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.
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.
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.
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…
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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…
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…