2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

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Rating8.2

Ranked #2 in 

Fullsize SUV
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$63,600 - $89,950
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on September 26, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Ample space for 7 passengers

Handling is a bit cumbersome around corners

New Mbrace upgrade packages are available for 2016

Superior acceleration for an SUV

It could be a bit difficult to maneuver in tight parking spaces

Well-equipped interior with amazing sound insulation

Specs & Features

$63,600

price

240 hp @ 3600 rpm

horsepower

455 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

torque

7-Speed Automatic w/od

transmission

3.0L 6cyl AWD 7A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Competing in the fullsize SUV, the 2016 Mercedes Benz GL-Class goes up against other notable names in the class, like the Cadillac Escalade, the Lincoln Navigator, and the Infiniti QX80. Spread across 2 trims, the GL-Class starts off at a base price of MSRP $65,200 and carries on to $89,950. Not all trims are built equal, however, as there are 2 powertrains on offer. The standard engine is a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine rated for 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the GL-Class gives you a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. A more powerful 4.7L twin-turbocharged V8 engine is also offered, with an output of 429 horsepower. A 7-speed automatic transmission is offered alongside both engines. You can also equip the GL-Class with a diesel engine which has an engine output of 240 horsepower.

Buying Advice

The base trim would fulfill most of your needs but the top-level trim boasts a powerful V8 engine which provides a massive surge of power throughout the rev range. If money is not your concern, we suggest you pick the top-level GL550 4Matic trim for its power and thrill. Additionally, you get sporty exterior styling cues, unique dashboard stitching, adaptive suspension dampers, 21-inch alloy wheels,soft-close doors, and different wood trims.

Trims

    350
    $63,600 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 7A
    • Horsepower: 240 hp @ 3600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 455 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.97 sec
    • Top Speed: 172 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 22 mpg
    450
    $65,200 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 7A
    • Horsepower: 362 hp @ 5000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 369 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 162 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    550
    $89,950 onwards
    • Engine: 4.7L 8cyl AWD 7A
    • Horsepower: 429 hp @ 5250 rpm hp
    • Torque: 516 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.89 sec
    • Top Speed: 141 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 15 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$63,600- $89,950

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.21

Horsepower

429 hp @ 5250 rpm

Torque

516 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$72,970- $91,950

Gasoline

7.6

420 hp @ 5600 rpm

460 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm

7

Read Review

$41,135- $63,375

Gasoline

8.17

365 hp @ 5000 rpm

420 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm

8

Read Review

$63,250- $88,850

Gasoline

7.91

400 hp @ 5800 rpm

413 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

Read Review

$84,950- $244,500

Gasoline

8.28

340 hp @ 6500 rpm

332 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

-

Read Review

$88,880

Gasoline

7

383 hp @ 5600 rpm

403 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

8

Read Review

$63,195- $76,650

Gasoline

7.82

380 hp @ 5250 rpm

460 lb.-ft. @ 2750 rpm

7

Read Review

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.5 sec13.6 sec162 mph
    5.7 sec14.1 sec112 mph
    6.2 sec14.7 sec-
    6.2 sec14.9 sec136 mph
    6.2 sec--
    6.3 sec14.6 sec131 mph

    2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      17 mpg21 mpg19 mpg26.4 gal.448.8/554.4 mi.
      17 mpg23 mpg19 mpg22.5 gal.- -
      16 mpg22 mpg18 mpg28 gal.448/616 mi.
      16 mpg22 mpg18 mpg28 gal.448/616 mi.
      15 mpg22 mpg17 mpg26 gal.-
      14 mpg20 mpg16 mpg26 gal.364/520 mi.

      2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        201.6 in.84.3 in.72.8 in.8.5 in.121.1 in.

        2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV

        Ranked #1

        224.3 in.80.5 in.74 in.8 in.130 in.

        2016 Ford Expedition EL

        Ranked #2

        220.8 in.78.8 in.77.7 in.8.3 in.131 in.
        208.3 in.79.9 in.75.8 in.9.2 in.121.1 in.
        207.4 in.78.8 in.78.1 in.8.4 in.119 in.
        206 in.78.8 in.77.2 in.8.3 in.119 in.

        2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          16 cu.ft.91.1 cu.ft.93.8 cu.ft.
          18.1 cu.ft.-103.3 cu.ft.
          16.6 cu.ft.-95.1 cu.ft.
          18.6 cu.ft.87.6 cu.ft.108.3 cu.ft.
          9.1 cu.ft.-45 cu.ft.
          --71.7 cu.ft.

          2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            50 cu.ft.16 cu.ft.93.8 cu.ft.
            83.1 cu.ft.18.6 cu.ft.108.3 cu.ft.
            95.1 cu.ft.16.6 cu.ft.95.1 cu.ft.
            15.7 cu.ft.62.6 cu.ft.94.2 cu.ft.
            15.9 cu.ft.-71.7 cu.ft.
            103.3 cu.ft.18.1 cu.ft.103.3 cu.ft.

            2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              7500 lbs.1794 lbs.5371 lbs.
              9200 lbs.1640 lbs.5600 lbs.
              9000 lbs.1560 lbs.5830 lbs.
              8500 lbs.1664 lbs.5633 lbs.
              7000 lbs.1385 lbs.6000 lbs.
              -1506 lbs.5594 lbs. -

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