Likes
- Serious size and capability wrapped in a Merc suit
- Dominant and stylish design
- Genuine luxury features
- Palatial space inside
Used Mercedes-Benz GL-Class review
2006 - 2012
Dislikes
- The list and likelihood of potential serious mechanical and electrical problems is terrifying
- Build quality can vary wildly from acceptable to shocking
- Feel huge to drive on suburban Australian roads
- Cost of ownership can be extreme
Stuff you should know
If you believe more is more, the X164 GL-Class is all the Benz-branded metal, glass and rubber today’s reasonable money can buy. Over five metres in length, around 2.5 tonnes kerb, it was, during its 2006-2012 release, a proper adult-friendly seven-seater, unabashedly aimed at the North American market where the luxury SUV was manufactured (in Tuscaloosa, Alabama).
Categorised as ‘large’ or ‘full-sized’ in some markets, the plus-sized GL wagon – and it contemporary GLS successor – is considered ‘upper large’, bigger and more commodious than the old ML (nee GLE) with which it shares technical relation by way of its stretched and widened common platform.
Unlike so many of its ladder-framed competitors, such as the Land Cruiser-based Lexus LX, the Benz GL has unibody construction, offering a sound foundation for genuine luxurious on-road character when paired with air suspension. That said, the GL formula brought reasonably capable off-roading chops via hardware such as ride height adjustment paired with constant all-wheel-drive, a two-speed transfer case and locking centre and rear differentials.
The GL-Class was do-all family-focused Mercedes-Benz, one markedly more capable than the ML-Class. And asked handsomely for it.
Back at its 2006 launch, you could scrape into the basic GL320 CDI diesel for $104k, but if you wanted a fine example you had to loosen the purses strings quite a bit: a reversing camera was an extra $950, power-folding mirrors another $500. And that’s before you ticked options boxes for nice infotainment or genuine leather hide.
Meanwhile, the high-spec V8 petrol-powered GL500 was closer to $150k, with its Nappa trim and (whoo-hoo!) in-dash six-CD stacker, but keyless entry and Distronic cruise control demand extra splurges and fully loaded examples got pricey indeed.
Neither if the initial engines were particularly frugal. The GL320 CDI’s 156kW/510Nm 3.0L diesel V6 carries a 10.0L/100km claim, while the 285kW/530Nm 5.5L naturally aspirated petrol V8 presents a sobering and quite optimistic 13.5L that skyrockets form there around town. Both are backed by seven-speed automatics.
Towing, too, is a prodigious 3400kg braked for the diesels and around 3150kg braked for the petrol.
The X164’s short six-year lifecycle was punctuated by a mid-cycle facelift, in late 2009, bringing mild restyling outside and changes to the variant line-up aligned with some fiddling to the powertrain menu.
The old 320 CDI became the newly rebranded GL350 CDI…with essentially carryover running gear and a higher ($114k) entry point. You could, however, opt for spruced-up, leather-dipped GL 350 CDI Luxury wanting for tidy $127k. However, for MY11, a GL350 CDI Blue Efficiency version was released, at $120k, with measurably higher 195kW/620Nm outputs and a lower 9.2L economy claim.
More oiler goodness? The 225kW/700Nm 4.0L twin-turbo V8 diesel offered overseas to this point finally arrived locally as the GL450 CDI with lusty seven-second performance, a near 12-litre thirst and wanting for almost $170k. The bent-eight oiler sat just a few grand under a new flagship that was a lightly fettled Luxury version of the GL500 V8 petrol.
Clearly formulated for US tastes, the big Benz ultimately failed to the hit the mark with Aussie buyers quite as accurately as either its smaller ML/GLE stablemates or the likes of key rivals such as Land Rover Discovery 4.
It sold in modest and unremarkable numbers. Worse, it got tainted with a ‘soccer mum’ stigma in Oz and perhaps unfairly so on the merit of what the GL-Class offers in the duality of luxury and (reasonable) multi-terrain purpose. And continues to do in the current X167 GLS.
So how does the older X164 generation fare today as a used prospect firmly at the tail end of the ravages of depreciation? Let’s find out…
What goes wrong?
- There are reports that on early models and some high kilometre later models, the door look and tailgate locking mechanism can completely fail, either locking you out of the car or just not locking at all.
- Models with powered tailgates can have issues with the automatic opening and closing just not opening or closing on command.
- There are quite a few reports of the tail lights dimming or failing all together. This can be down to rust/oxidation on the circuit board but that can also alter the input of certain lights, for example the Fog lights can come on when the brake pedal is pressed.
