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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  Has bad side too - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Agie - December 20 - 9:03 am

  I have this vehicle for over 2 months and stumbled into a common mistake and filled up with gas. Costing around $800 to remove the gas when I did not started the car and realize while fueling. If you start it may cost you $6000-$8000. Very delicate fuel and exhaust system.

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  Love/Hate Heartbreak - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Schaffs04 - October 20 - 3:59 pm

  The GL was a dream come true for me at the beginning. One owner, 2011 GL450 with a clean carfax and good looking maintenance history. Purchased from an MB dealer in April 2015. On the upside it was incredibly comfortable, fast, elegant, and as capable of hauling 6 adults in comfort to dinner as it was pulling a trailer with 3 tons of rock. When it was right, it was a thing to behold. When it went wrong, as it often did, it was like getting kicked in the gut. In 12 months and 20k miles: *Front Airmatic failure: $2,450 to repair *Primary and Secondary Battery Failures: $550 to repair *Blown underhood fuse panel: $450 to repair. *Standard maintenance for the year: $800, and that was skipping the spark plugs due at 60k which would have been another $600. Insult to injury was the depreciation in just one year: close to 40%. It has gone away and I am back to a nice, reliable, Japanese Infiniti. No need for 7 passenger so I also downsized. The only way this truck makes sense is if you can either do the work yourself, or have no worries about significant unexpected repairs. Wanted one for 25 years and after a year with the Benz, I suggest if you want a 7 passenger SUV that can tow, save yourself the heart wrenching experience of a GL and buy a GMC Yukon or Lexus LX570.

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  Constructive Criticism - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By JohnP in Boston - August 15 - 8:43 pm

  I love this car and its really a dream to own and drive. I had a problem with the power tailgate not working. The NAV system is a bit primitive and prone to error. This is still the best car that I have had the privilege to own and I highly recommend it.

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  Love my GL - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By cindykoz - June 24 - 2:06 pm

  This is my first Mercedes and my 2nd SUV. I love it. We have 3 small children all in car seats and we all fit very comfortably and easily with room for friends. We live in central New York and have had about 5-6ft of snow since we picked up the GL, it handles it like a dream. We will be adding running boards as its a bit high for small kids and grandparents.

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  Still love this car after first 20k - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By tjl - June 16 - 12:40 am

  Owned this 07 GL320 CDI for 15 months. Overall fuel efficiency has been 22.7 mpg through 20500 miles. On the highway, weve gotten up to 28 mpg, and always 20+ around town. Very comfortable on long trips or short commutes. Handled heavy winter snowfall in Spokane and North Idaho with ease. Couple of items to be aware of when purchasing. Uses synthetic Mobil 1, so oil changes are every 10- 12k. Oil light comes on occassionally. Dealer states its a computer glitch that hasnt yet been corrected. OE tires (we have Continental 4x4 Contact 18") are worn out and need to be replaced.

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  Expensive Lesson - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Ticked Off - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle less than a week ago, and because of my work schedule couldnt drive it for three days. The first day that Im able to drive it I go to the gas station to fill it up and the power steering goes out, I wait 3 hrs to be towed. I contact the dealership who tells me I also have a leak in the rack and pinion long story short I have a $7,000 bill on a vehicle I purchased 5 days ago and havent even driven 150 miles in. I cant use the warranty I purchased because there is a 30 day wait period. I want my trade in vehicle back.

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  I traded my 2007 GL450 for 08 GL550 - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By hbmciver - May 13 - 2:06 pm

  Best decision I made; to upgrade to the GL550. Unless something else comes on the market I cant imagine owning anything else. The MB GL550 has it all, comfort, quality inside and out! Ill trade in 2010 if there are upgrades, otherwise my 08 actually gets better gas mileage hwy than its rated for. I get 19-21 mpg, and the smoothest ride imaginable!

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  Best of both worlds - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By gd77 - May 10 - 4:43 am

  While we only have 1200 miles on this vehicle, the MPG has been very impressive and at no loss in pick up. Average mpg to date is just under 22 and the cruising range is great with a large tank. The CDI has a slight diesel ting to it and you can notice that this is a diesel engine but it is nothing like the competitors diesels. No smoke, no loud clanging of the engine, and it is very refined.

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  2011 GL 350 Bluetec - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Atlanta North - May 1 - 10:00 am

  We just recently moved from a 2008 GL 320 CDI to the 2011 GL 350 Bluetec. The fit and finish and additional sound insulation in the 2011 are very noticeable. There are some nice feature upgrades from 2008 to 2011 such as bluetooth, voice control, HD radio etc. MB has definitely taken a step forward on what was already a great vehicle. The larger 20" tires on the 11 are definitely nicer than the 18" on the 08. We loved our previous GL and look forward to even better experience with our 11. In fact already the fuel economy seems slightly improved which was already impressive for such a large vehicle.

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  GL Diesel: Great SUV Sluggish Performance - 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Eddie Brannon - April 30 - 8:21 am

  This is one of the finest SUVs available being beat only by Land Rover Range Rover Diesel which lists for about 25-30k more. The GLs acceleration is sluggish and is much less nimble than my X-5 diesel. The GL offers more space than the BMW and has excellent fuel economy given its size. The premium package excludes adaptive xenon headlights and 3 zone climate control which is ridiculous. The standard halogen lights are anemic at best so it is imperative to order any Mercedes with xenon lamps. Do not purchase a Mercedes without upgraded headlights! Another bad call by the manufacturer was not to include as a standard feature 3 zone climate in a vehicle with a third row. Make certain your GL has 3 zone climate control otherwise you can be certain the third row will be very uncomfortable in summer months or warmer climates. My car included the rear seat entertainment package. The operation of this package is by remote controls so is beyond my four year olds ability rendering it useless. Furthermore the rear monitors can only be operated from the rear seats. Skip this package an I-pad is a much better choice. There is only one USB port in this car. Mercedes seems to lag behind its US competitors in amenities and technology. The car has many attributes and is the most practical SUV currently being marketed. Until something better in its class comes to market this still is a hard car to beat.