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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  GL350 Best in class! - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By J.cooper - October 4 - 8:13 pm

  I have put 60,000 miles on this vehicle with zero problems. This SUV, is a beast! Its big, comfortable, luxurious and reliable. I can go almost 700 miles per tank on the freeway with plenty of torque and power. I have towed up to 5600 pounds with no problems whatsoever. One of the most comfortable rides available on any large SUV. The options to list on this vehicle or limitless, I suggest getting the massage seats!

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  Incredible Vehicle - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By GARY - September 29 - 12:33 pm

  Im amazed at how comfortable, smooth, responsive and well designed the GL450 is. I actually was able to purchase the Premier Edition and am very happy. The GL even corners well (I also own a CLS500 & Jeep GC SRT8). I get looks everywhere, even received a thumbs up from a new Cadillac Escalade owner! I couldnt be happier with this vehicle, its one of a just a couple that have exceeded my expectations. In a word this vehicle is almost perfect.

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  GL450 - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By peter ochsner - September 24 - 8:00 pm

  I just trade a 2006 E350 wagon I also own a suburban & a 2006 toyota 4 runner in comparing these suvs the GL rides better handles bettermore comfortable,looks better & more fun to drive

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  The best vehicle I have ever owned - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Prudence Dera - September 22 - 3:50 am

  This is the best vehicle I have driven. It is a smooth ride. I have a big family and there is enought room for all my four children. The interior is very stylish, I especially like the white stitching on the black leather interior. It is very comfortable.

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  I think we got a lemon - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By gaspasser3 - September 3 - 9:10 am

  Our Gl450 has 70000 miles and the transmission locked up on the highway. Thankfully no one rear ended us. The vehicle is at the dealer and Mercedes is refusing to goodwill the transmission. The car has always been serviced by Mercedes. Cost to fix $8300.00. In addition we have had 3 air compressors go out, cam plugs leak oil, power steering pump replaced and the window trim paint peel off. When you buy Mercedes you expect quality and service, we have had neither. This is our second Mercedes with problems. We have have had BMWs and they very reliable. We will not buy another Mercedes.

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  Best Luxury SUV out there - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By John - August 25 - 2:20 am

  We traded in our old ML for this one. We looked at the BMW, Audi, Lexus, Infinity, and Acura (wife wouldnt consider the Denali). This is by far the best vehicle if you plan on using the 3rd row, a real person fits back there. This handles like a big S class. Overall its not too big, not too small, performs beautifully, and fit and finish is as good as it gets. Best luxury SUV out there.

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  It really filled a need - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By N. Y. owner - August 19 - 7:23 am

  At 200.3 inches, it is the perfect mid- size SUV( BMWs new X5 just went from 183 to 192 inches -- and is still too small ). Superb driving, passenger comfort, power, and acceleration. 12 inches longer than the ML translates into much greater load capacity. This is the first new car we have purchased in many years (and our first SUV ever). The need was there. Why did Mercedes wait so long?

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  Incredible handling - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Andy - July 3 - 11:50 am

  Wonderful ride, stability control works very well. Very sophisticated interior. The engine has a lot of torque and accelaraton is good for a family SUV. The 4matic system is very good. What else you can ask for an SUV? Although the price of the diesel is very high the mileage per gallon is good enough to make the change from gas to diesel. I hope we can see more turbo diesel engines in the future.

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  A Real Dog - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By chazzjr - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Always thought I would have it made when I could afford to buy a MB. Well after 25 months and 9 repair trips not including 5 service trips, I traded the dog on a GMC. If this vehicle would have run well I would have kept it but it did not. Small things like senors, computer software and large things like new rack and pinion steering and power steering pump were just too much. Beware of your warrantys end. Repairs are very expensive and time consuming. In discussing the issues with the MB reps in USA and Germany, I found that they were more concerned about themselves than the problems I was having.

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  Its a winner - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By peter - June 28 - 7:36 am

  I had an 02 ML500 and currently have an 06 Range Rover. This GL450 is as comfortable as the Range Rover, roomier than both, and the best ergonomics. The transmission is excellent and I like the upshift/downshift buttons on the backside of the steering wheel. Easy to use Navigation and excellent placement of the CD changer in the glove compartment. Rear view camera is clearer than the Rover also. The Rover wins off road but the Benz wins on the highway.