Mercedes-Benz GL X166 GL 400 (333 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC
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 480 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.75 l/100km). At around 2360 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.7 s). The top speed reaches 240 km/h. 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 400 (333 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A smooth and refined V6 offering a good balance of power (6.7s 0-100km/h) and efficiency, providing ample performance for most situations without the V8's thirst.
Fuel Economy
More economical than the V8 petrol options (9.2-9.6 l/100 km combined), offering a reasonable compromise between performance and fuel consumption for a large SUV.
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(X166: 2012 - 2015).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | GL |
| Generation: | X166 |
| Modification (Engine): | GL 400 (333 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 2014 |
| End of production: | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 333 Hp @ 5250-6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 111.1 Hp/l [21mm less] |
| Torque: | 480 Nm @ 1600-4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 276.821 More details about the engine M 276.821 |
| Engine displacement: | 2996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7 l |
| Coolant: | 10.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.1 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6300 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.6-11.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.8-8.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.2-9.6 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 6 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 240 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.1 kg/Hp, 141.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.9 kg/Nm, 203.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2360 |
| Max. weight: | 3250 |
| Max load: | 890 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2300 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 680 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 3500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 100 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5120 mm mm [21mm less] |
| Width: | 1934 mm mm [48mm less] |
| Height: | 1850 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3075 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2141 mm |
| Front track: | 1655 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1675 mm |
| Front overhang: | 885 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1160 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.4 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| 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 | 265/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |













Does the Mercedes-Benz GL live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!