Overview & Reviews

For 2015, GL450 models get a new turbocharged V6 engine that's just as powerful as the V8 it's replacing but much more fuel-efficient. All gasoline-powered models also receive an automated engine stop-start feature designed to boost fuel economy. Finally, the six-CD changer has been dropped and the optional panoramic sunroof loses the glass panel over the third-row seats.

• Available fuel-efficient diesel V6
• Classy and quiet interior
• Strong brakes.
• Authoritative power
• Room for seven adults

• Overly light steering effort.
• Ponderous handling

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 13.00

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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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  Gl is not an SUV! - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Yuliy Lieb - August 24 - 6:04 am

  i dont understand why Edmunds keep placing this vehicle on the first place among luxurious SUVs. I have followed Edmunds advice and had one for a year. I may say with full responsibility that 1) GL is not a real SUV, it is a crossover. On a rough road it fails. 2) The cockpit has a low ceiling, toll person cant get in without bending neck 3) reliability is low, within less than a year I had to go to dealer for repairs twice, one of them could have been quite expensive, if not under warranty. 4) Among all bells and whistles just a few make sense, others look attractive for a regular customer but are useless. 5) third raw is for two 3-years old only, besides an adult would have a hard time to get there. And so on... Anyway, after approximately a year i have traded it in to Lexus LX-570. Yes, this thing has less bells and whistles, but it is a real SUV. Yes, its voice recognition system sucks and navigation system is not as good as MB GL. But if you are about to purchase a luxurious SUV, go anywhere type, do not make a mistake being attracted by MB logo on a hood.

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  "Nothing but the best" what a joke - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Grace Ann - August 11 - 11:27 pm

  The GL450 has so many problems, that dealers across the country and head quarters do not know how to fix, the customer frequently hears "we have no idea what is wrong or how to fix your problem." I had a Lexus LX 470 and as soon as I can get the Mercedes out of the shop, they have had it for 9 days, I am headed for Lexus and trading it in. The vehicle backfires on every cold start, a very dangerous situations. "Nothing but the best, the safest, technologically advanced;" far from it. Mercedes you are better than this. Step up your game and your customer service response. I was told today by Mercedes corporate customer care group "they had no idea when they would have an answer or solution to the backfire problem. When I said do you think you will know something by December, the regional claims manager stated "I have no idea." "Nothing but the best?" I will never recommend or buy another Mercedes.

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  Great vehicle just not for us - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Mike Williams - December 22 - 10:49 am

  We decided on something larger

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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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  Very Poor Electonics Undermine Reliability... - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Jim - March 22 - 10:47 pm

  ... and Customer Satisfaction/Retention. All electronics in my GL63 are terrible with Navigation and Voice Recognition poorer than any car I own. Unrealiable, Inconsistent, Quirky, freeze and just dont work. Dealership makes excuses but they are terrible. Voice recognition is the worst of the 5 cars I own. Can not get into vehicle as auto door unlocking doesnt always work. Navigation will take you to Mongolia often and I have no confidence in. Options, electronic just dont work more than half the time. Taken to dealership numerous times but they seem resigned to there is no fix. I dont think they even log in my visits any more. My second but last MB. Others are better. Just not enough for the money $130K. Sticking to American and Japanese as I have experienced better reliability and value. MB has been a disappointing brand for me. Looking elsewhere for my next car purchases.

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  in the shop every other week - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By David - January 24 - 4:00 am

  I can look back and guarantee on paper my GL goes in the shop almost every other week, I am very disappointed comparing this car to our Lexus, the Lexus has been in the shop at 30k for the key fob not working and to clean the ac filter due to a smell. AS for the GL we have been in the shop all the time for brakes, sensors, squealing brakes oil leak, rear shock for rear door was not working, transmission trouble, squeaking window, right front air shock had to be replaced, the shock is still making noises when you go over a speed bump, bad design glove box that cant store much and always gets jammed, very cheap center wheel caps that need replacing all the time, so many sensors you will be in the shop getting them replaced and while you are there you might as well do your high price service that can run up to 1200.00. Yes 1200.00 and that is with out getting anything fixed. The service is to keep your car under the MB warranty and if you dont decline the service it will void the warranty. I feel like I keep the dealership lights on while they look for there next person that is as uneducated as I was when i bought this big rolling pieces of junk. When i pull up next to some one with a Mercedes I feel bad for them. I know this for a fact, Most people that work for the Mercedes dealership Don"t drive Mercedes, but if they do they usually are driving it for free. One mechanic stated to me that he likes the MB but due to the high price of parts he stays away. If you buy a Mercedes or a GL and you feel like nothing is going your way remember I told you so.

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  3rd GL. Still an impressive vehicle - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Bill L. - June 28 - 4:15 pm

  This is our 3rd GL. We have owned a 2007 GL450, a 2011 GL550 and now a 2015 GL450. Each time we have test driven other vehicles and ended up back at the Mercedes dealer. PROs: Real 7 adult capacity - The back seat is a little of a climb but it can comfortably seat 2 reasonably sized adults for moderate distances. Drives less "trucky" that the truck-based SUVs - This is a unibody and therefore is not built on a truck frame. That allows for lower ride height and more stable feeling SUV with a lower lift height to put stuff in the back. Decent power and ride - This is a change from the old V8s and is a little more slow to respond when accelerating from a moderate pace (the old V8s were quicker) but it is still very reasonable for a vehicle this size. It is also a great highway cruiser with comfortable seats and non-fatiguing driving position. Many safety gizmos available - Lane departure warning, front impact warning, blind spot monitoring, automatic high beams, headlights that follow the curves all make for a safer ride. Interior - Although the electronics are not the best the interior is pretty darn nice. Leather wrapped dash, doors, real wood and solid overall feel to the controls and buttons. CONS: Expensive to fix/maintain - MB is one of the more expensive models to maintain. Just a fact. New sets of brakes/rotors every 30-40K miles, general maintenance in the $300-$500 range and this isnt a cheap car to own. Add in that it requires Premium Unleaded and this isnt a cheap vehicle Transmission can range from smooth to harsh - Usually, it shifts very smoothly but every once in a while it will hard upshift/downshift. All 3 I have owned have done this. It never inspired confidence but I ran my last one to 144K miles and it was still going strong when I traded it. Electronics are only ok - Nothing overly exciting about the NAV or Command system as a whole. It works but is a little clunky and low resolution. Summary: Safe, comfortable vehicle that performs well and feels like a luxury vehicle. Electronics are only okay and your wallet/pocketbook wont be thrilled but for some people that extra cost is worth it.

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  You like the GL550, its garbage - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Rory - June 4 - 8:05 am

  Too many electronic issues...

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  Excellent 7 seat luxury SUV with nice & improved features - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By h82bl8 - April 10 - 9:59 am

  We purchased the 15 GL450 as a family vehicle/daily use vehicle for my wife. Its a perfect luxury 7 seat SUV in my opinion. Its roomy, both elegant and athletic inside. I was sort of hesitant on the new V6 bi-turbo engine but what a pleasant surprise! Though the engine sound is not as pleasing as the V8, the performance speaks for itself. It has similar performance as the naturally aspirated V8 in the X164 (GLs before 13) while getting better gas mileage. Weve owned the previous version GL450 & GL350 and the interior, especially the "technology" has definitely improved significantly. The navi system is now somewhat user friendly, though not as nice as the Japanese cars and Audi MMI.