Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz GL X166 GL 500 (435 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 700 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2370 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.4 s). The top speed reaches 250 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 500 (435 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers impressive V8 power and smooth acceleration (5.4s 0-100km/h), providing a luxurious and effortless driving experience without the extreme edge of the AMG.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is significant (11.3-11.5 l/100 km combined), though slightly better than the AMG, still a thirsty engine suitable for those not prioritizing economy.
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 500 (435 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 2012 |
| End of production: | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 435 Hp @ 5250 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 93.3 Hp/l [21mm more] |
| Torque: | 700 Nm @ 1800-3500 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: | 12.9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92.9 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6300 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.5-14.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.3-9.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.3-11.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 6 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.4 kg/Hp, 183.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.4 kg/Nm, 295.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2370 |
| Max. weight: | 3250 |
| Max load: | 880 |
| 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 more] |
| Width: | 1934 mm mm [14mm more] |
| Height: | 1850 mm mm [10mm more] |
| 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 | 275/55 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 19 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
Your first impression of the Mercedes-Benz GL in one word? Go!