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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  Just Hit 20K - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Lawyeretal - December 19 - 8:56 pm

  This was my pick by far based on looks, but I gave my wife the command decision. We drove everything out there from Lexus to Infinity and this one drove most like a car. She picked this one hands down. We have had to have the one of the air shocks replaced, but that was no issue. The fit and finish are superb and everything inside is solid and well constructed. We have taken it on 3 long road trips with 3 kids, and the quiet ride (for the baby), the comfort (my wife) and the joy of driving it (me) have further impressed us to the point that we will probably buy another in a couple years. The older kids love the back seat entertainment package!

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  Pathetic - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Fed up - December 6 - 12:03 pm

  The infotainment system is the worst I have seen in a luxury car. The controls are poorly designed and hard to use. The integration of the system is one of the worst I have seen. Tire pressure sensor is the dumbest I have seen. It tells you that pressure is low but you have to figure out in which tire and by how much. Many of the components failed in the first year of ownership requiring several visits to the dealer. Oil level sensor was replaced twice within the first 2 months. Tires and brakes wore out before 20k miles. Blue tooth adapter is a $500 option, but is not well integrated. Mine failed after 12 months and 6 days. I will never again purchase a Mercedes.

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  Flawless from day one. - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By DCDriver - November 18 - 5:33 pm

  Purchased early summer and used daily. I knew that a diesel would deliver better mileage, but 27MPG highway mileage is even better than expected. The car has not had a single glitch since delivery. Its been perfect. The diesel has a half- second of lag off the line, but once the turbo kicks in, the power is impressive. The diesel plus the 7 speed transmission is a perfect combination for a big SUV. Im sure the US car makers will scramble to catch up; or find a way to suppress diesels.

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  Home Run - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By aaflank - November 17 - 7:56 pm

  Finally a solid, high quality, 7 passenger AWD SUV with the looks, comfort, quality, and features that we have been looking for. Actually drives better than the gas version (more torque) and gets 21 average; 26 highway. Very smooth and quiet; no one can tell its a diesel.

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  Love this SUV - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By lovmycars - October 22 - 5:16 am

  What a great vehicle. Moved from an 01 Landcruiser I loved to this vehicle. Would have bought another "cruiser", but the style and options are a little dated. So far this vehicle is far superior to the "cruiser". The transmission and ride is unbelievably smooth and comfortable. The acceleration is great for such a large truck. It has almost every option you would want in a vehicle of this type and so far they all work wonderfully well. The interior is absolutely beautiful and all of the controls are efficiently located and I understand that most are copied from other Mercedes vehicles, which is good because they have been time tested.

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  small things make a difference - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Brian S - October 8 - 9:00 am

  Always comes down to the little things. Outside mirrors are too small for this vehicle. Console armrest does not adjust up and down? Getting to third row not very "easy". Do this while its pouring down rain! Comand can be ( and should be ) much easier to use. Ok I admit my bias here. If Audi had more room in the back of the Q7 I would be driving that instead. Their vehicles are just more detailed and thought out. This is my first trip back to MB in 5 years. Not bad, just not as good as Mercedes should be. Love the diesel. Smooth, quiet, plenty of power for what I need and great fuel mileage. Got talked into the MB Tex interior. Should have gotten leather. Like the pwr up/down 3rd row seats.

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  550 GL - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By WBL - October 5 - 2:40 pm

  I have had the GL 550 for a week and can say it is the finest SUV I have driven. I had two GL 450s prior to this auto. It is much more powerful and comfortable to drive than any other SUV I have owned including Range Rover HSE.

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  First Benz.... Might be Last Benz - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By TM - September 15 - 3:34 am

  8K$ car (GL550 -2015- Only gave blue tech as trim option via Edmunds review? pull down window)). Sales was outstanding. Issues with the Transmission/Tires/window seals/AC mold issues all within the first 4000 miles. Spent over 2 weeks in the shop in under 5 months of ownership. Once the sale is made you deal with the abyss of service and quality issues. This is the most disappointed Ive been in a new car purchase in over 25 years.

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  Excellent Car! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Mom2Boys - August 9 - 12:36 am

  I have had the car for about a month and could not be happier. I have had a couple of Navigators and looked at it again before buying the GL 550 - there was no comparison. Quite simply, this is the best driving car I have ever owned or driven.

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  Love its many new functions . - 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Thuy Nguyen - July 13 - 6:43 pm

  As we did , there are many sources from online to do review , ask friends ....