The Mercedes-Benz GL is a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) manufactured and marketed by the German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz from 2006 to 2016. It is the second generation model in the GL-Class range and was renamed GLS as of the 2016 facelift.
History of the Mercedes-Benz GL
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (2006–2009)
Mercedes-Benz introduced the luxurious seven-seater GL at the 2006 North American International Motor Show and took the crown as the brand's flagship SUV. The German carmaker looked with praying eyes at the American seven-seat off-roaders for years before deciding to take the decision to compete with them on their home ground. Moreover, it produced it in Alabama to deliver it faster and avoid expensive import taxes. Although the car was not cheap and was considered the SUV version of the S-Class flagship model produced by the three-pointed-star brand. Under the hood, the carmaker installed a choice of two V8 gasoline engines paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. For specific markets, though, the carmaker added a few turbo-diesel options, which were much more fuel-efficient. Power went in all corners as standard on the entire range, and the all-wheel independent air suspension ensured one of the most comfortable rides in the segment.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (2009–2012)
Mercedes-Benz refreshed the GL range in late 2009, improving the car's comfortable ride and introducing an upgraded turbo-diesel engine. The world financial crisis was not over yet when the German carmaker introduced a refreshed version for its luxurious SUV, the GL. Unlike its main U.S. competitors, it featured a unibody construction instead of the body-on-frame system used by Cadillac for the Escalade or by Lincoln for the Navigator. On top of that, the GL provided a turbo-diesel engine that ensured a 600-mile (965 km) range on a tank. Under the hood, besides the two gasoline V-8 engines, the carmaker introduced a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6, which used AdBlue to lower the emissions. That made it legal in 50 states across the U.S.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (2012–2019)
The biggest SUV from the German car-maker was the equivalent of the S-Class for the SUV market. It's up to seven seats and the high level of comfort made it a good alternative for the brand's flagship. The first generation of the GL was launched in 2006 and it was based on the ML-Class platform. It was mainly built for the North-American market. In Europe, its sales were very low, especially after the world economic crisis stroke in 2008. In its last full production year, it managed to sell a mere 2508 units on the European continent, while in the US the worst year was in 2009 with 15.012 units. In the European market, the 3.0L diesel engine was the most favored version, while for the U.S. market the gasoline units were on top of its customer's list. Like the S-Class, the GL was available exclusively with a 7-speed automatic gearbox (7G-Tronic).
Price
In 2016, Mercedes-Benz retailed the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class with a starting original MSRP of $65,500, rising to $122,000 for the top-of-the-line GL63 AMG variant.
- GL350 - $65,500
- GL450 - $67,000
- GL550 - $92,000
- GL550 - $100,000
- GL63 AMG - $122,000
Features of the Mercedes-Benz GL
Exterior Features
The rugged, somewhat boxy look of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class luxury SUV for 2016 will not be mistaken for anything other than a Mercedes. Its purposeful stance has a definite presence, with a reasonable step-in height aided by a small side step rail and an easily accessible roof rack. Gracing the GL’s sides are artful creases and detailing, and the entire effect is one of luxury, style and confidence. Taller drivers and passengers will appreciate the rear liftgate’s high travel, allowing easy loading of large items while reducing the chance of bruising one’s forehead.
Interior Features
Inside, the 2-3-2 seating arrangement provided more room than its predecessor, offering more elbow, shoulder, and headroom for all three rows of seats. The dashboard was covered in ARTICO man-made leather. Inside the instrument cluster, a new 4.8” TFT display offered information from the on-board computer, the COMMAND infotainment unit, or from the navigation system.
Specs and Performance of the Mercedes-Benz GL
The GL350 uses a 3.0L V6 BlueTEC turbodiesel engine with 455 lb-ft of torque and an EPA highway fuel-economy rating of 26 mpg. The GL450 has a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 that can launch it to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, while the GL550 employs a 4.6L twin-turbo V8 that can make the same sprint in a mere 5.5 seconds. The GL63 AMG has a hand-built 5.5L twin-turbo V8 that makes an enviable 550 horsepower. GL-Class models have 4Matic all-wheel drive standard, and all engine choices are connected to a smooth 7-speed automatic transmission. Dimension-wise, the Mercedes-Benz GL measures 5,130 mm (202.0 in) (facelift) long, 1,934 mm (76.1 in) wide, and 1,850 mm (72.8 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 3,100 mm (122.0 in) and has a curb weight of 5,247–5,523 lbs (2,380–2,505 kg).
Release Date
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class was released in 2006. It was discontinued in 2019 to make way for the new Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (X167).