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Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

EPA MPG: 22 mpg
Average Retail Price
$8,325 - $14,500

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

With a plush and hushed interior, relatively good fuel economy, plenty of towing capacity and generous interior space, the GL350 BlueTec is a cut above other large SUVs. We found it to be one of the most comfortably riding SUVs we'd tested. But one serious flaw, reluctant emergency handling, gives us pause.

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2013 SUVs Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2013 Ratings

$8,325 - $14,500
economy-icon
EPA MPG 22 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,225 - $10,325
economy-icon
EPA MPG 18 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,250 - $9,725
economy-icon
EPA MPG 22 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$8,975 - $10,350
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,775 - $9,525
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door SUV
Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
AWD
Engines Available
  • 3-liter V6 turbodiesel (240 hp)
  • 4.6-liter V8 turbo (362 hp)
  • 4.7-liter V8 turbo (429 hp)
  • 5.5-liter V8 turbo (550 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 7-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2013-
Current Generation

The 2013 GL is one of the most comfortable-riding SUVs we've tested, but handling is clumsy at its limits. Interior accommodations are top notch. Available features include a self-parking system and a 360-degree camera view. We feel the GL350 BlueTec is the most sensible combination. The engine is refined and efficient, and the GL rides better with the 19-inch wheels. If you plan to tow, it's a lot cheaper to get the hitch included with the factory tow package rather than adding it after the fact. Blind spot monitoring is a good idea for this big SUV and should be standard, but Mercedes-Benz charges extra for it. Driver's aids include lane keeping assist, collision prevention, smart cruise control, and blind spot monitoring.

This seven-passenger luxury SUV has a great deal of interior space, with a third-row seat roomy enough for adults. The 4.6-liter V8 is smooth and delivers strong performance. Expect 15 mpg overall; diesel models return 19-20 mpg overall, impressive for a large SUV. Handling is relatively responsive, with good steering feel that belies the GL's size and weight. It proved secure and forgiving in our tests, the ride is comfortable, and the interior is very quiet. Fit and finish is excellent, but some controls are overly complicated. The GL can tackle most off-road situations, and towing capacity is impressive. Available features include a self-parking system and a 360-degree camera view.

2007-2012
2007 Redesign Year
This seven-passenger luxury SUV has a great deal of interior space and a third-row seat roomy enough for adults. The 4.6-liter V8 is smooth and delivers strong performance. Diesel models return exceptional fuel economy. Handling is relatively responsive, with good steering feel that belies the GL's size and weight. It proved secure and forgiving in our tests, the ride is comfortable, and the interior is very quiet. Fit and finish are excellent, but some controls are overly complicated. The GL can tackle most off-road situations and towing capacity is impressive.