DecodedCars2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- Gl350 Bluetech 4matic 4dr SUV AWD, Gl550 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 4.7L 8-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 15 combined · 13 city / 18 hwy
- Length
- 200.4 in
- Curb weight
- 5,468–5,611 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 22 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 15 MPG combined, 21% below the 2012 SUV - average of 19 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (4.7L 8-cyl and 5.5L 8-cyl) and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,611 lb (Gl350 Bluetech 4matic 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 15 MPG combined (13 city / 18 highway), 21% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 19 MPG, for an estimated $5,500 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 GL-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 GL-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gl350 Bluetech 4matic 4dr SUV AWD | 200.4 in | 75.6 in | 72.4 in | 121.3 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 5,611 lb | 54/46 |
| Gl550 4dr SUV AWD | 200.4 in | 75.6 in | 72.4 in | 121.3 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 5,468 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL450 4matic | 4.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -21% | $5,500 | 592 |
| GL550 4matic | 5.5L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | -26% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (this car) | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 BMW X5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2012 Cadillac Escalade | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Audi Q7 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Lincoln Navigator | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 BMW X6 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GL-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 GL-Class | 19 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 GL-Class | 19 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 GL-Class | 16 | 202 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 GL-Class | 16 | 202 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 GL-Class | 15 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 GL-Class | 14 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 GL-Class | 15 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 GL-Class | 20 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 GL-Class | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →