on the navigation using the arrow keys, etc. The 2014 GL450 is exciting to drive. It is peppy, the controls are well laid out and the steering is light and responsive. The turn radius is tight, and a roomy interior. There have been a lot of small and steady improvements (see my list of favorite features below). It still feels solid (I had been hit by another car at 50mph on the driver side door in the previous GL and the solid door held up and protected me well). The technology and electronics has been updated also. Overall, a fun car to drive.

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  Beware, it lokks good on paper, but is very disapp - 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By VandyJody - July 21 - 10:37 am

  Hard seats, mediocre brakes and dreadfully rough transmission shifts. Driving "in town" is awful due to the way the transmission is always slamming down or up, very clunky. Hard braking is terrifying because the front end goes down and tge rear end lifts just like our 1972 Ranch Wagon witg rear drums. With 9300 miles, I had the car shut off due to transmission failure, but even woth that fixed, the hard as wood seats still give me pain. And tge brake rotors are already warped. Truly a mix of astonishing engineering (the bi-turbo V6 is terrific), terrific space and cheap cost cutting combines into a mediocre SUV, I will buy Lexus next.