Mercedes-Benz GL X166 GL 450 V8 (362 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS


Overall Rating

8.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 5
Comfort 4.7 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz GL:

The Mercedes-Benz GLS, formerly Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, is a full-size luxury crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2006. In each of its generations it is a three-row, seven-passenger vehicle positioned above the GLE. The GLS is considered the flagship of the marque's SUV lineup, although the body-on-frame G-Class is more expensive and has been in production longer....(Read more on Wikipedia)

X166 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz GL (X166). With 550 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2450 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Mercedes-Benz GL (X166) was not directly tested by Euro NCAP. However, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally demonstrate strong passive and active safety features, often achieving high ratings in similar tests.

GL 450 V8 (362 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A capable V8 providing ample power for daily driving and highway merges, offering a smooth and refined experience, though less potent than the GL 500. Acceleration data not provided.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is a concern, typical for a large V8 SUV, making it less economical for regular use compared to diesel options. Fuel data not provided.

Best Use Case: Comfortable family SUV, long-distance travel, those preferring petrol V8 refinement.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Luxurious and spacious 7-seater interior
  • • Powerful and refined engine options (especially V8s and BlueTEC diesel)
  • • Excellent ride comfort and highway stability
  • • High-quality materials and craftsmanship
  • • Strong off-road capability with 4MATIC

Cons:

  • • High purchase price and running costs (fuel, maintenance)
  • • Large size can be challenging in urban environments and parking
  • • Complex electronics and air suspension can be expensive to repair
  • • Not directly tested by Euro NCAP

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(X164 facelift 2009: 2010 - 2012).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:GL
Generation:X166
Modification (Engine):GL 450 V8 (362 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS
Start of production:2012
End of production:2016
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:7
Doors:5
Engine:
Engine systems:Start & Stop System
Power:362 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:77.6 Hp/l [21mm more]
Torque:550 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 278.928 More details about the engine M 278.928
Engine displacement:4663
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:BiTurbo, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:8.5 l
Coolant:11 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:92.9 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:16.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:12.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (EPA):16.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (EPA):12.4 l/100 km
Emission standard:ULEV
Weight-to-power ratio:6.8 kg/Hp, 147.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.5 kg/Nm, 224.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:2450
Max. roof load:100 kg
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:2300 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:680 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):3402 kg
Fuel tank capacity:100 l
Permitted towbar download:272 kg
Size:
Wading depth:600 mm
Length:5120 mm mm [21mm more]
Width:1934 mm mm [14mm more]
Height:1850-1940 mm mm [10mm more]
Wheelbase:3075 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:2141 mm
Front track:1646 mm
Rear (Back) track:1664 mm
Front overhang:885 mm
Rear overhang:1160 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):201-306 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):12.4 m [above average]
Approach angle:25-33°
Departure angle:20-27°
Climb angle:45°
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears7
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeG-TRONIC PLUS
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size275/55 R19
Wheel rims size8.5J x 19
Front suspensionDouble wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Air suspension, Transverse stabilizer

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