$30,000 for a Flagship Mercedes SUV! | Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTec 4matic Full Tour & Review

Depreciation is king when it comes to luxury vehicles, including big brown diesels. Our Spotlight is on this 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTec 4matic SUV.
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This vehicle was provided to us by Excellence Auto Acton here in Acton Vale, Québec. Big thanks to them for letting us spend the morning with this full-size luxury SUV. If you're interested in buying this specific GL 350 you can visit their website here: www.excellenceauto.com/vehicu...
The X166 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has been in production from the 2013 model year until 2019, and received a facelift and name-change for 2016 to the GLS-Class to create a more uniform naming convention within the Mercedes-Benz vehicle lineup. This GL 350 BlueTec is powered by a 3.0L DOHC turbo diesel V6 engine. While it only produces 240 horsepower, it has tonnes of low-end torque at 455 lb-ft. The European-spec GL 350 BlueTec had slightly more power, but we received a de-tuned version in North America.
Our full tour and review of this 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTec 4matic SUV goes over all the features found on this full-size luxury SUV, and some of the optional extras you might be lucky to find on some models. The GL was designed to be the S-Class of SUVs, with class-leading technology for the time, this vehicle comes with a modest suite of features to keep up with other ~$30,000 new vehicles on the market today. Bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive functionality, AirMatic with Adaptive Damping System, crosswind assist, PRE-SAFE®, soft-close doors, foot-activated rear liftgate, 3-panel panoramic sunroof, heated & ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, tri-zone THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, easy-entry to the third row, Comand APS Navigation, and much more.
After we discuss the exterior features and design of this GL-Class we take it on a road test to see how the turbo diesel engine works, the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, 4matic all-wheel-drive, and the adaptive AirMatic suspension. While we can't accurately test the fuel economy on this vehicle we do discuss how the diesel's fuel efficiency could play into your overall buying decision. We go over the interior space and comfort while driving around, and think back on the interior design and how it has some modern elements we find on 2020 model year Mercedes models, as well as some of the older ones we've driven.
We wrap up our classic car episode of TestDrive Spotlight by going over a fast buyer's guide on this vehicle, discussing some of the common problems with the X166 GL-Class Mercedes-Benz, how the AdBlue and AirMatic suspension systems can get costly if they break down, and what you should look out for if you're in the market for one of these vehicles. Ultimately we make the argument that buying a car like this might be a better option over a fully-loaded 2020 compact sedan, as most of the features are found on this GL, but you get a whole lot more with it.
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[@curtisnikel6427]

I bought one of these new in 2014. It has never missed a beat. love the ride, fuel economy and low cost to operate.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it!

[@cyclonus01]

does yours have the emissions on it? how has the reliability been and how many miles? TIA for any insight.

[@billahmed4265]

Agreed, I’ve one and as long you keep up with the maintenance on schedule these are very reliable!

[@bill7481]

Interesting video! Thanks for the warning at the end! The problem with depreciation is that the cost of maintenance does not depreciate.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Very true! Those repairs can start to add up quickly. Though if you had to do some work on this down the road it'll still end up costing less than buying a new GLS.

[@hunterisaias5853]

i know I am kind of off topic but does anybody know a good place to watch new series online?

[@jaqnu]

Good video and its nice to hear of the options.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you liked it! I was hoping to find the original window sticker on this to get the actual list of options, luckily this was new enough that Mercedes-Benz still had documentation on their press website on it.

[@robgindc1]

I'm considering upgrading the '07 ML350 I recently inherited, bluetec review is very helpful. Love that color combo, and the panoramic/triple sunroof is awesome. Great review, thanks.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you liked it, thanks! We've heard from a few owners since publishing this, the diesel doesn't seem to be a great buy when you compare it to the newest GL engines in terms of fuel efficiency, however there's still a lot to like about this generation!

[@highwaycruiser6486]

@@PRNTestDrive what are details on preferences not to choose gl350 vs gl450 or gl550?

[@airborneranger-ret]

2007 GL450. Now 164k.Everything works, Loads of room in the 3 rows of seats. Replaced front air shocks, repainted left rear fender (clearcoat was coming off) and the occasional light bulb. Looks great, pleasure to drive. I use liqui-moly in the engine coolant and oil (just me). Highly recommend Michelin tires. Cons: uses premium and gets 14-18 mpg.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it's working out for you! I was very tempted by a 2012 GL 550 with about 111k kms on it. Car looked decent enough, silver with black interior and with most of the options I'd want. Took it for a drive and it had a serious whole-vehicle shake at 90km+ speeds, couldn't get very far on the highway during my test. I believe all 4 tires were toast, and likely unbalanced which caused the main issue. Main battery was dead also, assuming it had two they probably both needed to be replaced. Sufficed to say I went with a 2013 S-Class instead and love it.

