Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes GL350 BlueTec 4Matic

The seven-seat Mercedes GL has a new look, new engine and new tech. Is it a worthy rival to the Range Rover?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Mercedes GL-Class
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

SUVs account for around one-fifth of Mercedes’ global sales. And while the flagship GL is aimed mainly at US buyers, it’s a worthy rival to the likes of the Audi Q7, Range Rover and Discovery with its blend of comfort, luxury and space. Strong refinement, efficiency and handling are highlights, while the seven-seat layout is versatile. It won’t be cheap, but we’ll have to wait until UK prices and specs are revealed to see if the GL is good value.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Engineers developing the new Mercedes GL had a brief to deliver a large SUV to match the comfort, safety and refinement of an S-Class. Have they succeeded, and created a genuine rival to the forthcoming new Range Rover?

The MkII GL uses the same platform as the original, but the styling has been brought up to date, with a more upright grille, LED running lights and reshaped bumpers giving a similar look to the latest M-Class. The GL is vast, too, at over five metres long.

Some buyers will be put off by these enormous dimensions, but many SUV owners demand the road presence they provide. Plus, the car makes great use of all the space, serving up a family friendly seven-seater layout. The 2-3-2 seating is carried over from the old GL, with the rearmost row offering more room than in a Land Rover Discovery, and the outer seats in the middle row can now be specified to fold forward at the touch of a button. Even in seven-seat mode the boot is a useful size; fold all five rear seats and it offers 2,300 litres of space.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Octavia Estate

2022 Skoda

Octavia Estate

42,909 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £15,537
View Octavia Estate
Focus

2020 Ford

Focus

31,458 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,573
View Focus
C1

2021 Citroen

C1

16,012 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £9,300
View C1
Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

20,995 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £26,800
View Range Rover Evoque

Up front, the dash has been brought into line with other new Mercedes. Top-notch materials, a swish design and a lofty driving position all impress, while tech updates include an optional around view camera for easier parking and Crosswind Assist that uses the ESP to bring the car into line in strong gusts.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Buyers can choose between our GL350 BlueTEC V6 diesel and the GL500 BlueEfficiency V8 petrol. Mercedes claims the diesel uses 20 per cent less fuel than before, while emissions are down 43g/km to 192g/km – even though this car has 47bhp more power and 80Nm more torque, at 255bhp and 620Nm.

The diesel is relaxed and the 7G-Tronic auto gearbox is a good match. It kicks down smoothly and offers decent manual control via the steering paddles. Equally smooth is the stop-start system.

Performance is adequate, but the most striking thing is the engine’s refinement. Smooth power delivery in the mid range ensures it’s responsive and quiet.

Adding to the appeal is the air-suspension, which offers a cushioned ride, while tyre and wind noise is well isolated from the cabin. On motorways the GL is quiet, stable and very relaxing. Considering its size and weight,it also feels quite agile on narrower, twistier roads.

With the optional Active Curve System fitted, adaptive anti-roll bars keep body movement in check and there’s a reassuring level of grip. The electric power-steering is light but positive and accurate, with reasonable feel.

Off-road the GL is equally accomplished, with hill descent control, plus the air-suspension lets you raise the ride height. The optional ON&OFF ROAD package adds more underbody protection, a limited-slip diff, a two-speed transfer case and six switchable off-road programmes. In this trim the GL can cope with a 35-degree tilt angle and wade through water up to 60cm deep.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,733 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025