Best Reviewed
Large SUVs
- Best value large SUV 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe *Est. $36965
- Top-rated luxury SUV 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class *Est. $58200
- Best towing capacity among large SUVs 2010 Toyota Sequoia *Est. $38530
- Best fuel efficiency among full-size SUVs 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid *Est. $50455
Get info about new reports and updates
- Car-like drive feel
- Quiet, classy interior
- Power-folding third-row seats
- Powerful engines, including diesel
- Can tow up to 7,500 pounds
- Capable off-road
- Price
- Floaty ride
- Brake pedal feels spongy
- Ride can be unpleasant on rough roads
With a luxurious interior, a range of powerful engines, and a ride that's described as being much more car-like than other full-sized SUVs', the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is considered by reviewers to be the best large SUV. Car and Driver magazine says the GL-Class is refined and exceptionally quiet, while Motor Trend magazine claims that Mercedes has managed to tune the GL's chassis to near perfection. No reviewer would recommend the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUVs in the same breath as the 2008 Toyota Sequoia *Est. $34,150 to $52,375, but if practicality and value are more important than style, experts say the less-costly Sequoia is easy-driving with a refined ride.
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has three rows of seats and can carry seven passengers. Its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system can be ordered with a special off-road package that includes a two-speed transfer case, locking differentials and ride-height adjustment. Engine options include a 215-horsepower V-6 turbodiesel, a 335-horsepower 4.6-liter V-8 and a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V-8. The sole transmission is a seven-speed automatic, and the suspension uses air bladders instead of coil springs, allowing ride height and ride firmness to be adjusted electronically.
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class earns fuel economy scores of 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway for diesel-powered models in EPA testing. The gasoline V-8s require premium fuel and achieve 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.
Edmunds.com has the most credible review of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, featuring comparisons with the Cadillac Escalade SUV. In Motor Trend magazine, the GL-Class is the 2007 SUV of the Year, while at Car and Driver magazine, the GL-Class earns a place on the 2008 five best trucks list. ConsumerGuide.com says the GL is "Recommended."
 Free Price Quote for 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class |
 Get Free Price Quotes for 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class |
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Editors like the Mercedes-Benz's classy interior, overall refinement, and engine range, but they aren't thrilled with what they call a floaty ride. Edmunds also complains that the GL can quickly get expensive when loaded with options.
Review: 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Consumer Reports tests the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, focusing mainly on reliability, ride quality, handling and safety. Consumer Reports is unique in that it also rates predicted reliability, based on past-model-year reader-survey data.
Review: Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
3. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
The Mercedes-Benz GL-class is the large SUV choice in Car and Driver's annual list. Editors praise the Benz's luxury, refinement and engine choices. Overall, they say the GL is quiet, powerful and rides exceptionally well.
Review: 5 Best Trucks, Tony Swan, Apr. 2008
4. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450, mostly unchanged for 2008, wins Motor Trend's 2007 SUV of the Year competition. Editors claim that the GL450 never feels like the full-size vehicle that it actually is when driving it, and they praise the GL's suspension tuning, claiming it's "near perfect."
Review: 2007 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year Award Winner: Mercedes-Benz GL450, Ron Kiino
Automotive.com lauds the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class's performance in off-road conditions. Editors also report that it drives more like a car on the road than traditional truck-based SUVs, and that it can still tow up to 7,500 pounds.
Review: 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review, Larry Edsall
Consumer Guide gives the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class a "Recommended" rating, praising its overall refinement, powerful engine lineup and seven-speed automatic transmission. They also note the full-sized GL's maneuverability as a strength.
Review: 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 17, 2008
7. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
Car and Driver praises the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class for its smooth ride, quiet interior, power-fold third-row seats, and small exterior dimensions. The diesel model's fuel economy is impressive. Criticisms include spongy brake feel and expensive option packages.
Review: 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Editors of Car and Driver
Large SUVs Runners Up:
4 picks by top review sites.
4 picks by top review sites.
3 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.