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 1 through 10 of 56.00

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  Its not that bad if youre previous car was a Range Rover:) - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By swfreeride - April 1 - 11:25 am

  Trust me when I say all European luxury SUVs have these kinds of issues. My previous car was a Range Rover HSE and a V8 Tuareg before that. Both had multiple air suspension issues, engine oil leaks, sensor failures, steering column replacements, etc... Friends with X5s dont fair well either. My RR even needed a drive shaft replacement. Fact of life unfortunately, if you want the luxury and style of the Euro SUVs the price you pay is well beyond the window sticker. The key is to enjoying the vehicle is pick the brand with a nearby dealership that treats you well and expect to spend your free time there:) - I tried the Lexus route for a year, just too bland and predictable.

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  Not so happy with my GL450 - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By TEaves - November 20 - 8:40 am

  I havent been as satisfied with this Mercedes purchase. Ive had the car in the shop over 18 times since I bought it for various annoyances including the pump that raises the vehicle on difficult terrain, the hatch latch, the motion/obstacle sensor system, etc. The leather interior stains easily, even from picking up color from clothing. And the customer service at Mercedes Benz could care less so Ill be moving on to something else after I get a few kids off to college.

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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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  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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  GL 320 CDI (Would not reccomend) - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By john - November 4 - 5:46 pm

  The GL 320 is a very nice carin performance, luxury, fun, safety, fuel economy, and design. Accelerating onto the freeway it will go faster than a Chevy Suburban because of the 398ft lbs of torque. The luxury amentities are outstanding. Safety, we took this car onto a muddy road with ice, snow, and potholes. Honestly, I would rather be in that car than any other. Car looks very nice except the mirrors (too small). We got 32 MPG one time on the highway. Car is fun to drive and handle. I have had a lot of problems though.The shock on a rear tire had to be replaced 9000 miles. The computer that tells the low oil and stuff needed to be replaced 11000 miles. Sucked up oil because of a ripped line 7000 mi.

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  OK vehicle but stupid option packages - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By mssurrey - October 22 - 10:53 am

  The vehicles is similar to the ML in design, especially the interior which is an almost exact copy og the smaller ML class. The most annoying thing are the options packages (only two or three to choose from). In order to get memory seats, I had to spend thousands of dollars on a Premium package with many features I simply didnt want or need such as a sunroof and a Nav system (have my own Garmin unit) At a time when many manufacturers are increasing options, Mercedes have bundled everything together so that the only option you now have is basically Take it or leave it. How ridiculous

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  Great SUV - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By nycdriver - September 9 - 6:40 am

  I picked up my GL450 in June 2008 and it drives terrific. Smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. Its really quite incredible. Feels solid but not overly large. Now for the cons - terrible fuel mileage (averaging 11 mpg in NYC), its a big truck so the drive isnt as sporty as my BMW SUVs.

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  A gas guzzler, but oh its so sweet! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By fusiondave - March 13 - 10:16 pm

  Just had it for about 3 weeks now, and its so sweet to drive! The exterior styling is gorgeous & although it is a big car, it doesnt look like it. Gas mileage is averaging about 15MPG, but hey, I guess I knew what I was getting into from the getgo. The V8 engine is very quiet, and it seems to be more than adequate to be able to handle the 7000lb weight without any problem. Compared to the X5 I used to drive, its a little mushy in handling, but it still a joy. The 3rd row seat is great for my kids (the real reason for my purchase). The seats are comfortable all around, and theres plenty of interior space.

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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.