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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  Love at first sight! - 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By m_taylor - July 29 - 9:55 am

  Absolutely in love with my GL450, Great deal from MB of Tyson Conner, VA. Mr. Ayman Elasady gave us great support in making this deal happen. My GL is Black with impeccable styling. For 2012 the LED DRLs are standard and they really make the GL stand out. Great head turning ability as I drive on the highway. The V8 under the hood really make this thing move, and the sounds great. Not really happy with future tire selection for the 19" inch rims, but I am satisfied with current tires. The Continentals do not get good ratings online for snow traction I will find out this winter. Cornering on winding back roads at speeds of 45-60 mph great, handles like C class sports model. No real body sway noted. Command center still is outdated electronics is not MBs thing. I typically use the Mbrace iphone app to search for address, and destinations to send to the GLs Command GPS system much quicker than trying to enter by voice or manually. But overall still in love. The backup camera upgrade, & blind slide assist. are must haves. I have parked the GL in some very tight spots on the Mall in downtown DC, without the camera I would not have attempted. But with the camera parking was a breeze. The Honeymoon has only lasted 1,500 miles so far so good. I looked at the Lexus GX460, LX 570, Audi Q7, Infiniti QX56, and Ford Expedition King Ranch Edition. For my money this American Made SUV has room for 7 adult (Even in the 3rd row, I am 61" and very comfortable back there) and power to match. I will report on the towing capabilities later this spring 2012.

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  Fluid and fun - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By My first Mercedes - July 20 - 2:36 pm

  Quality, size, fast, and fun, the list could go on. I wanted a large SUV and ended up comparing Navigator, Escalade and the GL. In my opinion, there is no contest.

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  Nice Ride - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Satisfied - June 27 - 4:06 pm

  Drive it and youll likely buy it. It must be the best riding SUV on the market, bar none. Love the Airmatic suspension as it really soaks up the rough roads in PA. Speaking of rough roads, not one rattle. Love that. Have only owned for 1 month, but so far the love affair continues. The 19" Continentals are a bit noisier than the 18" standard Michelins, but this is a very very quiet car. And by car, I mean smooth riding SUV. Very satisfied.

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  Excellent SUV - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Jon - June 23 - 3:16 am

  Have over 3000miles and love this SUV. The bluetec diesel is just amazing. Power/torque and smoothness combination is addicting. Averaging 26mpg combined. Just came back from a trip to Lake Tahoe. SUV felt very strong and stable at high altitude and temperature in the teens. Interior is also excellent except for the 2nd row seats. They should slide and recline like those in R350.

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  Worst car experience - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By dianeh1 - April 24 - 2:08 pm

  Will never own a Mercedes again. Non-stop money-pit from the day I bought it to the day I sold it. Beware the air suspension on Mercedes-Benz. Mine went "out" every six months or so. Paint peeled off around the windows just when it was out of warranty. I estimate I spent $6,000 a year in repairs. It is also a huge gas guzzler.

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  GL63 AMG Money Pit - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Al - March 29 - 3:20 am

  Excellent SUV worth every penny (its a hotrod) until you get between 10K and 14K miles, then you realize brakes need replacement. Yes, pads and rotors need to be replaced (light turns on) and there is no way to replace just pads. Cost $2400 for front and back brakes. $250 for 10K mile service, $800 for 40K mile and $1200 for 50K mile. Great SUV but very high maintenance $$$

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  What a SUV Should Be - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By DieselBenzGL - March 22 - 11:10 pm

  The GL is a perfectly sized SUV. It is large enough to carry 6 people comfortably yet not so big that it looks like a behemoth coming down the road. Its size makes it very maneuverable and easy to drive for such a large vehicle. The GL320 Bluetec uses approximately 30% less fuel and polutes 30% less than other large SUVs. 500 miles in the city and 600 miles on the freeway are the normal fillup intervals. On the freeway, it handles better than most sedans. The steering is not loose but at the same time isnt so tight that the vehicle swerves every time you adjust the HVAC. The rearview mirrors were made larger in 2009. Any larger and they would look out of proportion to the vehicle.

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  a piece Junk ! Do not buy it !!! - 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By bingchan - March 19 - 5:13 am

  After I brought the car home, foundout there is a long scratch on the side of window, the dealers pre-sale service sucks, they did not even inspect the car ! After 3 weeks, the car was less than 1500 miles, the cars steelring wheel quit working during the middle of the turn, almost killed me by kissing the light pole... I had mercedes during the 90s, I can not beleive their quality and service gone so low . I would never buy another Mercedes. I had a Acura RL for years and I never had any problem with it, its quality, comfort,safety and equipment are way better than Mercedes, and 20k cheaper too.

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  A gas guzzler, but oh its so sweet! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By fusiondave - March 13 - 10:16 pm

  Just had it for about 3 weeks now, and its so sweet to drive! The exterior styling is gorgeous & although it is a big car, it doesnt look like it. Gas mileage is averaging about 15MPG, but hey, I guess I knew what I was getting into from the getgo. The V8 engine is very quiet, and it seems to be more than adequate to be able to handle the 7000lb weight without any problem. Compared to the X5 I used to drive, its a little mushy in handling, but it still a joy. The 3rd row seat is great for my kids (the real reason for my purchase). The seats are comfortable all around, and theres plenty of interior space.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Al - March 12 - 1:40 pm

  Driving 400 miles every weekend to the cabin and back towing a variety of trailers has never been so effortless. Its been a true joy to drive in the snow, mud, and dirt. Figuring out when to raise the car and disable stability can get you out of trouble easily. I was a Suburban fan but this truck put the burb to shame and its a lot cheaper to run. Towing 2 big snowmobiles 75mph in the winter still get 17-19 mpg.