2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review

Let's face it: If you're smitten by Mercedes' GL-Class full-size SUV, the recent run-up in prices at the pump probably rates somewhere between insignificant and unimportant in your car search. With seating for seven, the GL-Class is a big SUV — and it gulps fuel like one. Even the most efficient version, the GL350 Bluetec diesel we tested, manages just an EPA-estimated 17/21 mpg city/highway. Likely more important to you would be a comfortable ride with commanding views, space for the family and all their stuff, and a level of luxury to justify a $60,000-plus base price.

While the GL350 Bluetec diesel delivers the cushy ride, a combination of limited interior space and some irritating qualities weigh on this already-heavy SUV.

In models where both gas and diesel engines are available, the diesel is typically more expensive. In the GL-Class, however, the diesel GL350 Bluetec, with its $60,950 starting price, is the most affordable trim in the lineup. (Two V-8-powered gas models — the GL450 and GL550 — are more expensive.) Optional features pushed the price of our tester to $72,135. For a side-by-side comparison of the three trims, all of which have all-wheel drive, click here.

See also:

Adjusting the active multicontour seat
The active multicontour seat on the driver's side automatically adapts the sides of the backrest to your current driving style. You can adjust the contour of the seats individually so as to pr ...

Displays in the COMAND display
WARNING Use of rear view camera can be dangerous if you are color-blind or have impaired color vision. Only use rear view camera if you can see and distinguish all colored guidelines shown by ...

Setting the interior/exterior lighting delayed switch-off time
Interior lighting: you can set whether and for how long you wish the interior lighting to remain on in the dark after you have removed the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Exterior light: you c ...