[@sonyhk3824]

So interesting and enjoyable video, it's MERCEDES-BENZ. Cheers Nile 👍

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you liked it! I've got some more Germans lined up in the next few weeks!

[@sonyhk3824]

Great, looking forward

[@ChickenCraver34]

My family has one of these. The MPG is amazing!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Nice! I'd love to be able to spend more time with one of these to see how the fuel economy is. I bet on the highway it just eats up the road!

[@ChickenCraver34]

PRN_TestDrive I can give you my rough analysis. In the city (avg 15-30 mph) it gets around 19-21 MPG. Highway it’s 25-28. However, once you cross over 80 mph your mpg starts to drop under 25. Is this because of the low redline and the ending of the torque powerband?

[@rbartakovits]

I consistently get 27 mpg on the highway. I have a 2014 GL350 with 80K miles on it. Bought it at 71K with the 100K warranty. Good thing it had the warranty... had to replace front and rear suspension, BlueTech emissions monitoring system, and the warranty actually covered blown rear speakers as well. It’s a great car to drive... but glad for the extended warranty.

[@aleksandarpopovic7090]

Very good explained- 100% true- good Job

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks, and I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@fupabox]

excellent review

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thank you!

[@gonzalesamado6042]

A good review of the GL 👍🏻

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you think so, thanks!

[@dadandson6882]

Well done! Thank you

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'm glad you liked it, thanks!

[@robertduklus6555]

You can drop another 30 000 in repairs and maintenance in a year or two, well only slight exaggeration. Diesel DPF filter will cost you around 3000 dollars and thats sooner or later no ways around it, BENZ and air suspension can be another horror story, often needs to be replaced on all 4 corners and thats how much? My Dad always said if you cant afford it new Mercedes you cant afford it used.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Easily! And I agree, wise words about owning and affording a used one. Seems like the diesel emissions system is the most costly overall which is why I see a lot of owners outright deleting it.

[@bobsteve4812]

I’ve had a 2013 GL550 since new. Still no issues at all after 95k miles. The diesel I would avoid in North America unfortunately because of the incredibly complicated emission equipments necessary for our unique regulations.

[@rbartakovits]

True that! Glad I have the 100K extended warranty.

[@michaelwelschmidt9338]

The MB diesel emission settlement mandates a new DPF, copper catalyst, NOX sensors, soot sensor AND a warranty on those parts.

[@robertduklus6555]

depending on year and market I suppose, it is my understanding it applies to 2009-2011 GL's in NA

[@omglolwatermelon]

If you don't need the space the 2014 W166 ML350 gasoline without air suspension has much less to go wrong and is still a great car with decent fuel efficiency 13.5L/100k city and 8.5-9L/100k at 100km/hr is what I see with mine

[@PRNTestDrive]

Great point! I love the ML in terms of size and space, enjoy yours!

[@blessingbanda6206]

I love this machine. ❤

[@PRNTestDrive]

I enjoyed reviewing it. Interestingly enough I went to look at a GL 550 last year but it was too rough for my liking and I ended up with an S 550 instead.

[@meissen3]

That brown leather is really nice 👍

[@PRNTestDrive]

It really is! I like the interior on this one, would be a nice colour combo to own.

[@kevinabraham2029]

Those smaller Honda and Toyota compact sedans actually come standard with a lot of those safety goodies missing from this GLS. Literally everything is an option at Mercedes.

[@PRNTestDrive]

That's very true! The luxury brands like to make you pay for everything.

[@bobsteve4812]

These are surprisingly reliable for what they are I’ve had a 2013 GL550 since new. Still no issues at all after 95k miles. The diesel I would avoid in North America unfortunately because of the incredibly complicated emission equipments necessary for our unique regulations. It has better reliability ratings by owners and the big sites than the equivalent Escalade and only being outmatched by Lexus(no surprise). Most MBA with V8s and air airmatic since 09 have had pretty descent reputations, just don’t drive in water more than a meter deep.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Good to hear, also nice hearing from an owner! I saw lots of positive posts on forums during my research about these.

[@bobsteve4812]

PRN_TestDrive Nice to hear from you too! Hope you’re E38 is doing fine. I couldn’t afford to maintain mine anymore, the repairs just never stopped lol

[@Nightbird.]

@@bobsteve4812 Thank you Bob for the feedback on your GL550. I'm planning on purchasing a 2018 GLS550 with 44k miles in a couple of days and knowing how reliable yours has been makes me feel better about the purchase. I am debating on whether I want to pay an extra $4k-$5k for an extended warranty plan that will cover my vehicle for 125k miles on the odometer or 60 months. Would love your advice on this. Thanks!

