What does it cost?
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4x4 full 9 point review
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Performance
There’s no disguising the GL’s bulk, but the engines are more than equal to the task. There’s a 5.5-litre V8, which is devastingly quick for a car of this size. The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel is our pick, though - it's still strong but doesn't cost as much to run.
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Ride & Handling
Because of its sheer size, the GL-Class is not the easiest car to slot in and out of traffic. However, its body is well controlled around corners and the steering provides enough feel and precision to help plot an accurate course. The ride is smooth thanks to standard air suspension.
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Refinement
The GL is fitted with large tyres and a host of four-wheel-drive equipment, so it’s all the more impressive that very little noise enters the cabin. Also, despite the car’s bluff shape, wind noise is well suppressed. The engines are only audible when stretched to their limits, and even then they are far from coarse.
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Buying & Owning
Demand means that getting any discounts out of Mercedes dealers will be hard work. The blow of this initial hefty expense will be softened come resale time, as residuals are very strong. Even so, running costs are high, because even the most frugal diesel version returns around 30mpg. All models sit in the top 35% company car tax band.
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Quality & Reliability
Mercedes’ latest models, including the GL, are noticeably better built than before. Dense, high-quality plastics are used throughout and the design of the cabin layout is of an exemplary standard. Many of the GL’s mechanical components are new, but we expect few reliability problems.
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Safety & Security
Front, side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard, along with a full range of electronic braking and stability aids. Headlamps switch on automatically if it’s dark. All versions feature an alarm and immobiliser, but Mercedes rejects deadlocks on safety grounds.
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Behind The Wheel
Drivers can easily make themselves comfortable, thanks to the vast range of steering wheel adjustment and easy-to-use seat adjusters. The dash is sensibly laid out with everything in easy reach; the gear selector is sited on the steering column. Rear visibility is impaired by the headrests on the rear seats, but large side windows and big door mirrors aid reversing.
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Space & Practicality
There’s ample headroom and legroom for all, although access to the rearmost chairs could be better. The rear doors open wide enough, but you can only gain entry from one side, because the larger portion of the 60/40 split middle row does not tumble forward. With the seats in place, boot space is limited, but flipping the seats creates a flat loadbay.
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Equipment
Every model will be fitted with cruise control, climate control, four electric windows, a seven-speed automatic gearbox and alloy wheels. Off-roading technology – including hill descent control, low-ratio gears, locking centre and rear differentials and adjustable ground clearance – is also standard.
GL-Class rivals
GL-Class used rivals
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Our pick of the range
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4x4 GL350 CDI Blue EFF. 5dr
Our favourite GL: it’ll do almost everything its bigger-engined relatives will, only a bit slower and for a good bit less money. Massive standard specification includes parking sensors – it needs them.
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