Used 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 GL-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the GL-Class since its last redesign.
Love It
Sajan, 04/23/2009
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is my first Benz, dreamed for long time, before I test drive, I went test drive the FX50, Q7, and BMW, didn't look at the LX570, didn't any deal at the time, GX470 was too old. But IMO, i like the GL is much better than these. SO far its good, no problems at all. I love new NAV, only problem so far I find, when i am on call through bluetooth, if i turn off the car and open the door it will drop the call, it didn't do it on my 2008 G35. that is only -ive. when u buy this SUV, make sure u get P2 and appreance pkg, its very good
Oil leak causes stirring wheel to lock
NJG, 04/01/2009
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
With less than 6000 miles on the car has had issues with tire pressure, brakes, warning lights and then mother of all car stopping all together in the middle of a busy rd. due to an oil leak that caused the stirring wheel belt to come off. Dealer took close to 2 hrs to send assistance and cannot figure out where the leak is coming from. I will never ever buy MB. Their service stinks for the money one pays. Anyone even remotely considering this car should really burn their money than risk their children's life in this car.
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class for sale near you
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- GL550 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,000479 mi away
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Quality is back
CBM, 06/11/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I traded my 07 GX 470 Lexus in on this and have been very happy. I get 25 mpg, which is not bad for a large suv. With diesel at 4.50 a gal. it costs to fill the tank, but it is money well spent. The GL is a true pleasure to drive, comfort and ride of a lux car. I have pulled a large boat with out any problem. The little V6 offers plenty of power. It is not a corvett, but fast enough.
Awesome suv
ceezeeman, 07/08/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL550 4dr SUV AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a great truck. Looks great, well built, fun to drive. But it is an suv, not a luxury sedan and handles accordingly.
Flawless from day one.
DCDriver, 08/25/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased early summer and used daily. I knew that a diesel would deliver better mileage, but 27MPG highway mileage is even better than expected. The car has not had a single glitch since delivery. It's been perfect. The diesel has a half- second of lag off the line, but once the turbo kicks in, the power is impressive. The diesel plus the 7 speed transmission is a perfect combination for a big SUV. I'm sure the US car makers will scramble to catch up; or find a way to suppress diesels.
The perfect SUV
Andy , 02/10/2009
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my wife/family car, we owned this GL320 CDI for more than a year and I love this SUV. Every time I drive it, I enjoy the ride. I drive a 335 convertible, but the handling, feeling and cornering of this truck is incredible. I strongly recommend this vehicle for big families, and if it's diesel more.
A Good but not Perfect SUV
steveman, 03/25/2010
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had 26 months to live with the truck. Best SUV yet, with my 2001 Denali being a very close 2nd. Friends don't all agree. Real 3rd row is great. I don't quite agree with other posts though, about how good this vehicle is in ice, mud, and snow. Could be I'm not using the settings properly, but with all the snow this winter, did not feel confident in real bad weather. Although I'm at almost 28K with the original Michelin's, it is appalling that they're about gone. It is expensive to maintain. The 20K service is more than an S550's major service. I checked. That is absurd for a diesel, and MB should be ashamed of themselves for that. For the record, I got bluetooth mod for free.
Vehicle for me
Darlene Taylor, 09/11/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The driving experience has been wonderful. The vehicle holds to the road and basically drives itself. The sensors are an added feature that certainly gives a peace of mind related to safety.
Loving it
ADNoVa, 09/28/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Picked up the GL 320 about two weeks ago and couldn't be happier. Got rid of an XC 90 over size and quality issues. Compared to the GL, the XC90 feels absolutely asthmatic. Love the power and torque of the diesel. It's a little noisy in first gear but it's no worse than the whine and groan of the Volvo. I drove every full size (not giant size) SUV and nothing in this class compares to the GL in terms of space and comfort. Getting 23 mpg blended around town is a happy bonus. Drove the V8. Love the sound and it's faster overall, but around town with kids, not worth the fuel economy trade off.
In Love with my GL 320 CDI
pollyspop, 11/01/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Traded from a Yukon XL. I pull a 4000 lb boat and wanted to go greener. 23 mpg my first 2000 miles compared to 15 mpg with the Yukon. And all this Luxury! I bought the Premium 1 pkg, Trailer Hitch (which is very unabtrusive),19" wheel pkg,I-Pod Plug, Side rails and chrome fog lights. Power and Acceleration are Not an issue with this vehicle. I know there will be a larger diesel engine soon...I will not need it. I find the Ultra Low Sulfur fuel everywhere.
large capacity driving experience
harry, 10/27/2020
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL550 4dr SUV AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this car with close to 190,000 miles needs new belts before 120,000 allc control filter under hood needs to be cleaned out every 100,000 miles. the car rides great but never overload the rear with over 800 lbs of weight or air suspension will fail other vise this is a great card. Maintain it and it will be worth every penny.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Nice Ride
Satisfied, 01/09/2009
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Drive it and you'll likely buy it. It must be the best riding SUV on the market, bar none. Love the Airmatic suspension as it really soaks up the rough roads in PA. Speaking of rough roads, not one rattle. Love that. Have only owned for 1 month, but so far the love affair continues. The 19" Continentals are a bit noisier than the 18" standard Michelins, but this is a very very quiet car. And by car, I mean smooth riding SUV. Very satisfied.
