MERCEDES-BENZ GL-CLASS 4X4 REVIEW

For There's space and comfort for seven, and the engines are refined and have strong performance. It's very stable at high speed

Against High prices and running costs for a big car, and its sheer size makes it cumbersome around town. Rear visibility is impaired by the headrests on the third row of seats

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

Big in every way and hugely cumbersome, but it's comfortable, refined and packed with safety kit. It's be expensive to buy and run.

Reader review rating

3

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4x4 full review Read in full

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Strong engines make light of hefty payload
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Impressive high speed stability
Refinement
4 out of 5 stars
Hushed and relaxing environment
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Running costs are high
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Well constructed cabin
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Packed with safety kit
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Always feels like a bulky vehicle
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Only average luggage space
Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
No better than you'd expect for the money

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There are 2 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class versions available

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4x4 GL350 CDI Blue EFF. 5dr	£58,910	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4x4 GL500 5dr	£73,125	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5

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.

What Car? says:2 stars out of 5

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

One for America only you might think, but the 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.