2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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As the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class full-size crossover draws to a close, the only change for 2012 is the standard inclusion of LED running lights. The next generation is set to debut for 2013, with most of the company's $2 billion investment in its Alabama plant earmarked for revisions to the GL- and C-Class models.
Unfortunately, that overhaul isn't likely to include the trail-rated GL Grand Edition that debuted in Europe for 2012. The demand for such a well-appointed off-road warrior in the U.S. could spark a kind of spinoff version for this side of the pond, but so far there isn't even a rumor to support that notion. Instead, the rumor mill is pointing more toward a mild cosmetic redesign with the return of the 3-liter turbodiesel V6, while the top-shelf GL550 is likely to get the new 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 for 2013. Whether the current 4.7-liter V8 will carry over for the base remains unknown at this point.
The famed AMG sport treatment and a hybrid are also likely in the works for the 2013 revision, but if past iterations of other Benzes are to be any indication, it's safest to expect those sometime after the initial reveal. Since the engines are already set up for multiple modes, chances are good that you could see these special editions crop up as a late 2013 addition or they may simultaneously join the 2014 starting lineup.
For now, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class stands pat as a cozy 7-passenger all-wheel drive (AWD) luxury crossover available as a base diesel GL350 BlueTEC, base gasoline GL450 4MATIC, or top of the line gasoline GL550 4MATIC. Like AWD, a 7-speed automatic transmission is obligatory for all GL models, but this setup brings the GL550 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. The BlueTEC takes about another 2.5 seconds to reach the same benchmark, but where the GL550 leaves off with 12 mpg city/17 highway, the GL350 picks up with 17/21. The GL450 gets expectedly just 1 mpg better than the GL550, but it needs only another 0.2 seconds to hit 60 mph.
While these engines are definitely speedy, they're not especially brawny on a haul—just 7,500 pounds can be towed with the optional tow hitch, despite what the performance figures might suggest on paper. So too goes the cargo capacity—while 83 cubic feet might sound big, that's with every passenger row folded down and ends up being some 10 to 30 cubes shy of the competition. That said, legroom and headroom are not at all a questionable factor, even for adults in the power-folding third row, but if the second row could slide, the space would offer considerably more utility.
Drivers of the effectively identical 2011 and current 2012 models can't get over the ride quality, fit, finish and spirited handling of the GL-Class. While pro reviewers recommend the Cadillac Escalade for its larger cargo hold, drivers prefer the GL for its larger third row and greater maneuverability. The Infiniti QX and Lexus LX were similarly inferior: Although the second row was made to move and feature content was more rounded, the GL-Class won out for its superior ride quality and interior appointments, although its fuel economy as well as the COMMAND and navigation systems remain areas drivers would like to see improved.
User reviews for 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Write a review2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.45
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: illuminated
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in. · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front, rear and third row · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: power · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid
Third Row Seat
Type: split-bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: grocery bag holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.70
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: illuminated
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in. · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: power · Upholstery: leatherette · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid
Third Row Seat
Type: split-bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: grocery bag holder · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.70
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: illuminated
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in. · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: self-leveling
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Roof
3rd Row Sunroof: fixed glass · Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front, rear and third row · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid
Third Row Seat
Type: split-bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