It's OK
It's OK., 02/19/2009
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had the wagon for about six months now and it's a good car. I haven't had any problems to speak of. The seats are firm, but not the most comfortable, I could drag a house down the street with this thing, but won't any races, and my mileage is excellent (avg. 21mpg hwy/cty), all typical of a diesel. That said, everything electric about it is inferior to the domestic wagons. The power lift- gate is slow and doesn't always close, the nav. is a pain to use and slow in responding, the rain sensing wipers typically do what they want, even on a sunny day, and the front parking "see dead people" and want to warn me about it. If you're thinking about a 4wd wagon, check out the Flex, cool & cheap.
Satisfied Owner
irongate, 06/27/2010
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have 53k miles still enjoying the SUV. Tires are not MB fault, read about that excessively like MB makes the stupid tires! Michelin and others don't make a 19" speed and weight rated tire for this SUV so forced to buy brands like Continental that only last 27k miles. Same problem for a Cayenne or other performance SUVs with big wheels. Side mirrors need to be bigger. Get the real leather for excellent comfort. 3rd row seats are the BEST of any SUV, comfortable with great leg room for a trip, knees are not at your chin like others! park sensors,stereo sound, gas mileage for big SUV is terrific. Get 20 to 21 mpg driving hard in town 24 mpg on hwy going 75 mph, 27 to 28 mpg at 55 mph.
2008 gl450
DAWN, 05/31/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am a previous LX470 owner and I have to say there really is no SUV that compares to this car for comfort and the ride and the third row seating. I can't wait to get in my car every day and drive it! Although the nav doesn't compare to Lexus ease of use and the DVD is in a weird location for usage. I also did not realize that the non-leather seats are a bit sticky in the heat due to the fact of no ac in them. The ac works great and the stereo is better than my Lexus. The windshield wiper controls are hidden and hard to see. I kept hitting the cruise control for the first month, now I am used to it. I have never had a Mercedes so all the controls take some getting used to.
Worst car I ever owned
Done with it, 11/29/2010
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car could be great if only it wasn't constantly returning to the dealer on the back of a tow truck. We bought it new and within 6 months the front engine gasket blew out. Two months later the same thing happened, but this time the leaking oil caused a serpentine belt failure and we lost the steering -- not good when driving down the road in a 3-ton SUV. A few months later the power steering pump failed. Today we discovered oil all over the garage floor. Absolutely unacceptable reliability. As soon as the Mercedes dealer patches the thing back together it will be off to the BMW dealer to trade it in.
Gl 450 Major problems
tnance, 11/22/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
I purchased the Gl 450 4.7 Ltr about 1 year ago. It has spent over 2.5-3 months at the dealership while attempting to fix electronic problems. While driving the vehicle it would surge and then the warning lights would start lighting up like Christmas. The lights warned of the following failures ABS, Air bags to many to name they were all on. Then a big red box on the led would state drive to the dealership immediatly without shifting gears, how you do that in an automatic I'm still trying to figure out. We live in an isolated state with few roads and long distances between help. My faith in the Gl is gone! Hope no one else has experienced this. It still looks nice parked in my garage.
Diesel Better than Expected
stiney9, 06/08/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First diesel I have ever driven, and I'm quite impressed with it. Averaging about 29 mpg on the highway with 22 mpg in the city. All that from a full size SUV!
Best SUV in Canada
Marco Khan, 06/29/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent drive and you get the feeling of a solid vehicle. Excellent interior and exterior finishing. Mercedes have thought of all the details and have done many improvements in the GL. We had two ML 320 before and now find the GL much more driver friendly.
Best MB Yet
Austin, 07/20/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 2008 GL320 CDI is the best MB I've yet owned, out of 4 different models. It is my go-to car for all short errands and long trips. It is very comfortable, super quiet, safe, has excellent pickup (we live in the hills), has great visability and gets good mileage - averaging 20 mpg city / hwy. Also, in my mind, diesels are a better environmental solution than hybrids because of the battery production and disposal issue. Few vehicles with this weight have the same ability to pass other vehicles when you are going 40 mph or faster. We have towed horses and hardly notice the additional weight except for more downshifting and fuel consumption.