- The sunroof (both of them), can leak which eventually leads to the electronics and mechanics of the sunroof failing. Repairing this can quickly add up in price as genuine Mercedes Benz parts do ask a premium.
- The GL is heavy so therefore puts a great deal of stress on the tyres. The issue is that a GL Class really should be fitted with premium tyres and they will be expensive and these expensive tyres, obviously depending on how you drive, can wear out quickly.
- The air suspension can fail and the entire air suspension system can be hugely problematic. This results in the GL sagging to one side or just sitting incorrectly. As the GL is quite heavy, it puts a load of stress on suspension components and while the air suspension system is beautiful when it works, it’s not proving to be reliable.
- The shocks themselves can leak oil, compressors can have issues and level sensors can fail. Repairing it with genuine Mercedes parts can cost thousands of dollars and luckily there are alternative repairs available but how it rides and handles obviously will depend on what parts are fitted, but it’s important to know, cutting corners financially will show.
- There are many reports that the infotainment systems, no matter which generation or model of this GL Class, can become glitchy and are slow to respond to commands and in some cases, will just stop working.
- There are quite a few reports that the air conditioning can either not heat or cool or work on command at all. To repair this commonly requires the entire dash to be removed which will cost a substantial amount of money.
- There are also reports that the power steering pump and steering rack in general can have major problems on early models.
- It’s quite commonly known that the battery tends to drain way faster than expected across the entire range.
- Because the GL is fitted with many of sensors, over time and kilometres on our harsh Australian roads, these sensors are beginning to fail and that may
- There are reports that on early models and some high kilometre later models, the door look and tailgate locking mechanism can completely fail, either locking you out of the car or just not locking at all.
- Models with powered tailgates can have issues with the automatic opening and closing just not opening or closing on command.
- There are quite a few reports of the tail lights dimming or failing all together. This can be down to rust/oxidation on the circuit board but that can also alter the input of certain lights, for example the Fog lights can come on when the brake pedal is pressed.
- The sunroof (both of them), can leak which eventually leads to the electronics and mechanics of the sunroof failing. Repairing this can quickly add up in price as genuine Mercedes Benz parts do ask a premium.
- The GL is heavy so therefore puts a great deal of stress on the tyres. The issue is that a GL Class really should be fitted with premium tyres and they will be expensive and these expensive tyres, obviously depending on how you drive, can wear out quickly.
- The air suspension can fail and the entire air suspension system can be hugely problematic. This results in the GL sagging to one side or just sitting incorrectly. As the GL is quite heavy, it puts a load of stress on suspension components and while the air suspension system is beautiful when it works, it’s not proving to be reliable.
- The shocks themselves can leak oil, compressors can have issues and level sensors can fail. Repairing it with genuine Mercedes parts can cost thousands of dollars and luckily there are alternative repairs available but how it rides and handles obviously will depend on what parts are fitted, but it’s important to know, cutting corners financially will show.
- There are many reports that the infotainment systems, no matter which generation or model of this GL Class, can become glitchy and are slow to respond to commands and in some cases, will just stop working.
- There are quite a few reports that the air conditioning can either not heat or cool or work on command at all. To repair this commonly requires the entire dash to be removed which will cost a substantial amount of money.
- There are also reports that the power steering pump and steering rack in general can have major problems on early models.
- It’s quite commonly known that the battery tends to drain way faster than expected across the entire range.
- Because the GL is fitted with many of sensors, over time and kilometres on our harsh Australian roads, these sensors are beginning to fail and that may light up your dashboard like a Christmas tree.
- We also found plenty of reports regarding various switches and controls like the power window switches failing and not working.
- Engine wise, the diesel GL Class models suffer from many of the same problems seen in other modern diesels: EGR valves and cooler issues, DPF related problems, leaking injector seals and choked up inlet systems.
- Terrible transmission shudder and delayed gear selection issues are quite common. This can be the result of failing control modules or at times mechanical or other electrical faults within the gearbox itself. Regardless of the fault, repairing with genuine Mercedes Benz parts will be expensive when compared to other brands.
- Hub and wheel bearing issues are becoming more common over time, generally caused by loose driveshafts, sometimes ending in catastrophic wheel bearing failure.
- There are reports that on early models and some high kilometre later models, the door look and tailgate locking mechanism can completely fail, either locking you out of the car or just not locking at all.
- Models with powered tailgates can have issues with the automatic opening and closing just not opening or closing on command.
- There are quite a few reports of the tail lights dimming or failing all together. This can be down to rust/oxidation on the circuit board but that can also alter the input of certain lights, for example the Fog lights can come on when the brake pedal is pressed.
- The sunroof (both of them), can leak which eventually leads to the electronics and mechanics of the sunroof failing. Repairing this can quickly add up in price as genuine Mercedes Benz parts do ask a premium.
