Mercedes GL (2018)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 63 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,413

£201/month

MOT Pass Rate

95%

Excellent

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

5461cc Petrol

Great Choice

95% pass rate, £2,413/year to run. 13 points above average.

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Petrol5461cc8 years old63 tests39k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 5461cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,413

Per month£201/mo

Per week£46/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

95% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

95% of MOT tests on Mercedes GLs from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 63 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 38,524 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2018 models109th of 607(top 18%)

Rank among Mercedes models263rd of 1,376(top 20%)

vs average of all models+13%(82% avg)

vs 2018 models average+6%(89% avg)

vs Mercedes average+8%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

38,524

Average miles

44,400

Expected for age

The average 2018 Mercedes GL had 38,524 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2018 scores 95%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes GL by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	99%	71	29,185 mi
2020	100%	69	41,984 mi
2019	93%	137	35,018 mi
2018	95%	63	38,524 mi
2017	79%	47	108,751 mi
2016	88%	475	73,156 mi
2015	89%	1,283	79,394 mi
2014	92%	1,321	93,766 mi
2013	90%	1,304	103,757 mi
2012	89%	225	99,410 mi
2011	86%	609	116,582 mi
2010	89%	435	121,550 mi
2009	81%	224	126,000 mi
2008	84%	371	122,229 mi
2007	85%	572	130,779 mi
2006	78%	160	123,042 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Range Rover

2017 · 4999cc Petrol

£2,413/year

91%

-4%

Mercedes S-Class

2017 · 5461cc Petrol

£2,413/year

93%

-2%

Jaguar F-Type

2017 · 5000cc Petrol

£2,413/year

94%

-1%

Mercedes SLK

2016 · 5461cc Petrol

£3,153/year

89%

-6%

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About the 2018 Mercedes GL

The 2018 Mercedes GL is a premium performance car. Our records list a 5461cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 63 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 2018 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 38,524 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes GL owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2018 Mercedes GL Fuel Costs

The 5461cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2018 Mercedes GL?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,413 (£201/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Mercedes GL Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes GLs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2018 Mercedes GL

At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. Note: with only 63 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 8 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2018 Mercedes GL stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes GL(2018)	95%	£1,958	£200	Grp 35-50	£2,413
Land Rover Range Rover(2017)	91%	£1,958	£200	Grp 35-50	£2,413same
Mercedes S-Class(2017)	93%	£1,958	£200	Grp 35-50	£2,413same
Jaguar F-Type(2017)	94%	£1,958	£200	Grp 35-50	£2,413same
Mercedes SLK(2016)	89%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153+£740

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2018 Mercedes GL

Is the 2018 Mercedes GL reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 95% of MOT tests on 2018 Mercedes GLs ended in a pass, from 63 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2018 Mercedes GL cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,413 a year (£201 a month): £1,958 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 Mercedes GL?

95% of 63 MOT tests on the 2018 Mercedes GL ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 109th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (top 18%).

Which year Mercedes GL has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Mercedes GL has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2006 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2018 Mercedes GL?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 Mercedes GL is 38,524 miles, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.