DecodedCars2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- Gl320 Cdi 4dr SUV AWD, Gl450 4dr SUV AWD, Gl550 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 15 combined · 13 city / 18 hwy
- Length
- 200.4 in
- Curb weight
- 5,280–5,434 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 15 MPG combined, 15% below the 2009 SUV - average of 17.7 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (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 15 MPG combined (13 city / 18 highway), 15% worse than the 2009 SUV - average of 17.7 MPG, for an estimated $5,500 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2009
- No diesel version any more
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG down from 20 to 15
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL450 4matic | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -15% | $5,500 | 592 |
| GL550 4matic | 5.5L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -21% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (this car) | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Land Rover Range Rover | 15 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 BMW X5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2009 Cadillac Escalade | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Audi Q7 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Lexus LX | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Lincoln Navigator | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2009 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 2009 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 |
| 2008 GL-Class | 20 | 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 →