Mercedes-Benz GL X166 GL 450 V8 (362 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS
Overall Rating
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.
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:
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.
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 Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC PLUS |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 275/55 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 19 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Air suspension, Transverse stabilizer |














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