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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  Mercedes Sedan Disguised as an SUV - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Jeff - March 14 - 3:00 am

  This is our second MB. We also own an 05 ML350 and have been very happy with it. My wife traded her 04 Acura MDX for the new GL. We looked at the new 07 Acura MDX and although the Acura appears to be a good value we were not impressed by the overall build quality of our 04 MDX vs 05 ML350. We also looked hard at the new BMW X5 V8 but determined it was no larger than the Acura MDX and takes you into the price range of the much larger, faster, smoother and more practical GL. We just hit 3,000 miles and we are still fighting over who gets to drive.

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  Fun Car - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By jay - March 12 - 10:40 am

  Really nice car for the price. It needs more technology to be used, and they should be standard features, not an options.

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  Aweomse! - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Wezzy1 - February 8 - 1:53 am

  I just bought this used with 10K. It got 23 miles per gallon on average, and I drive crazily. Get the diesel, its quiet, quick (enough) and should last forever

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  Went from diesel to gas - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By helilog - February 5 - 7:13 am

  Traded an ML320CDI diesel for a GL450 gas V-8. The diesel has a narrower power band, more gear shifting, with 3-4 second bursts of huge power on demand in the upper gears. The gas V-8 has a wide, slightly weaker power band, less gear shifting, extended acceleration leaves the diesel for dead. Pick your poison. V-8 averaging 18mpg overall on regular gas, canceling some of the diesels excellent 25mpg on pricey diesel fuel. The GL air suspension gives a smooth, level ride. Think S-Class. Car-like steering and brakes, much better than the vague, jerky brakes on the diesel. Standard manual rear hatch is light, easy to use. Nav system data entry is tedious, results are confusing.

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  Amazing Car - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Bob Whalen - January 30 - 4:56 am

  At first I thought transferring from an Escalade to a 550 would be dumb, but i am wrong. The fold flat third row is a charm and it handles way better. Way more roomy third row. The only thing I miss is the heated and cooled cup holders.

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  Best MB Yet - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Austin - January 24 - 7:53 pm

  The 2008 GL320 CDI is the best MB Ive yet owned, out of 4 different models. It is my go-to car for all short errands and long trips. It is very comfortable, super quiet, safe, has excellent pickup (we live in the hills), has great visability and gets good mileage - averaging 20 mpg city / hwy. Also, in my mind, diesels are a better environmental solution than hybrids because of the battery production and disposal issue. Few vehicles with this weight have the same ability to pass other vehicles when you are going 40 mph or faster. We have towed horses and hardly notice the additional weight except for more downshifting and fuel consumption.

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  Goodbye Audi - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Dan - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I had been driving an Audi a8l (2007) and a Ford escape hybrid (2008) I wanted to consolidate to 1 vehicle--it needed to be an upscale, fuel efficient, and fairly large SUV (I haave 3 dogs and no way were they getting into the Audi). I found that in 3 years my Audi had taken a $58,000 depreciation hit! Still I liked the q7 tdi, and had never owned a Mercedes--I was so put out by Audi, that I went across the street and fell in love with the gl 350 bluetec. Its sumptuous and amazingly comfortable interior, quiet, quiet ride, beautiful rear visibility and increased cargo over the q7 sold me. I love this car! I give it a thumbs up and [violative content deleted] to Audi!

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  Overall Pleased - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Lauren - December 26 - 12:10 pm

  I owned an ML before and was very excited about the GL when we were first told about it in Jan 2006. We preordered and took deliver May 7, 2006! I loved the car right away, and already have 10,000 miles. Having driven it now for 6 months, I can say that I would make two changes! DVD location, and split 2nd row seats. I have two children (in car seats) and running carpool with this creates big problems getting into the 3rd row! Also, DVD player needs to be accessible and controlled from the front seat! Children cannot unbuckle or get out of carseat to change DVD player that is located under the 2nd row seat! Very poor design for a mother with children! Otherwise, a fabulous car!

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  Grey Ghost aka GL450 - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By terp97 - November 24 - 12:51 am

  Turned in 08 for a new 11 and once again very happy. Navigation is improved but still short of Acura/Lexus. Rear Entertainment screens are nicer but placement is horrible. They should have stayin the headrest. DVD in the center counsel is great location and it would be nice to control the DVD playback from the command not just from one of two remotes. It would be nice if the 550 grill and fender flares could be had as in option. The grill is massive and really sets the GL off with out sucking up all that gas like the 550 not that the 450 is any better.

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  Loving it - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By ADNoVa - October 30 - 5:43 pm

  Picked up the GL 320 about two weeks ago and couldnt be happier. Got rid of an XC 90 over size and quality issues. Compared to the GL, the XC90 feels absolutely asthmatic. Love the power and torque of the diesel. Its a little noisy in first gear but its no worse than the whine and groan of the Volvo. I drove every full size (not giant size) SUV and nothing in this class compares to the GL in terms of space and comfort. Getting 23 mpg blended around town is a happy bonus. Drove the V8. Love the sound and its faster overall, but around town with kids, not worth the fuel economy trade off.