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10 Best Sedans Under $25,000

2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Overview

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2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

One look at the luxury import segment and you see – very quickly – the preponderance of growth in the SUV category. While the M-Class has certainly enjoyed its share of success, its reception was hampered by the lack of a third-row seat at launch and, once a third row was finally introduced, the marginal comfort and accessibility of that seating did not impress buyers. Because many consumers required a larger vehicle, Mercedes-Benz created the GL-Class, a seven-passenger SUV with surprisingly modest exterior dimensions and host of engine choices including a 50-state legal diesel. With the GL, consumers retain the same sporty character and luxurious trappings of the M-Class, but in a slightly more expensive package offering far better utility.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want the benefits of Mercedes-Benz engineering, German build quality, American-style accommodations and the optional availability of a fuel-efficient turbo-diesel engine, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL delivers in spades.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If third-row seating is not a requirement, you can get much of the same performance and luxury from the smaller M-Class. Those seeking a bit more exterior flash may be happier in a Cadillac Escalade or, if money is not object, a Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

What's New for 2010

The GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 receive a freshened front and rear end, trapezoidal exhaust tips and redesigned front and rear skid plates. Inside, the GL offers new seats, burl walnut trim and a revised instrument cluster. The GL550 receives only minor changes as well as ambient interior lighting and LED daytime running lights.

Driving the GL-Class

Driving Impressions Subjected to highly variable road conditions, including some fairly aggressive on-road twists and turns and an equally aggressive off-road experience, the GL450 handled itself with grace, especially when equipped with...

the standard air suspension and optional adaptive damping. Despite almost 5,300 pounds of curb weight and an overall length right around 200 inches, the GL450 drives like a much smaller, significantly lighter SUV. Response from the 4.6-liter DOHC V8 is great, made more so by the excellent seven-speed automatic transmission. The GL450 can handle anything an owner with payments remaining would care to give it. It may not be quite as off-road capable as a comparably priced Range Rover, but we like its balance between on-road practicality and off-road capability.

Favorite Features

Adaptive Damping System
The GL's air suspension can constantly react to road surface variations, with an ability to change shock absorber settings 20 times per second. If the road is smooth, the system delivers relatively softer shock absorber action and a smooth ride; if the road gets bad, the shock absorbers become more firm for increased control. The result is an SUV with a comfortable ride when you want it and appropriately more responsive handling when you need it.

BlueTEC V6 Diesel Engine
Emissions guidelines kept the old GL320 CDI from being sold in all 50 states, but the new BlueTEC clean diesel not only clears the stringent NOx bar, it can cruise nearly 600 miles on a single tank of fuel.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Details

Interior

The GL's bucket seats are well-shaped and supportive. The driver is fronted by a four-spoke steering wheel and what Mercedes-Benz describes as a "sport-oriented" instrument panel. The horizontal grab handles on the console are notable, alluding – both aesthetically and functionally – to the GL's off-road capability. We remain undecided regarding the shift lever being mounted to the steering column; it does provide for a clean, uninterrupted console, but is less-than-intuitive in its operation. To its credit, the design team has provided reasonably easy access to the third row and generous headroom throughout the interior.

Exterior

With the 2010 GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz hits all the right exterior notes. In profile, the GL is very well-proportioned, disguising its overall length (200.3 inches) with short overhangs, an aggressive windshield angle, generous greenhouse, flared wheel arches (similar to the S-Class) and careful detailing. The traditional Mercedes-Benz face is framed by high-tech halogen headlamps; optional bi-xenon lamps include a swiveling feature for additional visibility in turns. Privacy glass covers both the "B" and "C" pillars, giving the appearance of one uninterrupted glass panel along the entire side of the vehicle. It is, from any angle, a highly unified design.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

With assembly in Alabama, the GL-Class – like both the M-Class and R-Class – is value-driven. That's reflected in a long list of standard equipment, where several items are notable. Passive safety is addressed with two-stage front airbags for front-seat occupants, side airbags for both first- and second-row seats and side-curtain airbags spanning all three rows. Audiophiles will enjoy a standard in-dash six-disc CD changer, auxiliary input for MP3 players and Bluetooth connectivity. Those living in the sunbelt should appreciate the front and rear (stationary) sunroofs with shade, while inhabitants of the snowbelt will benefit from standard full-time four-wheel drive. The GL550 adds 21-inch wheels, a rearview camera, running boards, full leather interior, Keyless Go, Parktronic park assist, heated rear seats, hard drive navigation and the harman/kardon LOGIC7 sound system.

Optional Equipment

Despite all that is standard, the GL's extensive list of options won't disappoint feature-oriented consumers. For occupants not in the front seats, the rear-seat entertainment system should provide plenty of entertainment. Offerings also include SIRIUS Real Time Traffic, hard-drive navigation, heated second-row seating, a rear-view back-up camera and a Class-IV trailer hitch to complement the GL's 7,500-pound tow rating.

Under the Hood

There are three engine options for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The GL350 BlueTEC employs a powerful yet fuel-efficient 3.0-liter direct-injection turbo-diesel V6. With plenty of low-end torque for quick acceleration, the GL350 delivers an impressive 23 miles per gallon in highway driving. The GL450 is powered by a marvelous 4.6-liter V8. If, as advertised, the GL450 represents "more Mercedes to love," then this new V8 is more performance to adore. With four valves per cylinder, the engine delivers a seamless 335 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque and, more impressively, delivers that power and torque over a broad engine speed range. The powerhouse 5.5-liter V8 in the GL550 cranks out 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Connecting the smooth power to all four wheels is a seven-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission.

3.0-liter V6 Turbo Diesel
210 horsepower @ 3800 rpm
400 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1600-2800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23

4.6-liter V8
335 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
339 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2700-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17

5.5-liter V8
382 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
391 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800-4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/17

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Buying this car?

2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.1

Out of 10

Based on 135 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class models.

Review this car

Value

8.1/10

Quality

8.5/10
Reliability

8.5/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.0/10

worst car ever owned

By car lover (VA) on Tuesday, May 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 43,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "ride and comfort"

Cons: "reliability, poor service"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"The story begins with a silver 2008 Merc. GL320CDI. I bought it new in 2008 and had several problems. One that reoccurred over five times was that the power lift gate would not close properly and would drain the battery. It was determined that that car qualified for the lemon law in Virginia. My dealer let me pick from several gl cdi's and I ended up ordering a white one from Denver. When I received that one, I was hoping that it would be better; it was not. after one winter, there were several paint chips on the side that were filling with rust. they were hardly noticeable so I did not worry about them. At 2,500 miles the in car computer had to be totally replaced. At around 12,000 miles the gas gauge had broken and I ended up stranded on I-95. I had several more problems with the car. I also had problems with my dealership service facility. On several occasions they did not fix my problems and at one time i went to pick up the car and the engine cover was sitting in the back seat!!! THE BACK SEAT!!! That is absolutely insane. Also I paid over 60,000 bucks for that car and the loaners my dealership gives its customers are base toyota camry's!!! I ended up selling the second GL and bought an escalade. I love that car wayyy more."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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love my GL!

By luvmybenz (CA) on Tuesday, May 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great gas milages on bluetec"

Cons: "navigation hard to use"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have the GL bluetec. I get great gas mileage and I don't find myself filling up at the pump as much. Usually I can go 10 days without getting gas. I love how much room I get and the third row seat is an actual third row seat that can seat real adults not preschoolers. I also love the rear view camera and the blind spot assist. Only draw back is the navigation is not as intuitive as I would like. Other than that, overall a great vehicle."

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