2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL550 SUV Reviews & Ratings

If luxury is just as important as functionality in an SUV then the GL Class from Mercedes is the way to go. The Mercedes-Benz GL Class GL550 SUV is a fully loaded and lavish vehicle made for the sole purpose of hauling passengers. Though it holds enough cargo space to make it an excellent hauler, the passenger room combined with quality features in the cabin is what makes it truly stand out. It has disadvantages, mainly the price tag and sheer size of the vehicle. Still it has quite a bit to... click here for the full review

If luxury is just as important as functionality in an SUV then the GL Class from Mercedes is the way to go. The Mercedes-Benz GL Class GL550 SUV is a fully loaded and lavish vehicle made for the sole purpose of hauling passengers. Though it holds enough cargo space to make it an excellent hauler, the passenger room combined with quality features in the cabin is what makes it truly stand out. It has disadvantages, mainly the price tag and sheer size of the vehicle. Still it has quite a bit to offer buyers.

Most SUVs have been based on a truck chassis, but that is not the case with the Mercedes-Benz GL Class GL550 SUV. As one of the only SUVs based on a sedan, this model allows drivers superior handling and steering capabilities. The size may make it difficult in tight spaces, but overall the maneuverability of the vehicle is much better than the traditional SUV. The softer roots of the GL550 also make the cabin much more comfortable for passengers whether the trip is long or short.

There is little lacking in the cabin of the Mercedes-Benx GL Class GL550 SUV. From the exceptionally high quality materials to the ample space afforded even in the third row passengers will find themselves at ease inside the GL550 while still enjoying the lavishness that they would expect from a Benz. Cargo space is ample but might not equal the size of some of the competition. A long list of standard features, including full leather upholstery, ensures the maximum comfort for everyone that enters the vehicle. All in all, it makes a good people hauler and doesn't skimp on the quality some larger SUVs leave out.

Even the driving experience of the Mercedes-Benz GL Class GL550 SUV is above reproach. Because of its roots there is no issue with handling the vehicle and the steering is about as precise as one can get. A long quiet drive is easy considering very little noise will penetrate the cabin. That said, it can be a bit unwieldy during the drive. The fact that it is so large means that it will be awkward in tight spaces and drivers may not be able to maneuver it the way they could a smaller SUV.

The gusto provided by the Mercedes-Benz GL Class GL550 is achieved thanks to the powerful engine it possesses. Housing a 5.5 liter 382 horsepower V8 that gets coupled with a seven speed automatic and 4Matic all wheel drive, the GL550 is capable of moving quite fast for a vehicle this size. In fact it took about six and a half seconds for the SUV to hit sixty. The fuel economy does suffer slightly with the mammoth only achieving 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.