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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  Diesel Better than Expected - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By stiney9 - December 22 - 3:50 pm

  First diesel I have ever driven, and Im quite impressed with it. Averaging about 29 mpg on the highway with 22 mpg in the city. All that from a full size SUV!

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  Dreams do come True * - 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By star santa cruz - December 3 - 8:18 am

  This is an amazing machine the pick up and go and the style is the best Ive seen. I wish the gas milage was better, but other than that is my only complaint and I wanted Safety, comfort and Style, over a few extra bucks in the tank. I drive all day, and I really need everything comfortable and stylish so im happy on the road moving out and about in style. Lane assist, and blind spot assist , dis tronic, amazing features, not to mention M brace -a must have, oh, and a Bang and Olsen sound system to die for. Designo interior AMAZING. Its truly a Dream come true and really there is soooo much more I didnt even get to touch on. Test drive it, far better than the Lexus SUV.

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  Nice, but costly to maintain - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Abraham - November 30 - 2:15 am

  The performance of my GL350 is unacceptable at any level of quality standards. The Oil Cooler, AdBlu Heater, and GPS unit have all failed, within 5-8 thousand miles of the warranty. The costs to fix all these items are > 10% of the original purchase price of the car, at >$7,000. No one would offer that this performance meets or exceeds the most basic expectations. While MB national and local discounts were offered and accepted (20% off), I told the MB national representative, Andrea D., Case Manager, [contact info removed] that I doubted if that discount was near the profit margins enjoyed by MB on parts and labor, making the ENTIRE cost remediation of these issues on my shoulders. We didn’t SHARE the remediation, I paid for it ALL. I’ve purchased 4 Mercedes since 2008…I’ll not be an eager return MB buyer for my next auto… UPDATE - (9/16) Since this above, Ive had the motor on the autolift tailgate fail and need to be replaced. Another $500 down the drain...

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  Handles like a car, not an SUV. - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Jerry - November 21 - 6:23 pm

  Outstanding build quality and looks. This SUV has no body roll around high speed turns which is amazing for a vehicle of this weight. It really does stay glued to the road. Love the new chromed out roof racks, fog lights and skid plates that now come standard. Consider 3 zone climate when ordering. Standard seats are outstanding so dont waste money on leather. Premium 1 package is perfect.

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  GL 320 CDI (Would not reccomend) - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By john - November 4 - 5:46 pm

  The GL 320 is a very nice carin performance, luxury, fun, safety, fuel economy, and design. Accelerating onto the freeway it will go faster than a Chevy Suburban because of the 398ft lbs of torque. The luxury amentities are outstanding. Safety, we took this car onto a muddy road with ice, snow, and potholes. Honestly, I would rather be in that car than any other. Car looks very nice except the mirrors (too small). We got 32 MPG one time on the highway. Car is fun to drive and handle. I have had a lot of problems though.The shock on a rear tire had to be replaced 9000 miles. The computer that tells the low oil and stuff needed to be replaced 11000 miles. Sucked up oil because of a ripped line 7000 mi.

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  OK vehicle but stupid option packages - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By mssurrey - October 22 - 10:53 am

  The vehicles is similar to the ML in design, especially the interior which is an almost exact copy og the smaller ML class. The most annoying thing are the options packages (only two or three to choose from). In order to get memory seats, I had to spend thousands of dollars on a Premium package with many features I simply didnt want or need such as a sunroof and a Nav system (have my own Garmin unit) At a time when many manufacturers are increasing options, Mercedes have bundled everything together so that the only option you now have is basically Take it or leave it. How ridiculous

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  Great SUV - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By mike - October 13 - 3:06 am

  Better than Cadillac Escalade I had. Rides and handles way better. Easy to drive and get in and out. Easier to load cargo in rear too.

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  The S class of SUVs - 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By nowake - September 28 - 4:41 pm

  Just took delivery of my wifes GL 450 and I am blown away by how quiet, solid and comforting this vehicle is. It really rivals the S class. When I test drove a lesser equipped vehicle I liked how well the vehicle performed. I loaded this vehicle out and I am not sure why but the vehicle is even nicer than I remember. Acceleration is adequate, braking is superb and the ride is awesome. Looked at all the competing models but kept coming back to Mercedes. The price does escalate as you add options as it does with others. If you are in the market for an SUV you owe it to yourself to at least give the GL some consideration.

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  Delightful Improvements - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By beechtiger - September 14 - 11:28 pm

  I was delighted with significant improvements in Mercedes GL450 in the last few years. The firm seats are comfortable for both short and long distance driving. As a previous Land Cruiser owner, I am mighy pleased with the third row seats in GL450 as compared to Land Cruiser. It was a very simple push-button to set up the third row seats.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By nycdriver - September 9 - 6:40 am

  I picked up my GL450 in June 2008 and it drives terrific. Smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. Its really quite incredible. Feels solid but not overly large. Now for the cons - terrible fuel mileage (averaging 11 mpg in NYC), its a big truck so the drive isnt as sporty as my BMW SUVs.