2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Pictured: Mercedes-Benz X167 IMG 5259. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
Gl 63 Amg 4dr SUV AWD, Gl350 Bluetec/Gl450/Gl550 4matic 4dr SUV
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.7L 8-cyl turbo, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
19 combined · 17 city / 21 hwy
Length
201.6–202.4 in
Curb weight
5,390–5,688 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 29 for similar models.
  • 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 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 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 5,688 lb (Gl 63 Amg 4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 21 highway), 2% better than the 2016 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 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 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 GL-Class — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 GL-Class →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Gl 63 Amg 4dr SUV AWD202.4 in76 in72.4 in121.3 in66.1 / 66.9 in5,688 lb50/50
Gl350 Bluetec/Gl450/Gl550 4matic 4dr SUV201.6 in76 in72.4 in121.3 in66.1 / 66.9 in5,390 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
GL450 4matic3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 7-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 21 / 19+2%$4,350480
GL550 4matic4.7L 8-cyl turboAutomatic 7-spd4-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-20%$5,500587
AMG GL635.5L 8-cyl turboAutomatic 7-spd4-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14-25%$5,850615
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $9,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.7 MPG2016 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.

Similar 2016 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (this car)19 MPGNot rated0
2016 BMW X525 MPGNot rated5
2016 Cadillac Escalade17 MPGNot rated4
2016 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated3
2016 Tesla Model X289 miNot rated12
2016 Lexus LX15 MPGNot rated1
2016 Lincoln Navigator18 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

No owner complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.

Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other GL-Class years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2015 GL-Class19202.4 inNot rated00
2014 GL-Class16202 inNot rated00
2013 GL-Class16202 inNot rated00
2012 GL-Class15200.4 inNot rated00
2011 GL-Class15200.4 inNot rated00
2010 GL-Class14200.4 inNot rated00
2009 GL-Class15200.4 inNot rated00
2008 GL-Class20200.4 inNot rated00
2007 GL-Class20–Not rated00

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →