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2008 Mercedes-Benz GL Class Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com’s editors researched a wide range of road tests of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com’s resident experts also drove the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, and to add more impressions and details and provide you with the best information.

Likes:

  • Well-tailored sheetmetal
  • Plenty of interior room, even in back
  • Sophisticated interior
  • Strong off-road capability

Dislikes:

  • Gas engines have poor fuel economy
  • Pricey

Buying Tips:


The base versions of the Mercedes-Benz GL come with vinyl upholstery. Spend the extra money to get the better-finished leather interiors. For drivers with the need to trek as well as commute, the off-road package on the GL-Class gives it serious trail-riding credentials; the GL-Class was initially developed as a replacement for Mercedes's G-Class military vehicle, and this package comes closest to the G-Class in traction.

New in 2007, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class sport-utility vehicle is a terrific, and terrifically expensive, sport-ute with three rows of seating, a pleasingly crisp shape, a luxurious interior, and real off-road capability.

Three engines are available in the big Mercedes-Benz GL. The starter V-8 is a 4.7-liter, with 335 horsepower and 13/18 mpg fuel economy. Next up is the 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 in the GL550. It delivers a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.4 seconds and fuel economy of 13/17 mpg. Last up is the diesel-powered GL320 CDI, which has 210 hp and ekes out 18/24 mpg fuel economy. A seven-speed automatic is standard across the board.

Handling is very well balanced in this full-size sport-utility vehicle. The air suspension is damped with ride comfort in mind, but the Mercedes-Benz GL still steers with precision and has strong brakes. A little less rocking motion side to side would improve on the good on- and off-road manners. In terms of off-road gear, the GL has standard four-wheel drive, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, and a load-leveling suspension system. It can be ordered with an Off-Road package that includes Class IV hitch, adaptive-damping suspension system, underbody skid plates, and locking differentials. Its maximum tow rating is 7,500 pounds.

The tailored cabin has front-row seats with loads of foot and shoulder room. Adults will be comfortable in the second row--and even in the third row, which also folds itself out of sight at the touch of a button. Other features power rear tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, multizone climate control, a DVD navigation system, a DVD rear-seat entertainment system, 19-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded surround-sound audio system.

First- and second row-side-impact and full-row curtain airbags are standard, as are stability control, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, and active headrests designed to limit potential injuries from whiplash.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Land Rover Range Rover has prestige at its back and exceptional off-road prowess, but only two rows of seats. The Lexus LX 570 is a huge dirt-grinder with punishing weight and fuel economy, but small third-row seats. Cadillac's Escalade comes with three rows of seats and a hip, blingy style--and a hybrid powertrain is available.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a superior sport-ute with lots of room and power.

TheCarConnection.com’s editors researched a wide range of road tests of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com’s resident experts also drove the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, and to add more impressions and details and provide you with the best information. Likes:Well-tailored sheetmetalPlenty of interior room, even in backSophisticated interiorStrong off-road capabilityDislikes:Gas engines have poor fuel economyPriceyBuying Tips: The base versions of the Mercedes-Benz GL come with vinyl upholstery. Spend the extra money to get the better-finished leather interiors. For drivers with the need to trek as well as commute, the off-road package on the GL-Class gives it serious trail-riding credentials; the GL-Class was initially developed as a replacement for Mercedes's G-Class military vehicle, and this package comes closest to the G-Class in traction. New in 2007, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class sport-utility vehicle is a terrific, and terrifically expensive, sport-ute with three rows of seating, a pleasingly crisp shape, a luxurious interior, and real off-road capability. Three engines are available in the big Mercedes-Benz GL. The starter V-8 is a 4.7-liter, with 335 horsepower and 13/18 mpg fuel economy. Next up is the 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 in the GL550. It delivers a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.4 seconds and fuel economy of 13/17 mpg. Last up is the diesel-powered GL320 CDI, which has 210 hp and ekes out 18/24 mpg fuel economy. A seven-speed automatic is standard across the board. Handling is very well balanced in this full-size sport-utility vehicle. The air suspension is damped with ride comfort in mind, but the Mercedes-Benz GL still steers with precision and has strong brakes. A little less rocking motion side to side would improve on the good on- and off-road manners. In terms of off-road gear, the GL has standard four-wheel drive, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, and a load-leveling suspension system. It can be ordered with an Off-Road package that includes Class IV hitch, adaptive-damping suspension system, underbody skid plates, and locking differentials. Its maximum tow rating is 7,500 pounds. The tailored cabin has front-row seats with loads of foot and shoulder room. Adults will be comfortable in the second row--and even in the third row, which also folds itself out of sight at the touch of a button. Other features power rear tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, multizone climate control, a DVD navigation system, a DVD rear-seat entertainment system, 19-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded surround-sound audio system. First- and second row-side-impact and full-row curtain airbags are standard, as are stability control, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, and active headrests designed to limit potential injuries from whiplash. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, also consider:Land Rover Range RoverLexus LX 570Cadillac EscaladeReason Why:The Land Rover Range Rover has prestige at its back and exceptional off-road prowess, but only two rows of seats. The Lexus LX 570 is a huge dirt-grinder with punishing weight and fuel economy, but small third-row seats. Cadillac's Escalade comes with three rows of seats and a hip, blingy style--and a hybrid powertrain is available. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a superior sport-ute with lots of room and power. TheCarConnection.com’s editors researched a wide range of road tests of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com’s resident experts also drove the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, and to add ...

Other Choices:

The Land Rover Range Rover has prestige at its back and exceptional off-road prowess, but only two rows of seats. The Lexus LX 570 is a huge dirt-grinder with punishing weight and fuel economy, but small third-row seats. Cadillac's Escalade comes with three rows of seats and a hip, blingy style--and a hybrid powertrain is available.

Next Steps:

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See the Mercedes-Benz GL Class in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

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