[@bobsteve4812]

@@Nightbird. No problem at all. With that few miles and it being a 2018, it would make sense to get that warranty. At a little over 90k miles one of my air matic springs failed which cost around $500-1000 and that’s been my only major expense after all this time. And that was likely due to an issue later models fixed. After 2015/2016 I’m pretty sure all GLS550s recieved the 4 liter V8 which is different from mine(4.7 liter) so I’m not sure of the reliability of that engine sadly though I’d assume it wouldn’t have any significant issues and there are many forums and owner reviews to substantiate this. If u get the warranty for up to 125k miles you’d prob save yourself money long term because after 90k miles is when they seem to start getting some issues. That and at some point u never know if u might get some damage insurance won’t cover so it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to higher end vehicles.

[@Nightbird.]

@@bobsteve4812 Thank you Bob for the response. Unfortunately the 2018 GLS550 I went to test drive was not in the great condition the dealer said it was. The Traffic Sign Assist was not working on the dash. The cigarette lighter was missing. The cargo cover was missing. There was dirt and food under the 2nd row cushion seats. And one of the 3rd row seats broke down and froze in the flat position while I was testing it. The store manager couldn't get it to go back up even after pulling the emergency release tab on the lower cushion. And to make matters worst..the salesperson tells me "You can just buy it anyway and then take it to the dealer to fix the seat since it's still under warranty." Unbelievable. Cosmetically the vehicle looked ok..although I didn't care for the black wood trim which looked to similar to the cheap black plastic Hyundai is putting in their Palisades. So I came home empty handed and am back to the drawing board looking for another one. I guess the family that owned it had kids and used that 3rd row a lot for it to go bad at 44k miles. And I forgot how disgusting it can be dealing with used car salespeople and am still trying to wash off the slime..lol. 🤢

[@davidwebster2616]

great extra cost summary sir!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Hope it makes sense!

[@TheKeenMechanic]

Thumbs up before I even watch it.🤝

[@PRNTestDrive]

I appreciate that! I know it’s not quite as old as I normally find but it’s right at that sweet spot of depreciation while still being modern enough.

[@TheKeenMechanic]

@@PRNTestDrive Beautiful SUV and beautifuly presenred. Thanks Nile

[@fgeiger41]

You should add a section on what you think causes the depreciation

[@PRNTestDrive]

Could be interesting! I’ll see how I can incorporate that into future videos.

[@fgeiger41]

@@PRNTestDrive awesome. Keep up the good work. I enjoy your content.

[@epermute]

Lease returns.....

[@simplerecipes821]

I'm looking to buy a suv. What you recommend,, prado gxl 2018 or gl 350 2014??? Specially the maintenance cost??

[@PRNTestDrive]

We've heard from a number of Mercedes enthusiasts since publishing this episode. A lot of people recommend this generation GL-Class, but say to avoid the diesel engine. If you go with the V8 you should be pretty set for maintenance, it will cost you to service it but as long as you're going in regularly they seem to be pretty reliable as far as large luxury SUVs go.

[@cyclonus01]

With all the emissions on these things , are they even worth buying? seems like they have the typical diesel issues and the MPG doesn't seem to optimal.

[@PRNTestDrive]

A lot of the GL-Class enthusiasts seem to think it's better off just going with the gas models for the reasons you stated. It'll come down to how much highway driving you do along with the cost of diesel in your area. Here in Quebec I don't think this one would be my pick purely from a financial perspective.

[@FreelikeaBird999]

Really struggling between GLS 450 preowned with 40k miles and a Audi Q7 Any suggestions? Thanks

[@PRNTestDrive]

I haven't had much experience with newer Audis unfortunately, they aren't open to small outlets like mine. Personally I'd go with the Mercedes, it's going to hold up better long term. I find Audi's design language gets dated really fast.

[@daniellozan350]

None... both garbage money pits

[@heinrichschmitz8964]

Is it possible to use it with bluetooth audio streaming with a newer iphone?

[@PRNTestDrive]

If it’s like my S-Class, then I’d say no. Weirdly my 2013 C-Class has A2DP streaming, but I suspect someone added the functionality as I use the disc input for it. The 2013 S-Class I have doesn’t allow me to stream music via Bluetooth, and plugging in my iPhone 12 into the USB media port isn’t supported. There are aftermarket options to add streaming while keeping the original infotainment, I haven’t researched them in detail though.

[@deemanase512]

It's a fuel saver and very comfortable

[@PRNTestDrive]

Can't beat the comfort. And yes, fuel economy wise it's great, when the price of diesel isn't so high. It's been slowly coming down in my area but it's still a tough sell.

