Mercedes-Benz GL reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mercedes-Benz GL is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 174 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 39 of 442, and 20.7% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is tread depth (2.5% of tests).
Ranked 39 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 3,607 Mercedes-Benz GLs aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 20.7% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mercedes-Benz GL is 43% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
20.7%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
9,000
Typical age at test: 11 years
Mercedes-Benz GL MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mercedes-Benz GL MOT faults
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.3% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.8% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.3% of tests
- Position lamp: not working1.3% of tests
What the Mercedes-Benz GL fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 7.3% | ▼ 52% less often |
| Tyres | 6.2% | ▼ 20% less often |
| Brakes | 4.9% | ▼ 46% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.5% | ▼ 21% less often |
| Suspension | 2.6% | ▼ 80% less often |
| Body and structure | 2.2% | ▼ 56% less often |
| Visibility | 1.8% | ▼ 67% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.1% | ▼ 14% less often |
| Steering | 0.9% | ▼ 71% less often |
| Wheels | 0.8% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz GL do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz GL ranges from 20 to 36.2mpg across the 45 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2016). A typical petrol version manages 21.2mpg and a typical diesel 28.8mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz GL?
Any Mercedes-Benz GL first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz GL registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £445 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carMercedes-Benz GL specs and running costs
Official figures for 45 versions sold in the UK between 2007 and 2016.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
20.0–36.2 mpg
CO2
205–336 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL GL 350 BLUETEC with 21'' rear wheelsA7 · listed 2016 | Diesel | 36.2 mpg | 205g | £445 |
| GL AMG GL S 63 with 20'' & 21'' rear wheelsA7 · listed 2016 | Petrol | 23 mpg | 288g | £790 |
| GL GL63 AMG 4MATIC with 21'' rear wheelsA7 · listed 2016 | Petrol | 23 mpg | 288g | £790 |
| GL GL 350 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 21" rear wheelsA7 · listed 2015 | Diesel | 35.3 mpg | 209g | £445 |
| GL GL 63 AMG with 21'' rear wheelsA7 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 23 mpg | 288g | £790 |
| GL G 63 AMG with 21'' rear wheelsA7 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 23 mpg | 288g | £790 |
| GL GL 63 AMG with 21" rear wheelsAutomatic · listed 2014 | Petrol | 23 mpg | 288g | £790 |
| GL GL 350 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 21" rear wheelslisted 2013 | Diesel | 35.3 mpg | 209g | £445 |
| GL GL 350 CDI 4MATIC with 19 inch rear wheelsA7 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 30.7 mpg | 242g | £760 |
| GL GL 350 CDI 4MATIC with 20 & 21 inch rear wheelsA7 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 31.4 mpg | 238g | £760 |
| GL GL 500 4MATIC with 20 & 21 inch rear wheelsA7 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 20.5 mpg | 322g | £790 |
| GL (164) GL 320 CDI 4MATIC with DPF 265/275 Tyres on 18''/ 19" Wheels at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 29.1 mpg | 257g | £790 |
| GL (164) GL320 CDI 4MATIC no DPF 265/275 Tyres on 18''/19" Wheels at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 29.1 mpg | 257g | £790 |
| GL (164) GL320 CDI 4MATIC no DPF 275/295 Tyres on 20"/21" Wheels at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 28.2 mpg | 264g | £790 |
| GL (164) GL320 CDI 4MATIC with DPF 275/295 Tyres on 20''/21'' wheels at rearA7 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 28.2 mpg | 264g | £790 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 45 versions.
What a Mercedes-Benz GL costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 21.2mpg…
- diesel, typical official 28.8mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mercedes-Benz GLBuying a used Mercedes-Benz GL?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mercedes-Benz GL reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mercedes-Benz GL is 43% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 174 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz GL?
The most common MOT fault is “Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm”, found in 2.5% of tests.
›What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz GL do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz GL ranges from 20 to 36.2mpg across the 45 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2016). A typical petrol version manages 21.2mpg and a typical diesel 28.8mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz GL?
Any Mercedes-Benz GL first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz GL registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £445 to £790 a year.
›How many Mercedes-Benz GLs fail their MOT?
20.7% of Mercedes-Benz GLs aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mercedes-Benz GL combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.