Mercedes-Benz GL från 2013

The second row is wider than any midsize SUV I’ve tested, and most of the smaller full-size SUVs as well. The middle seat is wide enough for narrower carseats and there is no funky crossover of seatbelts and LATCH anchors! It’s not adjustable for legroom, but does provide a good amount of space as it is.  There are also plenty of cupholders and spaces for storage. It doesn’t stop there. The third row is beautiful for kids and smaller adults.  There is decent legroom, enough for rear-facing carseats and kids using a seatbelt as well.  More importantly, there is adequate thigh support for teens and shorter adults, unlike many third row seats in midsize and small fullsize SUVs.  I have to chuckle when I read reviews from major publications that triumphantly claim how various midsize SUVs have a third row seat that is comfortable for adults, yet my 12-year old daughter could not sit comfortably there for anything but a short trip around town.  It’s like they read the press release, but don’t even take the time to climb back there!  At 5’10” tall, even I could tolerate a ride in the 3rd row of the GL-class.  It’s not as comfortable as most minivan 3rd row seats, but would be fine for anything but a long road trip.  Plus, both seats in the third row have LATCH and it’s very easy to find and use. Also better than most SUVs we’ve tested is the cargo space behind the third row. Check it out! Yes, it’s an awesome vehicle. Definitely the sweetest SUV I’ve reviewed!  The ride is very smooth and quiet, perhaps the best I’ve tested.  The interior is very comfortable for 7 passengers, provided those in the third row aren’t too tall, of course.  No issues pairing or using my Android phone for calls or streaming audio.  The climb-in height better than most large SUVs, but likely a little more difficult for smaller kids than a midsize crossover.  So what’s not to like? Only some minor quibbles for the most part… Above, left, the spacious 3rd row is wide enough for two average adults, or two large combination carseats, like the Recaro ProSport and Britax Frontier SICT .  In the middle, the lower LATCH anchors are super easy to find and use, making it easy even for models with simple hook attachements, like the Graco Connext Booster .  Above, right, the generous cargo capacity behind the third row. Sounds like a lot of cons for such a high end vehicle?  Perhaps, but other than the lack of crash tests, they are all minor issues for most prospective buyers.  I provide them only to be complete for buyers who may be interested in such details;-)   To be honest, in terms of seating a 3, 4 or even 5 young children in carseats, I rank it right up there with the best of the smaller full-size and midsize SUVs.  For a more affordable model, it’s difficult I’d even replace my beloved Highlander Hybrid with a GL350 Bluetec, and I can’t say that about any other SUV I’ve tested so far.  If only Mercedes Benz would make it happen!  Thank you to Mercedes Benz USA for providing the GL450 loan used for this review.

The diesel-powered, seven-passenger Mercedes-Benz GL350 Bluetec SUV is deceptively agile.

If you live by the maxim ‘size matters’ then the GL-Class won’t disappoint. The company’s flagship SUV is seriously imposing, and for that reason alone will find a niche. While not as practical as a Discovery, as handsome as the Q7 or offering the driving experience we can expect from the next BMW X5, the GL is a decent effort at a 2.5-tonne seven-seat off-roader for the high street. But does anyone actually need one?

The price? If the 450 comes in at the anticipated £55k, you'd do well to go for the 320 diesel, which should cost about £10k less and will be cheaper to run. It’s bigger and better off-road than the ML and impressive on road too. It's a very fine addition to the something-for-everyone Mercedes model range.

Here in North America, diesel engines are typically seen as an “alternative technology,” a more fuel-efficient powertrain choice often compared to hybrid or perhaps even plug-in hybrid technologies as different green paths to fuel savings, time savings (by limiting fuel stops), and planet savings, with the reduced greenhouse gas emissions that come with increased fuel efficiency. As such, diesels most often come with a price premium over standard or ‘base’ gas engines, typically costing anywhere from $1,500 to $7,000 over their closest gas alternative.