2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: Road Test
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2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class ▼
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- MSRP: $52,400 -$54,900
- Invoice: $48,732 -$51,057
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Our road test for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class help you decide if a 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GL450 w/leather, nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | GL320 CDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 5.4 |
GL450's potent engine and alert transmission combine for effortless power delivery.
GL320's 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 sluggish from a stop but had adequate, though delayed, highway passing power. Engine sounds and feels taxed climbing hills. GL450 and GL320 have a 7500-lb towing capacity.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GL450 w/leather, nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | GL320 CDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 2.5 |
Test GL450 averaged 15.2 mpg. GL450 requires premium-grade fuel.
GL320 CDI requires ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. No opportunity to measure CDI's fuel economy. Note that CDI model is unavailable in California and certain Northeastern states.
RIDE QUALITY
| GL450 w/leather, nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | GL320 CDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Impressively compliant over bumps, but unwanted body motions compromise comfort. GL floats at higher speeds and bobs over even moderate road disturbances.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GL450 w/leather, nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | GL320 CDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
Steering has direct, accurate feel, imparts sporty character. GL leans moderately in corners, but less than most large SUVs. Good stopping control, but brakes on one test example suffered mushy feel, long pedal travel.
QUIETNESS
| GL450 w/leather, nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | GL320 CDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 6 | 6.7 |
Among the quietest premium large SUVs. Wind rush nearly absent; road noise well-controlled. Engine emits refined, rewarding full-throttle growl, is otherwise well-muted. CDI's diesel engine noticeably louder at idle and sounds labored during acceleration; especially on ascent.
CONTROLS
| GL450 w/leather, nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | GL320 CDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Gauges large, easy to read. Most controls logically placed, but navigation system absorbs most audio functions, complicates use. High-quality materials give cabin a premium feel, though conservative design may appear too austere to some.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GL450 w/leather, nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | GL320 CDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8.3 |
Ample head and leg room, though cabin doesn't feel notably spacious. Seats supportive, generously sized. Entry/exit easy via large doors, no-stress step-in height. Visibility good, but over-the-shoulder view hindered by small exterior mirrors.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GL450 w/leather, nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | GL320 CDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
Most rivals are larger overall, so GL's rear accommodations suffer by comparison. Outboard passengers have ample head and leg room. But relatively narrow cabin and low-hanging ceiling vents limit center position to occasional use. Third row best suited to children, though smaller adults will fit in a pinch. Only right-side section of 2nd-row bench seat slides forward for 3rd-row ingress/egress, though it does create a large passageway. Power-folding 3rd-row seat a nice feature.
CARGO ROOM
| GL450 w/leather, nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | GL320 CDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
Volume restricted to a few grocery bags with 3rd row in place. Low floor height, 2nd- and 3rd-row seatbacks that fold flush with the deck ease loading/unloading. Relatively tight dimensions limit overall volume, however, and rounded hatch opening curtails cargo-item size. Numerous cabin storage areas, but none are generously sized.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GL450 w/leather, nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | GL320 CDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Against most premium large SUVs, the GL-Class comes up short in outright passenger and cargo room. But interior accommodations are more than adequate for the majority of buyers, and relatively trim exterior dimensions ease parking and maneuverability. Impressive power, high levels of refinement, and the availability of a diesel model seal this SUV's Recommended status.
Total Score
| GL450 w/leather, nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | GL320 CDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 63 | 61 | 59.4 |
Total Score: 62
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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