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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  Awesome suv - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By ceezeeman - July 13 - 12:23 am

  This is a great truck. Looks great, well built, fun to drive. But it is an suv, not a luxury sedan and handles accordingly.

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  Well built - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By saleem.qazi - July 11 - 12:53 am

  Fun to drive. Front end not very smooth. It feels like its missing rubber bushings in the front. I hope it is an actual Mercedes and not just a name change from Dodge Durango to Mercedes GL450. It will be very disappointing if thats the case. Otherwise, it is a good vehicle. Also, its difficult to lift the middle row to get the 3rd row.

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  I traded an 07 Lex GX 470 - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Charles - June 28 - 3:56 pm

  I traded in my Lexus with only 14 K miles. I just stopped to look at the new GL class as we wanted a larger vehicle. I am very very impresed. Dont let the low entry price of the 320 fool you, mine decked was 74 K. Was it worth it yes. I cant advise on long term reliability or build, but for 2 months my judgment indicates MB is back. I get 26 miles to the gal. I towed my boat yesterday ( 5K lbs ) no problem. Yes I am very happy except 1. outside mirrors too small, the cruise control is in the wrong place, add easy exit seats that more back and down ( like cad escalade ) plenty of power, 26 mpg, full time 4wd .

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  Its OK - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Its OK. - April 29 - 5:26 pm

  Ive had the wagon for about six months now and its a good car. I havent had any problems to speak of. The seats are firm, but not the most comfortable, I could drag a house down the street with this thing, but wont any races, and my mileage is excellent (avg. 21mpg hwy/cty), all typical of a diesel. That said, everything electric about it is inferior to the domestic wagons. The power lift- gate is slow and doesnt always close, the nav. is a pain to use and slow in responding, the rain sensing wipers typically do what they want, even on a sunny day, and the front parking "see dead people" and want to warn me about it. If youre thinking about a 4wd wagon, check out the Flex, cool & cheap.

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  Lemon Flavored Diesel - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By mgarrison - April 11 - 7:20 pm

  Purchase this car in 2014 with 70k miles on it for around 28k. Got an extend warranty for the car and glad we did. The entire rack and pinion steering system had to be replaced at 75k miles which was paid by warranty with a cost of around $4600. The heating element for the def tank went out at a cost of $3300 and the entire tank had to be replaced since they heater is sealed in the tank. That was paid out of our pocket, then we got the dreaded oil cooler leak which is a very common issue on almost every GL diesel which cost right around $4200 to fix as the most the engine has to be taken apart in order to replace the $16.50 oil cooler gasket. Had huge diesel fuel leak due to o-ring issues with the fuel filter, another $250 spent to fix that. Then I the air bag compressor failed, $875 to replace that, then had 1 air bag fail, another $1400. The rear power lift gated failed at cost of close to $2000 to replace it. The final nail in the coffin was the sale of the vehicle for $6500. We had lots safety recalls with the airbags, but Mercedes has failed to do anything to replace them and keep pushing it off claiming that they do not have the parts to replace it and because of these recall no dealer is able to resell the vehicle till Mercedes fixes the issue making it nearly a worthless suv. Sticker price on this suv new was $106,235 as it had every option available on it. Stay away, stay away and please google all the known issue with these vehicles. Dont let our mistake be your mistake!

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  Mercedes 2014 Gl 450 -- sweet! - 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By ghergenroeder - March 12 - 10:39 pm

  This is truly Mercedes at its best. I never thought I would own such a wonderful vehicle. It is a little pricey, but it is worth every penny. I am really satisfied with everything about it. On the highway I can even average 21 mpg.

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  I love it! - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By George - February 27 - 12:53 pm

  I sold my Acura, I got this GL550, I have to say I love it! I only miss the Navigation from my MDX, it is more powerful and intuitive. I love the ride, I am surprise it feels like a sedan car, even when I tested it at 100 mph.. NICE Enough space in the third row for adults, great features, great ride..and other people comment on how beautiful it is..

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  Satisfied Owner - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By irongate - February 22 - 3:20 am

  I have 53k miles still enjoying the SUV. Tires are not MB fault, read about that excessively like MB makes the stupid tires! Michelin and others dont make a 19" speed and weight rated tire for this SUV so forced to buy brands like Continental that only last 27k miles. Same problem for a Cayenne or other performance SUVs with big wheels. Side mirrors need to be bigger. Get the real leather for excellent comfort. 3rd row seats are the BEST of any SUV, comfortable with great leg room for a trip, knees are not at your chin like others! park sensors,stereo sound, gas mileage for big SUV is terrific. Get 20 to 21 mpg driving hard in town 24 mpg on hwy going 75 mph, 27 to 28 mpg at 55 mph.

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  Great Vehicle with poor reliability - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Pieter - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I put 20,000 miles on it (the vehicle had about 6000 miles on it when I purchased it), and had it in the shop about 8 times. The compressor for the airmatic suspension went out at just 7000 miles. All the doorlocks failed and had to be replaced just 5000 miles later. Then the radio went haywire. Also the park tronic went bad and had to be fixed. At 25,000 miles the rear shocks were leaking and had to be replaced. These were just the major repairs. I just traded it in for a Lexus and hope to have better luck now. The great thing about the vehicle was the diesel engine. On long road trips I would average almost 30 miles to the gallon WOW ! I will miss this part.

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  American All-Star - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Zach Vannoy - February 13 - 10:00 am

  After coming from 2011 "American" Escalade (Made in Russia)I have realized that I have been missing out on the Best SUV for the last 4 years. Since 2006 I have been buying a Cadillac Escalade for me, and a ESV for my wife. The GL provides a replacement for both. The third row is larger then the ESVs yet the car itself is smaller then the regular Escalade. Its far more easy to navigate around town, provides a better ride,has more passing power,and looks better in and out. Test drove the new Infiniti QX and the Lexus Lx. The third row seat in both of them were far smaller, and didnt handle as good. The Qx did have a nicer center row r, but was inferior elsewhere. Very Pleased overall.