2008 Mercedes-Benz GL [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 55 GL reviews and test drives.
Mercedes-Benz GL - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL ranks 3 out of 9 Luxury Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 55 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz GL, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The GL-Class ranks highly on our list because it is a high-performing luxury vehicle that can seat seven while providing one of the best full-size SUV driving experiences available.
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class earns high marks for both style and its sedan-like driving experience, as well as a high ranking in luxury large SUVs. For 2008, a new GL550 model with a 382-horsepower V8 engine is added to the line. The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class won several awards, including Motor Trend's "SUV of the Year," and Car and Driver's "Best Luxury Sport Utility." Despite a smaller engine than many competitors, the base model still earns excellent reviews, with nearly all noting that it drives more like a luxury sedan than a bulky SUV. Another plus is the GL's excellent fuel economy, which is among the best in this class.
- "Fast and stylish and screams exclusivity." -- Car and Driver
- "As slick as a Zamboni-treated ice rink. The ride is virtually bump-free on anything but the craggiest surfaces, and the interior is quiet enough so you can hear the subtleties of a concerto on the audio system." --The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- "Following two intense weeks with the GL, it was all sparklers and Roman candles for the biggest Benz ever offered in the United States." --Motor Trend
- "Big also describes the GL450 prices, starting at $54,675. Dig into the healthy list of options, and you can quickly be pushing the $70,000 mark." --Motor Week
- "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."-- The New York Times
GL Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a superbly performing SUV, and earns a very good score and high performance ranking within the class. 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." To find out if other reviewers agree, read our full performance review. continue
GL Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has the classic SUV shape that gets positive reviews. The Detroit News says it's "handsome ... 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. To find out what they think the difference is, check out our full exterior review. continue
GL Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)
The seven-seat interior of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is luxurious enough to earn a good score. However, the lack of standard leather seats and other features in a car of this class causes the interior to rank at the middle of the class. To find out what amenities the GL does come with, read our full interior review.
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GL Safety - NA
Crash test ratings are not yet available for the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class from the federal government or insurance industry, so it is difficult to assess the GL-Class's safety. continue
GL Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 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 warranty. continue