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GL-Class 4x4

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4x4 GL350 CDI Blue EFF. 5dr Review

For Our choice in the range simply because it comes with everything you could possibly want and all the ability of its more expensive relatives. Seats seven, comfortably.

Against Smallish – in this machine – turbodiesel struggles to shift the GL’s bulk when it's fully loaded.

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4x4

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

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.

What Car? readers say

3


Key facts

0–60mph
7.9 secs
Top speed
140 mph
Average mpg
30.7
Tank range
675 miles
See all running costs

View the whole Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4x4 range

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The full Mercedes-Benz GL-Class review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

One for America only you might think, but the Mercedes GL isn’t quite as cumbersome in the UK as you’d expect. It might be long and tall but it’s not as wide as some in traffic, although width restrictors will still cause a quickening of the pulse. For its size it’s actually remarkably civilised to drive with surprisingly contained body roll and decent ability in the bends.

Two engine choices are offered, all mated to automatic transmissions and some pretty serious off-road equipment – all GLs come with hill descent control, locking differentials and low-ratio gears. That makes it a very able performer in the mire, not that owners are ever likely to find out.

Spacious, refined and comfortable the GL's size means even with the two turbodiesels you’ll struggle to manage sensible economy. But if you need a big, useful premium machine that’s not a Range Rover then it's worth consideration.

Reader test team says:

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4x4 GL320 CDI 5dr

We've had our GL320 since April 2009. Mecahnically it been fine, and my wife loves the car to pieces. Must admit I've never been a real fan of the…

Chris Hill

4 out of 5 stars

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4x4 GL320 CDI 5dr

Having leased this car for three years I clearly had the Friday afternoon lemon! Mechanically it never had a proble (quite frankly its only saving…

Amanda Thornton

1 out of 5 stars

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4x4 GL320 CDI 5dr

Having had the vehicle since December 06 I found it to be well built with a strong on road feel. I have taken it off-road up ruts and all sorts with…

Martyn Pound

4 out of 5 stars

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4x4 GL320 CDI 5dr

Second review of this vehicle and all I can say is try everything else then go drive a Merc GL. You'll find it difficult to arrange a test drive, but…

Jason McGuinness

5 out of 5 stars
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