Used 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

If you want the biggest SUV built by Mercedes-Benz the 2014 GL-Class is it. Think of this 3-row, 7-seater as the S-Class of sport-utility vehicles, and you won’t be far off. It’s built with impeccable precision and structural integrity, is amazingly quiet, its suspension deals with any paved or non-paved surface you will likely encounter, and any one of its four available engines cranks out impressive power. The GL can tow a trailer up to 7,500 pounds and, with its generous ground clearance and sophisticated all-wheel drive, is even capable of moderate off-road trips. Add in the Mercedes-Benz reputation for exemplary fit and finish, plus safety features and occupant protection that are second to none, and the GL-Class stands in the very first rank of full-size sport-utility vehicles.

The 2014 GL-Class is certainly at the top of the full-size SUV category in its driving behavior with supremely capable ride and exceptional handling. While the GL is a big vehicle, it certainly doesn’t feel ponderous, and it is at all times composed, quiet and confidence-inspiring. To find these characteristics in a full-size SUV is remarkable, indeed. The ride has been engineered to be comfortable rather than sporty but, for curvy roads, a “sport” mode firms up the steering feel. All the engines are strong, and the BlueTEC diesel V6 delivers noteworthy fuel economy. The turbocharged gasoline engines make more power, but they also use more fuel. The standard all-wheel drive (AWD) will get a grip in places where there are no roads but will be most appreciated for its ability to deal with the slippery surfaces that result from bad weather.

The 2014 GL-Class seats seven passengers in three rows with good legroom for all occupants. Cargo space behind the third row is somewhat limited, but folding the second and third rows down opens up the cargo capacity to a generous 93.8 cubic feet. Fit and finish of the interior is impeccable, with soft-touch surfaces and lots of well-done wood and metal trim. Standard equipment includes MB-Tex, which is very much like leather, with real leather an option. The seats themselves are terrific for long hauls, and outward vision is good except to the rear, so the blind-spot monitoring system is a wise choice.

The rugged, somewhat boxy look of the 2014 GL-Class will not be mistaken for anything other than a Mercedes-Benz SUV. Its purposeful stance has a definite presence, characterized up front by the 3-pointed star in the center of a large grille with twin chrome bars, with a prominent skidplate under the front bumper. Along the sides are artful creases and detailing, and the entire effect is one of luxury, style and confidence. There is no doubt this is a Mercedes-Benz.

BlueTEC DIESEL V6 ENGINE
With 240 horsepower and a mountainous 455 lb-ft of torque, the 3.0-liter BlueTEC V6 not only delivers plenty of power, it also is EPA-rated at 26 mpg on the highway. Add that it’s smooth and quiet, and the diesel becomes the engine of choice for many GL owners.

SURROUND VIEW SYSTEM
With this optional feature, four cameras work together to create a virtual bird’s-eye view of the GL-Class to make parking easier. This marks the first Mercedes vehicle to receive the high-tech system.

Even the base 2014 Mercedes GL-Class is well-equipped. The GL350 has heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, sunroof, power tailgate, power-folding third-row seats, rearview camera and an audio system with a 6-disc CD/DVD changer. Bluetooth audio streaming is standard but, if you want to physically connect your iPod, that’s extra in the base model GL350 and GL450 and standard in the top-line GL550. The mbrace2 system lets you check on your vehicle, lock/unlock it and more from a smartphone or computer. Safety features include crosswind stabilization and systems that monitor for driver drowsiness or an impending collision.

Extras for the GL-Class are in the form of packages or as stand-alone options. The package that includes a premium harman/kardon sound system and soft-close doors is nearly $6,000. Others packages, such as a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel, are relative bargains at just a few hundred dollars. Additional features include a night-vision assist system, blind-spot monitoring, navigation system and 3-zone climate control. For the few who will want to venture off the beaten track in this luxury SUV, the On/Off Road package has a 2-speed transfer case, 6-mode drive selector and added underbody protection.

The GL350 uses a 3.0-liter V6 BlueTEC turbodiesel engine with 455 lb-ft of torque and an EPA highway fuel-economy rating of 26 mpg. The GL450 has a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8, and the GL550 has another version of that engine that makes even more power and that can propel the vehicle from 0-60 mph in an estimated 5.5 seconds. The GL63 AMG has a hand-built 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes an enviable 550 horsepower. GL-Class models have all-wheel drive standard, and all engine choices are connected to a smooth 7-speed automatic transmission.

3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6
240 horsepower @ 3,600 rpm
455 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-2,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg

4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8
362 horsepower @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
406 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 mpg

4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8
429 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg

5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8
550 horsepower @ 5,250-5,750 rpm
560 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17 mpg