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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  Check your sanity before you buy - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By hutsul - March 3 - 9:32 pm

  Had car for 4 years. Numerous issues-failing suspension, rear hatch, electronics, etc. Nice car when its running. Im convinced they are lemons from the start. Now at 110000km steering rack needs to be replaced. Mercedes staff see you as a money bag, no help, would not stand for their product. Mercedes should be ashamed of building such a poor quality product. In order to preserve my sanity moving to Lexus- boring is goooood!!!.

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  Great Drive - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Chi-Town - February 27 - 4:00 am

  Purchased 2010 this in November and love everything about this car. This does not drive like a large SUV. Its definitely an improvement our ML (2002). Ride is quiet and interior is well appointed. Need to get used to the Navi- so far I prefer my Garmin- although just one button and the Navi turns on and appears on a large display. Need to do something about the rear seat entrance. Sliding seats would be great as the other reviewer indicated

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  Blue350 - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Blue350 - February 22 - 9:36 pm

  Great truck, build quality is getting better and better. Got rid of an 08 to get the 2010, huge difference in build quality overall. Will be buying another next year as a second car, great family vehicle, kids, dog, all the junk fits and you get 27mpg on hwy if you drive below 70mph, wow!!

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  Best SUV in Canada - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Marco Khan - February 20 - 1:43 pm

  Excellent drive and you get the feeling of a solid vehicle. Excellent interior and exterior finishing. Mercedes have thought of all the details and have done many improvements in the GL. We had two ML 320 before and now find the GL much more driver friendly.

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  Change that suspension - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By japhet - February 7 - 12:30 pm

  My GL has been into the dealers not less that four times in under 30,000km, mainly for suspension problems. In this distance I already have had both front and rear shocks changed and whatever else could be changed down there to reduce vibrations, road noise & wheel-bouncing. Rear windscreen wiper blade fell off just a few weeks into cars first rainy season & I ended up with a scratched rear screen. Vibrations have not stopped & make the car unpleasant to drive. Windows shake (ever so slightly, but you hear the click-click all the time you go over a bump). I have since learned that MB has used the same suspension components which are fitted on the ML! (GL is wider though). Anyone out there?

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  2008 gl450 - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By DAWN - January 31 - 6:30 am

  I am a previous LX470 owner and I have to say there really is no SUV that compares to this car for comfort and the ride and the third row seating. I cant wait to get in my car every day and drive it! Although the nav doesnt compare to Lexus ease of use and the DVD is in a weird location for usage. I also did not realize that the non-leather seats are a bit sticky in the heat due to the fact of no ac in them. The ac works great and the stereo is better than my Lexus. The windshield wiper controls are hidden and hard to see. I kept hitting the cruise control for the first month, now I am used to it. I have never had a Mercedes so all the controls take some getting used to.

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  2007 GL450 - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Halil I Danismaz - January 28 - 2:43 am

  I bought the machine more than a year ago. Very stylish and powerful. Good for business and causal.

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  Poor Reliability - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By benz_awful - January 13 - 8:54 am

  Purchased a mint condition 2007 GL450 with 25,000 miles and now at 60,000 miles. Have had the following problems: power steering pump failure, front struts failure, interior temperature control system failure, check engine sensor failure, cam plug oil leaks and replacement, back seat panel separation, interior vent knobs broke, not to mention that the battery wore out early as did the brakes and tires. Vehicle pulls to right after repeated alignments. Cant get rid of vibration even after tire replacement and repeated re-balancing -- suspect drive shaft.

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  Almost perfect - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By AZ Driver - December 20 - 1:10 pm

  Great driver, fun with plenty of power and comfortable. Good styling, controls are easy to use. Its really a joy to drive. Really disappointed in the quality of the tires-25K and they needed replacing. But the real disappointment is the quality and longevity of the brake pads and rotors. Had to replace both rotors and pads at 27K, unbelievable! You expect much more/better quality from a Mercedes Benz, especially under the mild driving conditions (Speed) in the USA vs the German autobahn. The dealer indicated they have changed material to a softer variation, ostensibly to resolve the squeaking issues that I have read about, but they have done this at significant reliabilty and customer cost

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  S-class on stilts - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By DrBillyD - December 8 - 8:32 pm

  The upside: Smooth ride. Precise steering. Powerful acceleration (with the GL550). Fairly capable off road for a vehicle w/o locking differential. Prestige. Comfortable seat(s). The downside: Maintenance cost(s)... E.g. had to replace all for air shocks (front about $1300--each; rear about $900 (for both)), starter motor ($800). Brakes actually last a long time and replacing rotors surprisingly "cheap" at about $350/axle. Tires only last about 20-25K miles (295/40-21) and theres a limited selection--a new set will set you back about $2200. The electronics were capricious--sometimes car wouldnt completely shut down when door opened (i.e. normal shut down is engine off & accessories stay on until door opened. started acting up sometimes where accessories wouldnt power down when door opened & had to open/shut door a few times to get it to shut down). Homelink garage door opener had a button that wouldnt work. EZ-GO door handles had to be replaced. Drivers side mirror folding mechanism broke. When I smelled leaking oil burning on the exhaust manifold, I knew it was time to get rid of it. Bottom line: Surprisingly comfortable and agile for a 7 passenger, 3 ton SUV and most comfortable car/truck Ive ever driven. However, after repair issues cited above, Id be reluctant to own a M-B again..... Update (5/2016): Traded in @ 120K miles. Reading through original review brought back bad memories of astronomical repair bills. There are better choices in the large luxury SUV segment.