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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  Superb SUV! - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By mblover - November 30 - 7:03 am

  Just returned back from vacation and driven a total of 4000 miles. Got about 20 miles/gal. Excellent drive and ride comfort. Love the Off-Road package and P1 and lighting package. All my cars are Benz, but thought about buying Lexus LX470 but ended up buying the lovely GL450.

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  GL450 Electronics problems continue!!!! - 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By fwg - November 27 - 2:49 pm

  I have experienced seemingly unending electronic failure issues with only 5,000 miles on vehicle: Failure to go into sleep mode causing dead battery;towed to dealer 200 mi. away, MB refused to return to my location; When vehicle is locked, one door, although locked, causes alarm and will open if handle is touched, even if EasyGo key is not present; Adaptive High Beam headlight failure; Rear tailgate opens with driver door occasionally; When spraying the car with water, while washing, doors lock and unlock continually if you have key in pocket; circuit board replaced, issue continues- another appt. made Where is the quality control?

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  A Pleasure to Drive - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Michael Ettinger - November 23 - 2:33 pm

  Traded my S500 4matic for the loaded GL 450 last December and havent looked back. This is my umpteenth Benz since 1984 and I have finally found the machine to replace my previous favorite, the last generation E350 4matic wagon. The GLs ride height and comfort are outstanding. Acceleration is there when needed. Fit and finish are first rate. In fact, it feels like you are riding a sedan. Everything is offered on this vehicle that you could want, except perhaps ventilated seating but this may be nitpicking. Love this car so much that I pat it on the hood ever time I pass it in my garage. A car you can bond with. Bravo, Mercedes!

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  Worst vehicle ever! Better get real good warranty! - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Brian - November 22 - 3:38 pm

  Fell in love with the looks of this vehicle. We had a VW Passat TDI but needed a bigger vehicle, and this seemed perfect. We wanted the diesel for the torque and fuel economy. Very soon after buying it (used with 69,000 miles) we began having problem after problem. Key fob quit working and then mysteriously began working again and now quit again, front wheel bearing went, had it fixed, then had to bring it back after they said they needed to replace it again, got it back and the other one went, then the air strut which began popping over every bump soon after buying it. Motor mounts went, steering column module went bad, transmission valve body had to be replaced, and it still revs and slams into second gear the first time take off in cold weather. Oil cooler seals leak, dealer supposedly changed them but they began leaking again. Never noticed the leak until AFTER they changed them bit it is a common problem. Cost: almost $3,000. AdBlue tank heater went bad, $2,000. Glow plug control module went bad, sway bar bushings and links went bad, tailgate sometimes doesnt close unless you hit the button several times or lock and then u lock with the key fob if you close it with the fob. Cant fold the second row seat back down because the seatbelt gets stuck and I have to unbolt it from the bottom to raise the seat back up. Vehicle now has 83,000 miles. Our Land Rover LR3 never gave us any problems except for an air compressor thay went out and a wheel bearing, which I easilly tackled myself. Fuel economy is dismal for a diesel. Best I can get on the highway is 22 mpg with the cruise set at 75. Cebeer console is poorly designed. You cant put anything in it. Cargo cover is poorly designed. You cant use it without scratching the sides of the vehicle, and the seatbelt snag on it making it a pain to get it into the grooves. I could go on. the LR3 also rode so much smoother, and the headlights were 100 times better, especially the high beams. Cargo carrying was also better even though the GL is much larger. The air suspension also raised and lowered very quickly on the LR3. Takes forever to raise on this vehicle. If you buy one get ready to become good friends with the service people. On the bright side youll get to test drive alot of cars because at least they give you a loaner car. I cant get rid of this thing either because despite the fact that I got a good deal below book value, it depreciated like a rock. I regret buying this car. Ive had BMWs, Land Rovers amd another Mercedes, and while Land Rovers are supposed to be unreliable, this Mercedes is way way worse than any Land Rover Ive ever owned, even my 2002 and 2003 discovery II. There are other things Ive had to get repaired bUT since there are so many I cant remember them all. I will rejoice the day I can finally get rid of this. Never again will I buy another Mercedes Benz.

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  In Love with my GL 320 CDI - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By pollyspop - August 25 - 9:00 am

  Traded from a Yukon XL. I pull a 4000 lb boat and wanted to go greener. 23 mpg my first 2000 miles compared to 15 mpg with the Yukon. And all this Luxury! I bought the Premium 1 pkg, Trailer Hitch (which is very unabtrusive),19" wheel pkg,I-Pod Plug, Side rails and chrome fog lights. Power and Acceleration are Not an issue with this vehicle. I know there will be a larger diesel engine soon...I will not need it. I find the Ultra Low Sulfur fuel everywhere.

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  Suggest to get a light color interior - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By J.Rima - July 24 - 3:43 pm

  Fun to drive, but I suggest not to get a light color interior. The light gray dashboard reflects to windshield badly. It feels like driving in smoke, disrupts your vision, and gives you tired eyes.

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  The Only SUV for a Single Dad - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By SingleDad - June 22 - 6:30 pm

  Mercedes Benz should pat themselves on the back for this one. This is my 3rd Benz and my favorite. Constantly receive compliments on the looks, both inside and out. Drives like a dream. The car is tight, quiet, comfortable, luxurious, fun, and in a league of its own. As a single dad of 2, it does everything a minivan can do, but does it with masculinity. The only negatives as others have stated is the DVD location and controls are not accessible without stopping the vehicle and pulling over (if you have little ones) and you only have access to the 3rd row from the passenger side of the vehicle. Having said that, nothing is perfect, however this sure is close.

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  Gl 450 Major problems - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By tnance - June 18 - 12:20 pm

  I purchased the Gl 450 4.7 Ltr about 1 year ago. It has spent over 2.5-3 months at the dealership while attempting to fix electronic problems. While driving the vehicle it would surge and then the warning lights would start lighting up like Christmas. The lights warned of the following failures ABS, Air bags to many to name they were all on. Then a big red box on the led would state drive to the dealership immediatly without shifting gears, how you do that in an automatic Im still trying to figure out. We live in an isolated state with few roads and long distances between help. My faith in the Gl is gone! Hope no one else has experienced this. It still looks nice parked in my garage.

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  GL-350 - Worst Can of my life ! - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By deninfiniti - June 14 - 1:34 am

  Let me start off by saying that when I test drove my 2010 GL-350 I fell in love with it. The engine was smooth, transmission great and interior quality was fantastic, so I went ahead and purchased it. Despite having 90k miles on it (I have had diesels before and run them until 150k easily and know they can go much higher so the miles didnt worry me) I thought it was as sound decision as I have also had 2 Mercedes before and loved them. Well after 4 Check engine lights (Blue Tech low, Fuel line break, Blue Tech heater replacement and an O-ring failure on the turbo) and over $3000 in 4 months I finally traded it in for a new Japanese car. My advice, DO NOT buy and older Mercedes !

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  Great Truck - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By DAVID - April 7 - 1:23 am

  This is the third SUV I have owned and by far the best that I have test driven or owned. The options do run up the price, but all of the large luxury SUVs cost big bucks. The GL drives and feels like a MB, is fast quiet, and roomy. Backup camera is a must. Great sound system. Nav system is easy once you learn it.