Car Statistics: Mercedes - GL Class Series 06 (3 stars)

Styling (3 stars)

Big and square, there's a dash of MPV mixed into the GL's 4x4 DNA. It's certainly got presence, but looks unsubtle next to the (relatively) restrained ML.

Handling (3 stars)

Air suspension does a good job at taming the GL's vast bulk - the driving experience is refined and composed.

Comfort (4 stars)

The spacious cabin and smoothing air suspension make the GL a good tool for long journeys - on wide roads.

Quality (4 stars)

Feels far better put together than some recent Mercs, only a couple of areas of cheap-feeling trim in the cabin count against it.

Performance (4 stars)

Consider the GL's vast bulk and all available powerplants provide decent urge - although the extraordinarily muscular diesel V8 in the GL 420 CDI is definitely the star of the range.

Roominess (4 stars)

The big, well finished cabin offers plenty of space for front and middle row occupants, although tight access to the third row seats limits their usefulness. Generous bootspace.

Costs (2 stars)

Only the seriously well-wedged should consider expressing interest - pricey servicing, likely sharp depreciation and oilfield draining fuel economy mean the GL will cost a small fortune to run.

Value (3 stars)

Pricing puts it hard into contention with luminaries like the Range Rover - whether that makes any sense probably depends on whether you need seven seats.

Stereo (5 stars)

Excellent audio system gives brilliant sound quality. Satnav is shared with lesser models in the range, it works well and is easy to use.