DecodedCars2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- Gl320 Cdi 4dr SUV AWD, Gl450 4dr SUV AWD, Gl550 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.6L 8-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 18 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 200.4 in
- Curb weight
- 5,280–5,434 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 20 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2008 SUV - (17.4 MPG).
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 22 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.6L 8-cyl and 5.5L 8-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,313 lb (Gl320 Cdi 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 24 highway), 15% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG, for an estimated $4,800 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2008
- Engine added: 5.5L 8-cyl
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 GL-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gl320 Cdi 4dr SUV AWD | 200.4 in | 75.6 in | 72.4 in | 121.3 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 5,313 lb | 50/50 |
| Gl450 4dr SUV AWD | 200.4 in | 75.6 in | 72.4 in | 121.3 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 5,280 lb | 50/50 |
| Gl550 4dr SUV AWD | 200.4 in | 75.6 in | 72.4 in | 121.3 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 5,434 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL320 CDI 4matic Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +15% | $4,800 | 509 |
| GL450 4matic | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -14% | $5,500 | 592 |
| GL550 4matic | 5.5L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -20% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Land Rover Range Rover | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 BMW X5 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2008 Cadillac Escalade | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Audi Q7 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Lexus LX | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Lincoln Navigator | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GL-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 GL-Class | 19 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 GL-Class | 19 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 GL-Class | 16 | 202 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 GL-Class | 16 | 202 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 GL-Class | 15 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 GL-Class | 15 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 GL-Class | 14 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 GL-Class | 15 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 GL-Class | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →