Overview & Reviews

A range-topping GL550 is added to the Mercedes GL-Class line for 2008. In addition to its larger 382-horsepower V8, the GL550 is differentiated from the GL430 and GL320 CDI by its more in-your-face grille, fender flares and 21-inch wheels.

• Strong acceleration from V8 engines, turbodiesel V6 gets gas mileage in the 20s, quiet and elegant interior, many available luxury amenities, comfortable seating, excellent craftsmanship.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 56.00

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  Awesome suv - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By ceezeeman - July 13 - 12:23 am

  This is a great truck. Looks great, well built, fun to drive. But it is an suv, not a luxury sedan and handles accordingly.

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  I traded an 07 Lex GX 470 - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Charles - June 28 - 3:56 pm

  I traded in my Lexus with only 14 K miles. I just stopped to look at the new GL class as we wanted a larger vehicle. I am very very impresed. Dont let the low entry price of the 320 fool you, mine decked was 74 K. Was it worth it yes. I cant advise on long term reliability or build, but for 2 months my judgment indicates MB is back. I get 26 miles to the gal. I towed my boat yesterday ( 5K lbs ) no problem. Yes I am very happy except 1. outside mirrors too small, the cruise control is in the wrong place, add easy exit seats that more back and down ( like cad escalade ) plenty of power, 26 mpg, full time 4wd .

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  Its OK - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Its OK. - April 29 - 5:26 pm

  Ive had the wagon for about six months now and its a good car. I havent had any problems to speak of. The seats are firm, but not the most comfortable, I could drag a house down the street with this thing, but wont any races, and my mileage is excellent (avg. 21mpg hwy/cty), all typical of a diesel. That said, everything electric about it is inferior to the domestic wagons. The power lift- gate is slow and doesnt always close, the nav. is a pain to use and slow in responding, the rain sensing wipers typically do what they want, even on a sunny day, and the front parking "see dead people" and want to warn me about it. If youre thinking about a 4wd wagon, check out the Flex, cool & cheap.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By irongate - February 22 - 3:20 am

  I have 53k miles still enjoying the SUV. Tires are not MB fault, read about that excessively like MB makes the stupid tires! Michelin and others dont make a 19" speed and weight rated tire for this SUV so forced to buy brands like Continental that only last 27k miles. Same problem for a Cayenne or other performance SUVs with big wheels. Side mirrors need to be bigger. Get the real leather for excellent comfort. 3rd row seats are the BEST of any SUV, comfortable with great leg room for a trip, knees are not at your chin like others! park sensors,stereo sound, gas mileage for big SUV is terrific. Get 20 to 21 mpg driving hard in town 24 mpg on hwy going 75 mph, 27 to 28 mpg at 55 mph.

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  Great Vehicle with poor reliability - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Pieter - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I put 20,000 miles on it (the vehicle had about 6000 miles on it when I purchased it), and had it in the shop about 8 times. The compressor for the airmatic suspension went out at just 7000 miles. All the doorlocks failed and had to be replaced just 5000 miles later. Then the radio went haywire. Also the park tronic went bad and had to be fixed. At 25,000 miles the rear shocks were leaking and had to be replaced. These were just the major repairs. I just traded it in for a Lexus and hope to have better luck now. The great thing about the vehicle was the diesel engine. On long road trips I would average almost 30 miles to the gallon WOW ! I will miss this part.

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  Bigger is Better - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Gerry R. - February 9 - 4:20 pm

  This SUV is rock solid yet handles very well for a full size vehicle. The interior is very comfortable and cabin noise is very minimal. If you need seating for 7 this is the flagship vehicle. Vastly superior to the Audi Q7, Burban, mini-vans or anything else for that matter. If you want people mover, the search is over. I came out of a 2006 GM product that thought the service center was its second home. Mercedes exudes quality and the dealership personnel treat you better. Quality does not cost, quality pays.

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  Need a Slush Fund to own this one! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By GL320 Owner - February 6 - 12:36 am

  CONS: A MB service tech told me 18 months after I purchased my GL320 that you need a slush fund keep this car on the road, addition to the already known cost due to regular service maintenance. Oh...how he was right! I have had the air-suspension module replaced twice. Tires-they are only good for 20-30,000 miles and at $1200 for a set of four it gets expensive, and let me just add there are only two tires to pick from-the Continentals and the Pirelli’s. Windshield-twice now at $989.00. I love the Bluetooth while driving, however it disconnects when the car is turned off and the door is opened. Then you can’t use your phone for about another 5 mins while it’s still disconnecting.

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  Oil leak causes stirring wheel to lock - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By NJG - February 3 - 10:13 pm

  With less than 6000 miles on the car has had issues with tire pressure, brakes, warning lights and then mother of all car stopping all together in the middle of a busy rd. due to an oil leak that caused the stirring wheel belt to come off. Dealer took close to 2 hrs to send assistance and cannot figure out where the leak is coming from. I will never ever buy MB. Their service stinks for the money one pays. Anyone even remotely considering this car should really burn their money than risk their childrens life in this car.

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  I hate getting out of it. - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By BlackNBlue - July 14 - 7:56 pm

  I have driven this car for two weeks and I am as excited as a kid with a new bike. I find it hard to stop and get out of it. The gadget factor is huge but all useful and user friendly.

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  Good looks - Inferior Quality Electronic - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By ChildsPlay - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My spouse & I both own SUVs. He drives a Lexus GX470 and I the GL450. The GL450 is a competent vehicle with ample cargo capacity for transporting our large dogs & medical equip. However, I have had to make numerous trips to the dealership to remedy electronic and suspension issues. I do feel very safe inside the vehicle. However, I must admit that my husbands Lexus seems to handle the snow better than my GL and his vehicle has been completely problem free. I have trepidations regarding the cost of maintaining and repairing this vehicle once the warranty expires. The Navigation system and bluetooth integration are vastly inferior to the Lexus.