Fun to drive
Don, 01/02/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just picked up the GL CDI last month. So far it was worth the 4+ month wait for the CDI. Great value and priced near the ML gas loaded. Just done the second tank and nearing 900 kilometers (Canada). Lots of power/torque. Great ride. We also have a SL550.....another great MB
The Germans have done it again
tdiesel, 01/10/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's a Mercedes and it holds up to it's name. I test drove the Range Rover, Infiniti QX56 and the Escalade. None of which come even close to comfort and performance. I opted for the GL320 CDI, which is the turbo diesel and for an almost 3 ton truck I get between 24 and 29mpg(The Escalade gets between 12 and 18mpg). The interior design is truly stunning and it has more features than you'll ever use.
Great Vehicle with poor reliability
Pieter, 09/27/2010
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I put 20,000 miles on it (the vehicle had about 6000 miles on it when I purchased it), and had it in the shop about 8 times. The compressor for the airmatic suspension went out at just 7000 miles. All the doorlocks failed and had to be replaced just 5000 miles later. Then the radio went haywire. Also the park tronic went bad and had to be fixed. At 25,000 miles the rear shocks were leaking and had to be replaced. These were just the major repairs. I just traded it in for a Lexus and hope to have better luck now. The great thing about the vehicle was the diesel engine. On long road trips I would average almost 30 miles to the gallon WOW ! I will miss this part.
I traded an 07 Lex GX 470
Charles, 02/09/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in my Lexus with only 14 K miles. I just stopped to look at the new GL class as we wanted a larger vehicle. I am very very impresed. Don't let the low entry price of the 320 fool you, mine decked was 74 K. Was it worth it yes. I can't advise on long term reliability or build, but for 2 months my judgment indicates MB is back. I get 26 miles to the gal. I towed my boat yesterday ( 5K lbs ) no problem. Yes I am very happy except 1. outside mirrors too small, the cruise control is in the wrong place, add easy exit seats that more back and down ( like cad escalade ) plenty of power, 26 mpg, full time 4wd .
Best of both worlds
gd77, 09/19/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While we only have 1200 miles on this vehicle, the MPG has been very impressive and at no loss in pick up. Average mpg to date is just under 22 and the cruising range is great with a large tank. The CDI has a slight diesel ting to it and you can notice that this is a diesel engine but it is nothing like the competitors diesels. No smoke, no loud clanging of the engine, and it is very refined.
I hate getting out of it.
BlackNBlue, 09/16/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 4dr SUV AWD (4.7L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have driven this car for two weeks and I am as excited as a kid with a new bike. I find it hard to stop and get out of it. The gadget factor is huge but all useful and user friendly.
GL 320 vs. Buick Enclave
rrtker, 11/11/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased an Acrtic White GL320 on 10/31/07. I love the vehicle and overall the fuel economy of the diesel is meeting my expectations. Now that I own both the MB and an '08 Enclave I can honestly say that GM has a winner on its hands. The MB certainly has some enticing things including the diesel offering, a firmer ride, etc. But dollar for dollar the Buick is pretty hard to beat. If they would simply upgrade the quality of some of their plastics and the fuel economy, I would be hard pressed to choose one over the other.
Incredible handling
Andy, 04/29/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wonderful ride, stability control works very well. Very sophisticated interior. The engine has a lot of torque and accelaraton is good for a family SUV. The 4matic system is very good. What else you can ask for an SUV? Although the price of the diesel is very high the mileage per gallon is good enough to make the change from gas to diesel. I hope we can see more turbo diesel engines in the future.
worst car I have ever purchased
Ricky, 12/13/2021
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 BlueTEC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but problems with this car since I purchased it I have spent more time repairing it than driving, engine failed at 114,000 KM, A small moped can do more KM than that. This has put me of buying another Mercedes ever again.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Value
Our first Mercedes-Benz
KBKBDB, 08/25/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL550 4dr SUV AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
So far, so good. We were in the market for a SUV. Test drove the Acura MDX, BMW X5 4.8i, and the GL. We were impressed by all three vehicles but ultimately the GL was the way to go--truly appreciate the usable third row seats.
Great Truck
Al, 08/26/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Driving 400 miles every weekend to the cabin and back towing a variety of trailers has never been so effortless. It's been a true joy to drive in the snow, mud, and dirt. Figuring out when to raise the car and disable stability can get you out of trouble easily. I was a Suburban fan but this truck put the burb to shame and it's a lot cheaper to run. Towing 2 big snowmobiles 75mph in the winter still get 17-19 mpg.
Let It Ride
W-4-550, 09/09/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL550 4dr SUV AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a truck of excess. All options basically included and it's a pleasure to drive. Also stands out against the GL 450. So just get this truck and "let it ride".
08 mb gl550
Stephen Buha, 10/31/2016
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL550 4dr SUV AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 17 people found this review helpful
78,000 miles