Mercedes GL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, specifically the GL 350 CDI Blue Efficiency variant tailored for India, is a full-size seven-seater SUV measuring 5125mm long with a 3075mm wheelbase, offering limo-like space for three rows and a 620-litre boot that expands massively with fold-flat seats. Its 2987cc turbo-diesel churns 258 bhp and 619 Nm, paired to a 7-speed automatic 4MATIC AWD for effortless overtakes and off-road traction via low-range gearing and hill descent control. I appreciate the air suspension's adaptability for Indian roads, maintaining 200mm+ ground clearance amid speed breakers and floods, complemented by LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, and advanced COMAND navigation with Bluetooth. Safety shines with nine airbags, ABS, ESP, and a 360-camera, while features like tri-zone climate control and heated seats cater to family needs. Discontinued post-2015, used examples remain desirable for their proven durability, commanding premium over mainstream SUVs—ideal if you crave GLS-level grandeur at a fraction of the cost.

The GL-Class is a full‑size, seven-seater luxury SUV in India offering a range of diesel and petrol engines (notably the 3.0L diesel GL 350 CDI and higher‑output V6/V8 petrols in GLS/AMG trims), 4MATIC AWD, adaptive/air suspension, three-row practicality and extensive comfort and safety features that prioritise passenger space and long-distance refinement over outright fuel economy.

I find the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class a commanding presence on Indian roads, blending S-Class luxury with rugged off-road prowess in its GL 350 CDI Blue Efficiency variant, powered by a refined 2987cc diesel engine delivering 258 bhp and 619 Nm of torque through a smooth 4MATIC automatic AWD system. In my drives across pothole-ridden highways and monsoon-flooded city streets, its self-levelling air suspension absorbs bumps effortlessly, ensuring third-row passengers remain comfortable during long family hauls from Mumbai to Pune. The spacious seven-seater cabin boasts premium leather, intuitive COMAND infotainment, and safety features like multiple airbags and stability control that instill confidence at its 220 kmph top speed. While rivals like the Audi Q7 offer sharper handling, the GL-Class excels in outright space and versatility, towing up to several tonnes with ease. Fuel efficiency hovers around 11.3 kmpl in mixed conditions, making it viable for high-mileage users despite premium running costs. For buyers seeking uncompromised luxury without sacrificing capability, I recommend it wholeheartedly—it's a segment benchmark that justifies every paisa for those prioritizing family comfort and prestige over outright sportiness.

I find the Mercedes GL-Class (sold in India as the GL/GLS lineage) to be a compelling choice if you prioritise three-row luxury, composure and brand pedigree; the cabin packaging, ride comfort and available powerful engines give it a clear edge for long-distance family travel and executive transport, while the 4MATIC all‑wheel drive and adaptive suspension options make it secure and composed on varied Indian roads.

The Mercedes GL-Class, now known as the GLS-Class, continues to lead the full-size luxury SUV segment in India with its 2025 model offering spacious seating for seven and advanced comfort features like massaging seats and multi-zone climate control. It maintains a quiet, well-insulated cabin perfect for long drives or city cruising.

Mercedes has added a biometric fingerprint scanner as a standard security feature in the 2025 GLS-Class, boosting vehicle access safety for Indian users. The AMG version stands out with exclusive AMG crest embroidery on the front headrests, emphasizing its sporty luxury appeal. I think these touches add a nice blend of tech and exclusivity.

The 2025 GLS-Class in India comes with powerful yet smooth engine options including a V6 and a V8, matched with advanced suspension for good handling on rough roads. Despite its size, the SUV drives surprisingly agile, making it suitable for varied terrains common across India.

Mercedes-Benz India showcases the GLS-Class’s new MBUX infotainment system with voice command and smartphone integration, enhancing connectivity for tech-savvy urban customers. This update reflects how luxury SUVs are becoming smarter and more user-friendly for Indian buyers.

The large luggage space and clever storage features in the 2025 GLS-Class make it a sensible choice for Indian families who often travel with lots of baggage or sports equipment. Its design balances luxury with practical needs well.

In India, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL 350 CDI Blue Efficiency carries a last recorded ex-showroom price of approximately ₹79.78 Lakh, though earlier launches pegged it at ₹77.5 Lakh, with the high-performance GL 63 AMG variant reaching up to ₹1.79 Crore ex-showroom. On-road prices in major cities like Delhi or Mumbai swell this to around ₹92 Lakh to ₹1.1 Crore for the diesel GL 350 CDI after factoring in 12-15% road tax, 10-12% insurance, RTO registration, and fastag fees, varying by state—Kerala or Karnataka might add 2-3% more due to higher taxes. I view this pricing as strategically positioned in the luxury SUV arena, undercutting newer GLS models starting at ₹1.37 Crore ex-showroom while matching the opulence of Range Rovers at similar on-road figures. Resale holds strong at 70-80% after three years thanks to Mercedes' bulletproof reliability and brand cachet, but high insurance (₹2-3 Lakh annually) and service costs (₹50,000+ per year) demand budgeting. For value-conscious buyers, the diesel's torque-rich performance and lower fuel bills versus petrol AMG make the GL 350 CDI a smarter long-term investment over flashier alternatives, especially with local assembly reducing import duties.

The GL-Class/GLS family in India spans roughly from the late ₹70 lakh range for diesel GL 350 CDI derivatives to well over ₹1.7–2.0 crore for AMG V8 models, with recent market listings and manufacturer pricing showing ex-showroom entries around ₹77–79 lakh for base diesel variants and around ₹1.51 crore or higher for petrol/upper GLS trims and AMG versions; on-road costs (registration, insurance, state taxes and handling) typically add 10–18% depending on city and spec, pushing a ₹77 lakh ex-showroom SUV to roughly ₹85–90 lakh on-road in many metros while AMG/upper GLS variants can exceed ₹1.8–2.2 crore on-road in India.

I note the GL 350 CDI Blue Efficiency achieves 11.3 kmpl officially in India, with real-world figures of 9-10 kmpl city and 12-13 kmpl highway under AWD load. Running costs stay manageable at ₹1.3-1.5/km on diesel, far better than the GL 63 AMG's 10 kmpl petrol thirst. For mileage-focused buyers, it's a solid pick over thirstier rivals, balancing luxury with economical ownership.

Real-world mileage in India for the common diesel GL 350 CDI sits near manufacturer/claimed figures of about 10–11 kmpl in mixed driving but expect 8–10 kmpl in city use and slightly better on highways, so running costs are significant and fuel economy should be a decisive factor if you do high-mileage urban commuting; diesel ownership improves operating cost compared with petrol AMG variants.