2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- Gl350 Bluetec 4matic 4dr SUV, Gl450/Gl550 4matic 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 4.7L 8-cyl turbo, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 19 hwy
- Length
- 202 in
- Curb weight
- 5,468–5,611 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (4.7L 8-cyl turbo and 5.5L 8-cyl turbo) and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,611 lb (Gl350 Bluetec 4matic 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 19 highway), 6% worse than the 2013 standard SUV average of 17.1 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 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 2013
- Engines added: 4.7L 8-cyl turbo and 5.5L 8-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 4.7L 8-cyl and 5.5L 8-cyl
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 GL-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gl350 Bluetec 4matic 4dr SUV | 202 in | 76 in | 72.4 in | 121.3 in | 66.1 / 66.9 in | 5,611 lb | 50/50 |
| Gl450/Gl550 4matic 4dr SUV AWD | 202 in | 76 in | 72.4 in | 121.3 in | 66.1 / 66.9 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 turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -6% | $5,150 | 569 |
| GL550 4matic | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -12% | $5,500 | 587 |
| GL63 AMG | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -18% | $5,850 | 615 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
Similar 2013 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Cadillac Escalade | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Audi Q7 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Lexus LX | 14 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Lincoln Navigator | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 BMW X6 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Acura ZDX | 19 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2013 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 2013 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 |
| 2012 GL-Class | 15 | 200.4 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 →