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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  Bullet Proof - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By jd - April 8 - 1:46 pm

  I have owned too many suvs and trucks to mention. This one is the very best. Fuel Economy is much better than advertised. Driving in Phx I get 23 in town and 28 on the highway. Great design and build quality. I pull a large tent trailer with a gross of 5,000lbs with no problem. I will be going "long" on this one. Also, it is fun to drive. Everything is well layed out. So far 7,800 miles without a single problem, nothing.

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  Best full size SUV Ive driven so far - 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Michael Mihaylov - March 19 - 12:34 pm

  Mine is a 2014, just perfect

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  The Best SUV Ever - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Jodie Cutter - February 20 - 2:43 pm

  The GL class is by far the most enjoyable and lovable vehicle that anyone requiring cargo space, passenger space, and snowy driving conditions could dream for. It handles beautifully. It abounds in standard luxury (although do add the well- designed P1 package and sunroof package; P1 is equipped with everything youd want and nothing you wouldnt want) and the exterior lines are gorgeous. I have sampled the new Acura MDX, the Escalade, and the larger Lexus SUVs. There is simply no comparison. The BMW X5 is still too small, too slow without the V8, and the options are overpriced. If you drive the GL450, you will buy it. Its as simple as that.

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  Not an SUV guy and I LOVE it! - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Ernie - February 9 - 8:23 am

  This was to be my wifes car, as I have my BMW 650 - yes, quite a contrast in style to my demise. Great driving car, roomy, responsive and OK - I can open up the Sun roof to get that convertible feel, as I do on my 650.

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  The best full size SUV on the market - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Steve - January 16 - 4:46 pm

  Ive only had my vehicle for about a week and I can say with confidence that this is the best luxury full size SUV on the market. Ive driven and researched all other full size SUVs and they dont even compare! This vehicle is quiet, comfortable, smooth as silk. "Quiet as a mouse" diesel engine and transmission, and drop dead good looks. I keep driving around and never see the fuel gauge move as this vehicle with the diesel gets incredible mileage. Dont walk, run to your nearest dealer and order one as they are getting tougher to find due to the great demand.

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  Is it a benz or a Hyundai??? - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Benzlover - November 28 - 4:23 am

  Very disappointting!!! for those of you guys who are seeking the good ole fashion quality of the benz a word of advise SHY AWAY. The 4x4 of the year can not sustain a small bump from the side walk curve without busting its air- suspension module. Interestingly enough, when taking the vehicle to the local benz dealership the Service manager told me, " hey this car is just like a kia and a hyundai, what do you expect, its build the same" I was floored by the lack of cooperation and needless to say the poor craftsmanship. If I wanted a kia i would buy one, well, maybe i should have. It is a shame that a 70K+ 4X4 of the year is basically a kia with a mercedes star on it.

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  CDI-GL - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Michael - November 21 - 11:30 pm

  Excellent vehicle, needs air pressure to read actual pressure in all tires. Very expensive to maintain. Mercedes does unneccessary things on scheduled manintaince such as check caliper thickness at 10,000 miles. Navigation system is one of the worst in the business but not the cheapest. 19 inch tires and wheels are a joke because the tires cost 3 times as much as 18 or 20 inch. MB tech fake leather is very bad stuff. Blue jeans stain it and it does not breath like leather. Pulls very nice and the brake intregation system is superb but far to pricey.Garage door opener works only on occasion. Very weak signal. All in all it is a very nice vehicle but MB has made it far to expensive to maintain

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  Better have a warranty - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Mark Miller - November 8 - 9:23 am

  I have owned this car since new. It has been a love hate relationship. The fuel economy is very good for a full size, 3 row, all wheel drive vehicle. I have found the ride and handling and body rigidity to be sub par. Reliability has been below average with an engine leak at 50,000 miles that required the transmission to be dropped and cost $3,000. One of the air bladders in the suspension went out at 55,000 miles which cost $1000. An emission sensor went out at 60,000 miles which cost $2,000. Fuel filter recall occurred twice. You will get to know your service adviser well. That has been my experience with my other European luxury cars. I like the character and comfort of the car over the Asian makes. Given the lack of personality with the Asian equivalents I may try domestic next because the warranty will be out soon. The extended warranty definitely paid for itself. Addendum Watch out for poor resale value. Thanks to VW (diesel gate scandal) as well as Mercedes long term cost of ownership, when I went to trade in my Blue tec diesel for a new BMW X5 5 months ago I was offered $20,000 for a vehicle in perfect working order (other than needing new tires), having all the maintenance records,very good cosmetic shape (garaged throughout its life) with 65,000 miles on the odometer. It lost $53,000 dollars in value over 5 1/2 years. Poor resale is a trend with all Mercedes. They are so expensive to maintain and repair as they get older. Mercedes please get rid of the unnecessary complexity (ie air bladder suspension) which makes maintaining these vehicles past warranty difficult. By the way I bought an BMW X-5 diesel (was on special due to VW again) and its drive train is unbelievably better than the Mercedes diesel. It is the first diesel vehicle I have owned (and that is many) that I cannot tell its a diesel. Getting 28-30 mpg in suburban driving in the BMW with AWD. I no longer own the GL. I can say that my neighbor has traded in his 2015 GL after 2 years due to multiple visits to the dealership for mechanical issues. This vehicles are more complicated than they need to be.

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  Overpaid, Underachieved! Dont Buy - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By alleers - October 29 - 1:30 am

  I purchased my GL 320 with 115 miles in May. During the 14 months it was in the shop 25 times for repairs. I had the following items fixed or repaired, DVD, parktronic sensors, new struts, mystery oil lights, battery, computer upgrades, air temp sensor, hatch corrected, would not come out of gear, sideview mirror pivet replaced and this is only part of the list.I called MB to file a complaint for buy back or compensation with NO LUCK.Several attorneys said they will not deal with MB because they dont recognize they make lemons. We took a loss to get out of this car and avoid lawsuit. BTW, maintenance is $450 and tires are $1200. Tires last 15,000 miles. Look around at other cars before buying

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  Rides Like A Dream - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Florida girl - October 26 - 3:03 pm

  Just purchased a new GL450 , and I am very pleased. The truck drives like a luxury sedan. The interior is very roomy and extremely comfortable. I have three children and they are all very tall and the leg room is quite ample. There are absolutely no blind spots and driving this truck really is a pleasure. It is built like a tank and the solid construction really makes me feel safe. The acceleration is fantastic. No problem passing or entering highways. I have driven several different luxury trucks and this is really my favorite. Its very stylish without being too flashy, and It truly does seat seven adults fairly comfortablly.