[@OscarGonzalez-yp5xb]

I’m thinking buy a gl350 2013, can someone tell me if was a good option.

[@PRNTestDrive]

The main thing with these is the DEF/AdBlue system from what I understand. I too have been looking at these recently, as the only GL/ML SUVs on the market seem to be the 350 BlueTecs. There are a few for sale with nearly 300,000 kms on the odometer, so they do last when maintained, you're just going to be spending more on maintenance for other systems like the suspension.

[@tadehdavtian388]

Name change doesn't start 2016, it starts 2017 GLS 350 BlueTec

[@zhelezarzhelyazkovitz1007]

thats a good car

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'm glad you think so!

[@TheRazvy1990]

still, have the E38?

[@PRNTestDrive]

I do. No change on it from the last time I posted a video about it unfortunately.

[@michelnadon6243]

Got a gl350 2014 3.5 years ago e 150kkm ..both rear air bag bosted. 80$ each on ebay . alternator voltage regulator brushes worn out. 75$ ebay...350kkm .. I guess its ok. Heavy suv with big brake rotor. Can stop a traiker with a boat real good and save a accident. If you put def in the gas tank beleive me you will never do that again. 18kcan$... Remove all. Fuel pump fuse BEFORE you have it towed to keep the fuel in the tank. The harness wiring that controls the rear ads shocks did crack and corosion gradually broke the wire and suspension gradually became Unstable. . i did all this work by myself did not cost much but if you need that gl every day you better have lots of mercedes experience. Now i am trying to remove my front bumper. The left beam has a broken bracket... A good epoxy job is all it needs. Not a 1500.00. Headlight

[@PRNTestDrive]

It's funny you mention putting DEF in the fuel tank, we've had a recent slew of people out here putting DEF in their diesel tanks on new pickup trucks. Extreme repair bills, $24,000 on average. I've been thinking about getting one of these but don't know how I feel about the emissions systems. Only 1 gas GL is for sale in the area, the other 10 are all diesel.

[@telliesmith9825]

Better get a warranty

[@PRNTestDrive]

Always a good idea if possible! Some of these are still under warranty, and if you can find one CPO at a M-B dealership you might be able to add one on.

[@stadiummoments2835]

@@PRNTestDrive are the warranties expensive, and how are repair cost? I’m thinking to upgrade from my Volvo XC90 2007 to this vehicle. For my Volvo replacing my ball brackets cost me $300 in repair bills and labor cost, my Sway bars and axels cost me $1,052. I wasn’t prepared for these things to happen, but had the emergency money once it did happen. Is this around the same prices I’d pay in repairs for a Benz?

[@thermalgeothermal451]

It will cost you the new Toyota in maintenance and repairs. 😂

[@PRNTestDrive]

Ha! I don’t doubt that, gotta maintain it like the $70k SUV it is!

[@adrianatataru-courtierimmo2778]

Not for sell?

[@PRNTestDrive]

This ended up selling within a few days of my video going up. In fact almost all the cars we've had the pleasure to feature over the past year or so have ended up selling after our videos went live.

[@furkankutlular]

GL>GLS

[@cliffpeterson8430]

Nice cars but endless money pits .

[@ivanlowjones]

Even with an extended bumper to bumper warranty (i.e $100 deductible/150,000 miles)?

[@PRNTestDrive]

We went over the few major issues to look out for, but it's still a flagship luxury vehicle meaning it will need flagship repairs. The GL-Class forum on MBWorld.org was very helpful in giving me a good picture of the reliability on this generation, lots of owners in there working together to solve little problems that creep up.

[@cliffpeterson8430]

@@ivanlowjones Certainly would not even consider it without a warranty . That being said with Mercedes track record do you really want to spend a lot of time waiting for repairs? Do yourself a favour and get a Lexus.

[@ivanlowjones]

@@cliffpeterson8430 I don't want a Lexus. If I wanted a used Mercedes with an extended warranty, then that's what I'd purchase. My money, my choice. Your money, your choice.

[@cliffpeterson8430]

@@ivanlowjones So true let us know how it turns out good luck.

[@paulm6481]

I think I take a Chevy Suburban instead (same year). It will cost less in repair.

[@bobsteve4812]

A Gl450 or 550 from 2014 and newer have similar reliability rankings to 2015 and newer Suburbans/Escalades. MB air suspensions have been some of the most reliable air shocks in the business since around 09-2010. The diesel I would avoid in North America because of the incredibly complicated emission stuff necessary for our unique regulations that they really didn’t care about reliability for.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I've heard similar opinions on the MB forums also, especially the facelift GLS 450 provides better fuel economy than the diesel here, though the prices for those are still high enough considering they're newer and under warranty.