What does it cost?
For Big V8 petrol makes a great noise and gets the GL to 60mph in a quite phenomenal 6.5 seconds. Smooth, refined and massively equipped as standard.
Against The fuel consumption is punishing even if you’re gentle, so the turbodiesels make more sense. Very expensive and lacking the beautiful interior of its Range Rover rival.
What Car? says
At this price the GL needs to feel more special inside than it does. Petrol engine might be fast but it’s very thirsty. A no-brainer unless you own an oil refinery.
What Car? readers say
3
View the whole Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4x4 range
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…
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…
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…
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…
5
out of 5 stars
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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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