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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gl 63 Amg 4dr SUV AWD | 202.4 in | 76 in | 72.4 in | 121.3 in | 66.1 / 66.9 in | 5,688 lb | 50/50 |
| Gl350 Bluetec/Gl450/Gl550 4matic 4dr SUV | 201.6 in | 76 in | 72.4 in | 121.3 in | 66.1 / 66.9 in | 5,390 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 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | +2% | $4,350 | 480 |
| GL550 4matic | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 587 |
| AMG GL63 | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -25% | $5,850 | 615 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Cadillac Escalade | 17 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Tesla Model X | 289 mi | Not rated | 12 |
| 2016 Lexus LX | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Lincoln Navigator | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
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
- 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 2016 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 →