- The GL is heavy so therefore puts a great deal of stress on the tyres. The issue is that a GL Class really should be fitted with premium tyres and they will be expensive and these expensive tyres, obviously depending on how you drive, can wear out quickly.
- The air suspension can fail and the entire air suspension system can be hugely problematic. This results in the GL sagging to one side or just sitting incorrectly. As the GL is quite heavy, it puts a load of stress on suspension components and while the air suspension system is beautiful when it works, it’s not proving to be reliable.
- The shocks themselves can leak oil, compressors can have issues and level sensors can fail. Repairing it with genuine Mercedes parts can cost thousands of dollars and luckily there are alternative repairs available but how it rides and handles obviously will depend on what parts are fitted, but it’s important to know, cutting corners financially will show.
- There are many reports that the infotainment systems, no matter which generation or model of this GL Class, can become glitchy and are slow to respond to commands and in some cases, will just stop working.
- There are quite a few reports that the air conditioning can either not heat or cool or work on command at all. To repair this commonly requires the entire dash to be removed which will cost a substantial amount of money.
- There are also reports that the power steering pump and steering rack in general can have major problems on early models.
- It’s quite commonly known that the battery tends to drain way faster than expected across the entire range.
- Because the GL is fitted with many of sensors, over time and kilometres on our harsh Australian roads, these sensors are beginning to fail and that may light up your dashboard like a Christmas tree.
- We also found plenty of reports regarding various switches and controls like the power window switches failing and not working.
- Engine wise, the diesel GL Class models suffer from many of the same problems seen in other modern diesels: EGR valves and cooler issues, DPF related problems, leaking injector seals and choked up inlet systems.
- Terrible transmission shudder and delayed gear selection issues are quite common. This can be the result of failing control modules or at times mechanical or other electrical faults within the gearbox itself. Regardless of the fault, repairing with genuine Mercedes Benz parts will be expensive when compared to other brands.
- Hub and wheel bearing issues are becoming more common over time, generally caused by loose driveshafts, sometimes ending in catastrophic wheel bearing failure.
Should you buy it?
We understand why you’d want to buy a used GL Class, a used example selling for tens of thousands of dollars less than what they were when new seems like a bargain, but chances are, it isn’t.
If the GL retained their value at all and the chances of mechanical or electronic issues arising were slim to none, then maybe you should buy one, but it’s near impossible to financially justify buying a car thats value will continue to depreciate at near catastrophic levels, while it’s maintenance and possibly repair costs continue to go up, again at what could be catastrophic levels.
Yes there are examples out there that are faultless but, even if you can afford or are happy to ignore the financial risks and are mentally prepared for the potential mechanical nightmares, while it generally is a good car, it’s not a stand out, amazing or some phenomenally special SUV in anyway. Even when in mint condition, it’s just, acceptable.
If you just have to have the biggest Mercedes Benz SUV and you can comfortably afford the potentially stupid maintenance costs and can somehow justify the extreme depreciation, sure why not, it’s financially dumb but if you’re happy to take on this risk, you possibly have more money than sense.
However, if you’re buying a GL Class because you think it’s a bargain and you can only just afford the car itself, or you’re a fan of making money instead of throwing it away, absolutely not, you should
We understand why you’d want to buy a used GL Class, a used example selling for tens of thousands of dollars less than what they were when new seems like a bargain, but chances are, it isn’t.
If the GL retained their value at all and the chances of mechanical or electronic issues arising were slim to none, then maybe you should buy one, but it’s near impossible to financially justify buying a car thats value will continue to depreciate at near catastrophic levels, while it’s maintenance and possibly repair costs continue to go up, again at what could be catastrophic levels.
Yes there are examples out there that are faultless but, even if you can afford or are happy to ignore the financial risks and are mentally prepared for the potential mechanical nightmares, while it generally is a good car, it’s not a stand out, amazing or some phenomenally special SUV in anyway. Even when in mint condition, it’s just, acceptable.
If you just have to have the biggest Mercedes Benz SUV and you can comfortably afford the potentially stupid maintenance costs and can somehow justify the extreme depreciation, sure why not, it’s financially dumb but if you’re happy to take on this risk, you possibly have more money than sense.
However, if you’re buying a GL Class because you think it’s a bargain and you can only just afford the car itself, or you’re a fan of making money instead of throwing it away, absolutely not, you should not buy a GL Class.
Remember the old saying, the most expensive car in the world is a cheap Mercedes.
Should you buy it?
We understand why you’d want to buy a used GL Class, a used example selling for tens of thousands of dollars less than what they were when new seems like a bargain, but chances are, it isn’t.
