2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 CDI

Pros

Fuel economy 21.7 average city/hwy combined

Cons

Looks like a "Mommy" cruiser.

The fuel economy trumps everything at the moment.. The seats are typical German "stiff" and hard to get comfortable (6'1" guy). I could not find a GL without all the electronics (transmission, tailgate, sensors, back-up camera, etc.), lots of overkill for lazy people. (How is it that in Germany you can get one of these with a little more than the basics?) I like this "wagon" but other than the fuel economy it doesn't hold a candle to my LR3. Jiffy lube does the oil change for cheaper ($107.00 vs. MB's $500.00) and NTB does the tire rotations for less as well. Watch your service, MB wanted to charge me for my first "free" tire rotation because I was 200 miles over. (An adult tantrum and a threat to have NTB do the service convinced the service manager not to charge me.) I have a few ghosts.. the sunroof reopens after closing, the Nav. wiped out all my saved settings, and once the power window wouldn't stay closed. Overall it's good, not great....read morehide

Pros

diesel and 7 full size seats

Cons

not an 8 seater

only 7 seater (adult size) diesel on the market. Able to tow 7500lbs and get 22-25 MPG (without towing). Owned numerous full size SUV's. Currently have a LandCruiser and a Lexus GX470. Researched for 6 months straight and ended up with this one. Absolutely no regrets, enjoy every minute driving it, even in traffic. Handling is second to none, corners almost as flat as my 996Turbo with pss9. Highly recommended. Gave up on Mercedes 5 years ago, they finally have a car worth considering....read morehide

Pros

excellent fuel economy, comfort, etc. We've chosen to travel out of Phoenix rather than fly

Cons

nav system not anywhere as user friendly as the one in our Acura RL

We're very satisfied with this purchase having paid cash and driving it off the lot. The only complaint we have is that the Nav system is unnecessarily complex to learn although it works quite well once you've got it. We felt that the Nav approach was along the lines of doing it their way rather than the simple and obvious way. Perhaps because it's German? The Nav system on our Acura RL is much more easily used and has better features. We bought an option-loaded 329 CDi, the only way you could purchase one from the dealer. The dealer has been fine for service-although the Acura dealer rates higher in our experience we don't really have any complaints. The wind noise at interstate speeds is a little out of character for Mercedes. The diesel power and utility is impressive - mileage is urban mixed freeway driving is 22.3 mpg and over 26 for highway use. The last trip to Las Vegas from Phoenix with 25 mph headwinds at 80 mph, 5 people on board with their luggage yielded 24.2 mpg.

We strongly recommend this vehicle...read morehide

Pros

Excellent Mileage, Power and Good Looks

Cons

GPS is manual (no touch screen) = 2009 models will be touch screen.

We love our GL 320 CDI. We operate a home inspection business, and the back is large enough to haul our 22 foot collapsible ladder with all our meters and tools. Yet it is very comfortable - which was our goal since we spend 4 hours a day in the vehicle. Power is very good, mileage is fantastic at 22 to 23 combined running around crowded Atlanta roads. On a recent trip to Florida we achieved 27 doing 65 mph on the interstate. Cool! WE love it and plan to keep it a long time. We wish the oil companies would eliminate the diesel premium which absorbs most of the savings on mileage over gas models. Finally, Mercedes priced the diesel BELOW the gas models. Why? To encourge ownership? Its a great deal. Go buy one!...read morehide

This car is very comfort and have good performance, im very satified with it. Its better if suspension and ground clearence can be adjust manually.

Pros

good fuel economy navigator

gold coulour, leather seat,8 air bags.v6, 17rim, electronic doors, mirrows ,boot,and sun roof.

Pros

Loading capacity, comfort, understated

Cons

Gears are getting messed up at low speed

Excellent replacement for my previous E320CDI Combi with added loading capacity and 3 row. Best for long distance touring at modest speed (120kph) for acceptable fuel consumption (1:10) and low wind and roadnoice. Parking is much easier than first expected due to parking aids (+ rearview camera) and brick shape chasis.
Car does not seem to create any interest from public (which is a good thing) and the green color should help to keep the environmentalist calm.
The Mercedes GL 320CDI is the only car in the real world that you can throw around off road and on road, cary around 7 (dutch size) grown ups and not burn a hole in the ozon layer. If I can keep this car for the next 20 years I think I did the world a favor.
Build quality is certainly no longer an issue and seems to be on par with my earlier S 320CDI (Leopard tank).
So if you are still considering a large SUV this is the best one I could find with none of the usual post purchase dissapointments....read morehide

Pros

Diesel so does not burn gas, beautiful car, and extremely comfortable

Cons

NONE!!!!!!!!! 100% satisfaction

This car is just AMAZING! I got one when it first came out last year and I am extremely happy. The GL 320 CDI is the best! it is a diesel model and it does not burn gas at all! All GL Models look exactly the same which is good. It is a 7 passenger car so I can fit my whole family in there. And my favorite part is the automatic third row! You press a button and the seats come up and down! I LOVE MY CAR

Jenn, (soccer mom)
Orlando, Florida...read morehide