Pros: Excellent build quality; respectable fuel economy in BlueTEC diesel-engine model; broad range of engine choices; quiet cabin
Cons: Second and 3rd-row seats aren’t as spacious as many premium-large SUVs’; steep price premium of GL63 AMG model
CG Says: The GL-Class mostly carries over for 2015, though the GL450 model gets a 362-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 in place of the previous 4.7-liter turbocharged V8. All GL-Class models are now available with fuel-saving start/stop technology. The GL-Class doesn’t have the sheer interior volume of some premium large SUVs, but its accommodations are more than adequate for the majority of buyers. Relatively trim exterior dimensions ease parking and maneuverability, too. Any GL offers impressive power and high levels of refinement. Don’t overlook the diesel BlueTEC–it’s the least expensive model, yet is plenty powerful and remarkably fuel-frugal. Note that prices climb quickly as you add options, particularly the Designo interior packages and Bang & Olufsen audio system. The GL63 AMG model, with its 550-horsepower turbocharged 5.5-liter V8, is for high rollers only.
| Class | Premium Large SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 7 |
| Drive Wheels | all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA |
| Base Prices | GL350 BlueTEC: $63,600 GL450: $65,200 GL550: $89,950 GL63 AMG: $119,450 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 362 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 21 |
| Optional Engine turbodiesel 3.0-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 240 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 429 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 13 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 18 |