If the GL retained their value at all and the chances of mechanical or electronic issues arising were slim to none, then maybe you should buy one, but it’s near impossible to financially justify buying a car thats value will continue to depreciate at near catastrophic levels, while it’s maintenance and possibly repair costs continue to go up, again at what could be catastrophic levels.
Yes there are examples out there that are faultless but, even if you can afford or are happy to ignore the financial risks and are mentally prepared for the potential mechanical nightmares, while it generally is a good car, it’s not a stand out, amazing or some phenomenally special SUV in anyway. Even when in mint condition, it’s just, acceptable.
If you just have to have the biggest Mercedes Benz SUV and you can comfortably afford the potentially stupid maintenance costs and can somehow justify the extreme depreciation, sure why not, it’s financially dumb but if you’re happy to take on this risk, you possibly have more money than sense.
However, if you’re buying a GL Class because you think it’s a bargain and you can only just afford the car itself, or you’re a fan of making money instead of throwing it away, absolutely not, you should not buy a GL Class.
Remember the old saying, the most expensive car in the world is a cheap Mercedes.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo diesel, 165kW / 510Nm (GL320 CDI 2006 – 2009, GL350 CDI 2009 – 2011, GL350 CDI Luxury 2009 – 2011)
- 5.5 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 285kW / 530Nm (GL500 2006 – 2011, GL500 Luxury 2011 – 2012)
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo diesel, 195kW / 620Nm (GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 2011 – 2012, GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Luxury 2011 – 2012)
- 4.0 litre, 8-cylinder turbo diesel, 225kW / 700Nm (GL450 CDI Luxury 2011 – 2012)
Transmission
- 7-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- 8.2 – 12.9 / 100km (GL320 CDI, GL350 CDI, GL350 CDI Luxury)
- 10.6 – 18.6 / 100km (GL500, GL500 Luxury)
- 7.8 – 11.6 / 100km (GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Luxury)
- 9.4 – 16.0 / 100km (GL450 CDI Luxury)
Length
- 5088mm – 5099mm (All Models)
Width
- 1920mm – 2124mm (All Models)
Height
- 1815mm – 1840mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 3075mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 2443kg – 2585kg (All Models)
Towing
- 3405kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo diesel, 165kW / 510Nm (GL320 CDI 2006 – 2009, GL350 CDI 2009 – 2011, GL350 CDI Luxury 2009 – 2011)
- 5.5 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 285kW / 530Nm (GL500 2006 – 2011, GL500 Luxury 2011 – 2012)
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo diesel, 195kW / 620Nm (GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 2011 – 2012, GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Luxury 2011 – 2012)
- 4.0 litre, 8-cylinder turbo diesel, 225kW / 700Nm (GL450 CDI Luxury 2011 – 2012)
Transmission
- 7-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- 8.2 – 12.9 / 100km (GL320 CDI, GL350 CDI, GL350 CDI Luxury)
- 10.6 – 18.6 / 100km (GL500, GL500 Luxury)
- 7.8 – 11.6 / 100km (GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Luxury)
- 9.4 – 16.0 / 100km (GL450 CDI Luxury)
Length
- 5088mm – 5099mm (All Models)
Width
- 1920mm – 2124mm (All Models)
Height
- 1815mm – 1840mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 3075mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 2443kg – 2585kg (All Models)
Towing
- 3405kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo diesel, 165kW / 510Nm (GL320 CDI 2006 – 2009, GL350 CDI 2009 – 2011, GL350 CDI Luxury 2009 – 2011)
- 5.5 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 285kW / 530Nm (GL500 2006 – 2011, GL500 Luxury 2011 – 2012)
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo diesel, 195kW / 620Nm (GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 2011 – 2012, GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Luxury 2011 – 2012)
- 4.0 litre, 8-cylinder turbo diesel, 225kW / 700Nm (GL450 CDI Luxury 2011 – 2012)
Transmission
- 7-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- 8.2 – 12.9 / 100km (GL320 CDI, GL350 CDI, GL350 CDI Luxury)
- 10.6 – 18.6 / 100km (GL500, GL500 Luxury)
- 7.8 – 11.6 / 100km (GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Luxury)
- 9.4 – 16.0 / 100km (GL450 CDI Luxury)
Length
- 5088mm – 5099mm (All Models)
Width
- 1920mm – 2124mm (All Models)
Height
- 1815mm – 1840mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 3075mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 2443kg – 2585kg (All Models)
Towing
- 3405kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested (All Models)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 3 years / unlimited km (All Models)
Servicing
- 20,000 km / 12 months (All Models)
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Feb 23, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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