Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 500 5dr Car Review - April 2012

This is a big car and the fact of this won't escape you when you're behind the wheel of the GL-Class, but the suspension does a good job of controlling the body movement while cornering. The steering is accurate and delivers enough feedback to be involving, but especially on urban roads and motorways getting in and out of traffic does take plenty of concentration. The high driving position gives good forward visibility, and there is also plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and driving seat to get comfortable, but rear visibility is a problem due to high headrests.

The 5.0 litre petrol engine provided with the GL-Class is very good in terms of performance, with acceleration from 0-62mph achieved in an excellent 6.5 seconds, which is remarkable for a vehicle of this size. The top speed of 149mph is also very good for such a large vehicle, and while the cabin is generally refined, the engine does become audible when it is being worked.

The GL-Class is a relatively attractive 4x4 that has taken a number of design features from Range Rover when they are designing the car, but the two bar chrome grille with large logo is distinctively Mercedes-Benz. The matt black roof bars do make the GL-Class look a little more sporty, and the back end is tidy with a tail light cluster above the narrow brake lights to be seen on the rear bumper. Inside the cabin the car is classy and comfortable, and the vehicle does feel very well made.

The level of kit included with the car is quite good, with large alloy wheels being important in the look of the car. A panoramic sunroof is certainly a nice feature, while the cruise control and climate control also help to ensure that it is comfortable and an easy companion on the motorway. A CD Stereo with a hard disk drive is very classy, and it also comes with satellite navigation.

There is no doubt that the GL-Class is a very practical vehicle, with plenty of space for seven people, but it is worth noting that luggage space is limited when all seven seats are in use. The rear seats do fold flat to provide a much larger load space if required. The reputation for reliability is a point of pride for Mercedes-Benz, and this vehicle is likely to continue that reputation.

Driving the GL-Class is also a very safe experience, as the car has achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test. A number of driving aids help the driver to keep all four wheels on the road and under control, while there is a good range of airbags to look after driver and passengers in case of a collision.

With a purchase price of £73,125, there is no doubt that the practicality and performance of the GL-Class does come at a significant cost.

The running costs for the vehicle are also eye-watering, with the 5.0 litre petrol engine only able to deliver fuel efficiency of an average 20.8mpg. The car is also in the top insurance group meaning that premiums will also be costly, while the depreciation with the car is also quite high. Mercedes-Benz supply the GL-Class with a three year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside breakdown cover too.