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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  Good Rig - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By chrism1987 - July 16 - 11:20 pm

  I have to say Mercedes Benz has done a great job with this vehicle. I had my doubts at first but after driving it for a week now Ive really gotten into this thing. Its comfortable, smooth, and can handle alot of cargo if the time comes. 7-speed auto gives the engine maximum flexibility, but it still drinks gas like any full size.

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  Great Choice - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By YAAAAAY - June 17 - 11:30 am

  Its wonderful that Mercedes-Benz made a large SUV, shortly after our last one gave up. A fantastic alternative to Cadillac, Chevy, and other brands with large SUVs. It works great in snow and rain. And overall very easy to drive.

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  great suv - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By mike - June 15 - 6:06 pm

  smooth ride ,handling , 3rd row power fold seats.engine power is smooth

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  Excellent SUV - Worth every penny! - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By ScottNJ - June 7 - 10:43 pm

  I wasnt 100% sure this vehicle was worth the price when I signed the paperwork. But after a 750 mile trip home the day we purchased it, I was completely convinced. The ride is smooth and silent. The interior is well designed and comfortable. And the vehicle has all of the features a family needs. Our model is loaded with all of the options less the distronic cruise control amd the vented leather fronts seats. I averaged 18.8 MPG on our return trip. Not bad given the vehicle was loaded to capacity. Definitely investigate the keyless go. Walking up to the car with bags in one had and your kid in another and never having to unluck the doors or insert a key to start the gine is nice!

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  Classy SUV - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By NH GL - May 16 - 12:56 pm

  I have to admit that I never knew this model existed. The room in this Mercedes GL has it all over the ML. The quality is light-years ahead of the Escalade. The ride is better than a luxury sedan. Came with an off-road package which I dont expect to need, but nice to know its there. Rear entertainment, leather, nav, sunroof, and satellite radio are all top notch!

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  A Good but not Perfect SUV - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By steveman - May 13 - 11:26 am

  Ive had 26 months to live with the truck. Best SUV yet, with my 2001 Denali being a very close 2nd. Friends dont all agree. Real 3rd row is great. I dont quite agree with other posts though, about how good this vehicle is in ice, mud, and snow. Could be Im not using the settings properly, but with all the snow this winter, did not feel confident in real bad weather. Although Im at almost 28K with the original Michelins, it is appalling that theyre about gone. It is expensive to maintain. The 20K service is more than an S550s major service. I checked. That is absurd for a diesel, and MB should be ashamed of themselves for that. For the record, I got bluetooth mod for free.

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  Rock Solid So Far - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By cyk - March 26 - 4:06 pm

  We purchased a 2011 GL450 with 77k miles for $27k in Jan 15. So far the car has been reliable with the only repair being a set of front pads & rotors that set us back $600. Weve racked up 25k miles and in that time have come to a few conclusions. 1) The build quality is not like MB of years past (weve had a few) where the doors had a tank-like closure and this GL feels comparatively "tinny". Materials are also a point of contention in that a car that had an original MSRP of $75k should come standard with leather seating, not the weird feeling MB Tex that comes standard. 2) The ride, while quiet, is heavy handed and feels unrefined over harsher pavement; poor compression damping would be my best description. 3) The engines power is adequate, but I feel like another 100hp would be just about perfect. Considering the car lives at 8k ft with high gradient roads, an extra 100hp would offset the lack of O2. 4) Aesthetically, the cars exterior has held up quite nicely and still looks relatively new. The paint and trim all continue to have a high luster. 5) The depreciation on these is astounding and makes it a poor choice to purchase new. Our expectation is to run this car well past 200k miles and it has worked better than expected to date. Understanding repair & maintenance costs will be relatively high, the big MB mostly delivers for its intended purpose; i.e. family hauling and comfortable commuting.

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  The worst car I have ever owned. - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By cm8112 - March 15 - 11:26 am

  We purchased a brand new 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450. Fully Loaded, including entertainment and towing packages. In January 2014 our problems started. The car had just a little over 60K miles. Airmatics were gone, one after another within days. One of them even blew up. 4 Electrical problems, including radio, and door locks. All repairs costed more than $4,500 within 6 months, and it continued until we had enough. It just started to fall apart after 60K miles. I gave it away for $26K. Lost almost 50 grand in 4 years. I was lucky with that history of repairs. Do yourself a favor get a Japanese car. Our time, hard earned money and peace of mind are valuable. Stay away of this car and brand.

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  A Diesel All the Way - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Sawjai - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Have taken vehicle on two long haul trips. One to Vancouver and one to LA and averaged over 25 mpg. The 600 mile range at least for me is more like 700 to 800 miles when driving less aggressively. LA trip hauled enough stuff for 4 adults and a newborn and everyone was comfortable. I wish that the rear two rows had legroom adjustments, but there is still a lot for a 3 row SUV. Power is excellent for passing, could use more off the line go power. The brakes have an initial feel of mush, but the stopping power is excellent. Saved me a few times, but didnt save the guy that rear-ended me. Built like a tank, little to no damage to my vehicle bumper, but totaled front panel of rear car.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By mvenki - February 14 - 1:46 am

  I drove 250mi so far, it is very smooth and great acceleration. My wife likes that soft squishy brakes very much as she hated the 2004 MLs truck like feel on the brakes. I know the car critics review that soft feel as negative (may be used to truck based SUVs?), but I feel softer brakes really helps and relaxes your legs especailly on busy trafic lights, because you dont have to stand on it. My Kids love the rear seat entertainment and it looks like airline biz class seats.