Overview & Reviews

For the 2009 Mercedes GL-Class, a new diesel-powered GL320 Bluetec model replaces the previous GL320 CDI. The Bluetec model's cleaner emissions allow it to be 50-state legal. There are also some revisions to the GL's standard and optional equipment. Highlights include an enhanced rear-seat entertainment system, hard-drive-based functionality for the navigation system, an updated COMAND interface with a 6.5-inch display and a dedicated iPod connector.

• Strong acceleration from V8 engines, quiet interior, many available luxury features, comfortable seating, excellent craftsmanship.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 15.00

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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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  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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  GL450 Falling apart at 65K miles - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By beachbenz - March 9 - 12:34 pm

  Ive got a 2009 GL450 with 65K miles. My wife drives it for light suburban driving only. In general, we like the vehicle, but it has been in the shop at least every three months. We are now out of warranty and have had a flood of issues in the past month. Three weeks ago the driver-side door lock mechanism went out. The audio (radio, phone, everything) went out last week and the system needed to be reset. This week, both front struts went out and nearly killed her (car was out of control). The bill for the struts and the doorlock is $5K, but the dealer offered to pick-up some of the tab. Ive owned a lot of new mercedes, but wont buy another one.

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  Lemon Flavored Diesel - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By mgarrison - April 11 - 7:20 pm

  Purchase this car in 2014 with 70k miles on it for around 28k. Got an extend warranty for the car and glad we did. The entire rack and pinion steering system had to be replaced at 75k miles which was paid by warranty with a cost of around $4600. The heating element for the def tank went out at a cost of $3300 and the entire tank had to be replaced since they heater is sealed in the tank. That was paid out of our pocket, then we got the dreaded oil cooler leak which is a very common issue on almost every GL diesel which cost right around $4200 to fix as the most the engine has to be taken apart in order to replace the $16.50 oil cooler gasket. Had huge diesel fuel leak due to o-ring issues with the fuel filter, another $250 spent to fix that. Then I the air bag compressor failed, $875 to replace that, then had 1 air bag fail, another $1400. The rear power lift gated failed at cost of close to $2000 to replace it. The final nail in the coffin was the sale of the vehicle for $6500. We had lots safety recalls with the airbags, but Mercedes has failed to do anything to replace them and keep pushing it off claiming that they do not have the parts to replace it and because of these recall no dealer is able to resell the vehicle till Mercedes fixes the issue making it nearly a worthless suv. Sticker price on this suv new was $106,235 as it had every option available on it. Stay away, stay away and please google all the known issue with these vehicles. Dont let our mistake be your mistake!

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  Really enjoy it!! - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Michael Wagner - April 26 - 10:47 pm

  I now have 94K on the vehicle and it is still great. I have done most of the work on the car since I like doing that and German cars are very straight forward to work on. I have only had to do brakes and oil and tires so far. Having an intermittent issue with the air suspension now, but will figure it out and fix it. The system is pretty simple and Arnott makes a good replacement for it that has very good reviews. Went to the Continentals for tires...a little stiffer, but so much quieter than the Perellis. Ive taken it on long trips, and into the mountains skiing in heavy snow. It handles everything quite well. They dont makes chains for the 20" wheels, but didnt need them. Repaired the suspension, but went with the Arnott solution since this seems to be a weak point on this vehicle. Relatively simple to repair and replaced both front and back plus the pump at different times due to failures. I now have over 147000 on my GL550 and the only other repairs beyond normal maintenance were the internal gaskets on the front of the engine for power steering unit and oil filter mount (the metal unit the oil filter attaches to). These gaskets get hard and crispy and begin leaking. Also had one oxygen sensor fail, but also an easy fix. The garage mechanic can handle all of these fixes. The vehicle continues to perform well and still really enjoy driving it. I did go to the cross drilled rotors and ceramic brakes. Eliminated the brake dust issue and perform better going through the mountains.

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  Has bad side too - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Agie - December 20 - 9:03 am

  I have this vehicle for over 2 months and stumbled into a common mistake and filled up with gas. Costing around $800 to remove the gas when I did not started the car and realize while fueling. If you start it may cost you $6000-$8000. Very delicate fuel and exhaust system.

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  Bullet Proof - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By jd - April 8 - 1:46 pm

  I have owned too many suvs and trucks to mention. This one is the very best. Fuel Economy is much better than advertised. Driving in Phx I get 23 in town and 28 on the highway. Great design and build quality. I pull a large tent trailer with a gross of 5,000lbs with no problem. I will be going "long" on this one. Also, it is fun to drive. Everything is well layed out. So far 7,800 miles without a single problem, nothing.

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  Is it a benz or a Hyundai??? - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Benzlover - November 28 - 4:23 am

  Very disappointting!!! for those of you guys who are seeking the good ole fashion quality of the benz a word of advise SHY AWAY. The 4x4 of the year can not sustain a small bump from the side walk curve without busting its air- suspension module. Interestingly enough, when taking the vehicle to the local benz dealership the Service manager told me, " hey this car is just like a kia and a hyundai, what do you expect, its build the same" I was floored by the lack of cooperation and needless to say the poor craftsmanship. If I wanted a kia i would buy one, well, maybe i should have. It is a shame that a 70K+ 4X4 of the year is basically a kia with a mercedes star on it.

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  Love It! - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By heatkar - June 17 - 10:43 pm

  This is my 2nd GL450. Hated the old one because of its many problems, but what can one expect when you are buying one of the first new models on the road. After driving an Odyssey for 2 years we decided to go for it again and I couldnt be more pleased. They have definitely improved a lot of things since 07. The ride is awesome, love the 20" rims, better nav, better rear DVDs, keyless go. I really love the running boards to help the kids get in on their own. Gas mileage ok, but what do you expect from a powerful SUV. This is a keeper.

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  Awesome! - 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By MDB - May 3 - 4:26 pm

  This my 15th Benz and I love it! Rides and feels like my S500! New navigation, new entertainment system, ventilated front seats just to name a few of the upgrades over the the 2008 and bigger outside mirrors make this SUV the one to beat!