2007 Mercedes-Benz GL [ 2008 ]
Mercedes-Benz GL
Overall Score - 8.9 (Very Good)
The GL Class is a high-performance luxury SUV that can seat seven while providing one of the best full-size SUV driving experiences available.
Most reviewers agree the GL-Class is a welcome new addition to the field of luxury SUVs, and give it high marks for both style and its sedan-like driving experience. In addition, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has won several awards, including Edmunds "Most Wanted SUV of 2007," Motor Trend's "SUV of the Year," and Car and Driver's "Best Luxury Sport Utility." Car and Driver, in announcing their award, says "nothing came close to the GL450. It drives like a tall and muscular car, solidly built and serious about quality." Despite a smaller engine than many competitors, most reviewers are unstinting in their praise of this model's performance, with nearly all noting that it drives more like a luxury sedan than a bulky SUV. Motor Trend says "following two intense weeks with the GL, it was all sparklers and Roman candles for the biggest Benz ever offered in the United States."
While the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class may not have the cargo capacity of other large SUVs, reviewers found it more than made up for it in comfort and features. Motor Week, for example, says "the big rear cabin means big comfort, with lots of room to stretch out." The motorized third-row seat was a real reviewer favorite, and allows owners to expand their cargo space or seat up to seven people at the touch of a button. While many third-row seats in SUVs would be hard-pressed to seat a child comfortably, New Car Test Drive speaks for many when it says "we climbed into the third row and found room for two adults to ride back there, each in a separate seat."
If there is any drawback to this model, reviewers note that options -- of which there are many -- can quickly add up, and that some optional features should be standard. As Motor Week notes, "big also describes the GL 450 prices, starting at $54,675. Dig into the healthy list of options, and you can quickly be pushing the $70,000 mark." The New York Times didn't quibble however, saying "Mercedes charges extra for the really good stuff. Adding some $13,000 in options brought my GL to $68,075, in line with an Escalade or a Lexus LX 470 but a good $20,000 less than a comparable Range Rover."
GL Class Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a superbly performing SUV according to nearly all reviewers. A powerful, but silent, V8 engine powers a car that Motor Trend says "never feels like a full-size brute that can swallow seven; rather, it drives small, coming across more as an S-Class sedan than an Escalade competitor." continue
GL Class Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has a classic SUV shape that reviewers like. The Detroit News says it "is handsome, though, with triangular headlights, sharply chiseled front fenders and classic luxury SUV lines." The GL-Class is a Cadillac Escalade competitor, but reviewers agree its exterior appeal is not the same. continue
GL Class Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)
The interior of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is luxurious enough for most reviewers, though many felt that some options, like leather seats, should be standard on a luxury car in this price range. The GL-Class can seat up to seven. continue
GL Class Safety - NA
Unfortunately, crash test ratings are not yet available for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class from the federal government or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, so it is difficult to tell how safe the GL-Class is. continue
GL Class Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The GL-Class comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. continue