2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class isn’t just a smooth ride with a pretty face. It’s got 7,500 lbs of towing capacity, 14.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, and a rippling 335-horsepower engine so you’re able to get the job done and look good while you’re doing it. The GL-Class, Mercedes’ first full-size luxury crossover SUV, has room for seven passengers and a muscular V8 engine. The sleek new GL-Class is designed, in part, to offer an alternative to the G-Class, which has a boxy style that isn’t for everyone.
The interior fit and finish is that which this German automaker is renowned for, and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class crossover SUV makes its debut in the 2007 year at the top of the large CUV heap. It is stylish, capable, and has the ferocious luxury of a Mercedes-Benz. It is Mercedes’ first large CUV, adding to its already diverse model line in an expert interpretation of rugged luxury. The Mercedes GL450 is Motor Trend’s 2007 “SUV of the Year.”
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
If you’re looking for the very best, the Mercedes GL-Class is the CUV for you. Able to carry up to seven passengers in comfort and style, the GL class successfully combines the ride and luxury of a Mercedes with the functionality of a large CUV. Mercedes were late into this market, but when they arrived they got it right.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
Long-term reliability is unknowable for the GL-Class, since it is making its debut for this model year. Mercedes CUVs have, traditionally, had about average reliability with problems occasionally arising in paint, trim, and body hardware. The trend, too, has been for decreasing reliability from Mercedes-Benz, making the predicted reliability of the new GL-Class only about average. Mercedes’ basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
Crash test information is not yet available for the GL-Class, but the GL-Class is loaded with safety features. Standard on the GL-Class are electronic brake assist; ABS; stability control; front, side, and full-length head-curtain airbags; hill start and hill descent assist, and traction control.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Powerful V8
+ Luxurious interior
+ Quiet, comfortable ride
Cons
– Too many options, not enough standard features
– Unknown reliability
– Low fuel economy
Head-To-Head Competition:
Other luxury SUVs worth considering include the Audi Q7, the Cadillac Escalade, and the Porsche Cayenne. The Audi Q7 has a standard DVD player and costs $5,000 less than the GL-Class, but it lacks the third row seating, standard sunroof, and theft-tracking system offered by the Mercedes. The Cadillac is the only one of these three that offers third row seating standard and has about 70 additional horsepower. It costs almost $2,000 more, though, and lacks the sunroof of the Mercedes. Finally, the ultra-sporty Porsche Cayenne has a faster 0-60 time, and has child safety locks standard, but lacks the theft-tracking feature and CD changer of the Mercedes. None of these competitors have the unique 7-speed automatic transmission of the Mercedes GL-Class SUV.
What Others Are Saying:
“The GL-Class has been designed with the American market very much in mind – it’s huge even by the standards of big off-roaders. As such, it’s likely to appeal to deep-pocketed buyers looking for seven-seat practicality and the cachet of the three-pointed star” – Fifth Gear
“It is one thing to introduce a new player in a segment and it is another to have this new product start right at the top of the chart. This is what Mercedes-Benz did with their all-new GL-Class.” – Auto123
“Mercedes’ usual high level of amenities and safety standards are part of the package, including two-stage front airbags for driver and passenger, seat-mounted side airbags in the first and second rows and window curtain airbags spanning all three rows of seats.” – Forbes
Read more about the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class at the Mercedes-Benz manufacturer web site.
