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2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Full Review
7.
8.
2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review
A diesel-engine model is a midyear addition to the 2007 GL-Class lineup. This premium large SUV is essentially a stretched version of Mercedes-Benz's midsize five-passenger ML-Class wagon. Both have car-type construction, but the GL seats seven, has more towing capacity, and more available off-road equipment. The new GL320 CDI has a 215-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine. It joins the GL450, which has a 335-hp 4.7-liter gasoline V8. Both GLs have a 7-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel controls for manual operation. All-wheel drive is standard. An optional off-road package adds low-range gearing, locking center and rear differentials, and allows up to 2 inches of additional ground clearance. ABS, traction/antiskid control, hill ascent/descent control, and height-adjustable suspension are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows and include rollover deployment. Options include leather upholstery, navigation system, DVD entertainment, front/rear obstacle detection, and keyless ignition. Also available are steering-linked xenon headlights, and Mercedes' Adaptive Damping suspension that includes driver-selectable firmness settings.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Typically based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.
Our Best Buy is the Cadillac Escalade. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
Our Best Buy is the Cadillac Escalade. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
News
The GL has just been introduced, so no big news is likely near-term. But don't be surprised to see a diesel V6 GL320 CDI added to the lineup if Mercedes decides $3-a-gallon gasoline is hurting GL sales.
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2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Impressively compliant over bumps, but unwanted body motions compromise comfort. GL floats at higher speeds and bobs over even moderate road disturbances.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 59 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/23/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| GL320 CDI 4-door wagon | $52,400 | $48,732 | $775 |
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| GL450 4-door wagon | $54,900 | $51,057 | $775 |
Price note: GL320 CDI not available in Calif., Mass., Maine, N.Y., Vt.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
GL320/450
Powertrain
3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine (GL320 CDI), 4.7-liter V8 engine (GL450), 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, hill ascent and descent control, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, Tele Aid assistance system w/one year service.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, vinyl/leather upholstery, heated 8-way power front seats w/driver-side lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row power-folding split seat, wood and aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/weatherband/CD player, glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, analog clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, glass roof panel, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, front and rear fog lights, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Load-leveling and height-adjustable suspension, 265/60R18 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
GL320/450
|
$4,500
|
$4,185
|
|
Entertainment Pkg. plus front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, navigation system, power telescoping steering wheel, memory system (front seat, mirrors, steering wheel), power folding mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, automatic day/night rearview mirror, cargo net, power liftgate.
|
||
|
Off-Road Pkg.
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||
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GL320/450
|
$2,200
|
$2,046
|
|
2-speed transfer case, center and rear locking differentials, roof rack, skid plates, driver-selectable suspension settings.
|
||
|
Entertainment Pkg.
|
||
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GL320/450
|
$1,450
|
$1,348
|
|
harman/kardon sound system, satellite radio, rear radio controls, wireless cell phone link.
|
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Heating Pkg.
|
||
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GL320/450
|
$995
|
$925
|
|
Heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, heater washers.
|
||
|
Lighting Pkg.
|
||
|
GL320/450
|
$900
|
$837
|
|
Steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights w/washers, cornering lights.
|
||
|
R55 Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
GL320/450
|
$1,100
|
$1,023
|
|
Skid plates, 19-inch wheels.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
GL320/450
|
$2,650
|
$2,465
|
|
iPod connection
|
||
|
GL320/450
|
$365
|
$339
|
|
Tri-zone automatic climate controls
|
||
|
GL320/450
|
$1,320
|
$1,228
|
|
Includes rear controls, infrared glass.
|
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Rearview camera
|
||
|
GL320/450
|
$500
|
$465
|
|
Requires Premium Pkg.
|
||
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Power sunroof
|
||
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GL320/450
|
$1,500
|
$1,395
|
|
Includes power rear quarter windows.
|
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Leather upholstery
|
||
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GL320/450
|
$1,650
|
$1,535
|
|
Includes upgraded wood interior trim, ambient interior lighting.
|
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Multicontour front seats
|
||
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GL320/450
|
$800
|
$744
|
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Power liftgate
|
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GL320/450
|
$530
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$493
|
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Keyless access and starting
|
||
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GL320/450
|
$1,100
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$1,023
|
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Special wood interior trim
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GL320/450
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$0
|
$0
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Adaptive cruise control
|
||
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GL320/450
|
$3,150
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$2,930
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Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
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GL320/450
|
$540
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$502
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Special paint
|
||
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GL320/450
|
$700
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$651
|
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
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Trailer hitch
|
||
|
GL320/450
|
$500
|
$465
|
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|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 121.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 200.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 72.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5249 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 83.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 26.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 40.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Turbodiesel dohc V6 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /182 | 4.7 /285 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 215 @ 3800 | 335 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 398 @ 1400 | 339 @ 2700 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 7-speed automatic | 20/25 | 14/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | Unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Full Review
7.
8.
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