2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$62,400 to $116,925

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.6

avg user rating

(28 reviews)
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Preview summaryImage

After 6 years, Mercedes-Benz's largest SUV finally gets a thorough makeover under the hood and inside the cabin. Aside from new daytime LEDs, a more prominent 2-bar grille and some stylistic tricks from the AMG playbook, the newly revealed members of the GL-Class look more like a gently stretched ML wagon; the real revelation promises to be in power and comfort.

Three new engines are introduced, one for each trim. There’s the GL350 BlueTec with a re-engineered 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 making 240 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque; the GL450 contains a 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged direct-injection V8 with 362 ponies and 406 lb-ft; the top-of-the-line GL550 also has the same 4.7, but tweaked to pump out 429 hp and 516 lb-ft. A 7-speed automatic transmission and AWD come standard. The BlueTec has proven to be a popular line, with 40 percent of GL buyers opting for it in 2011.

Both the 350 and the 450 are outfitted with 19-inch wheels, with 20-inch 10-spoke alloys optional; the 550 supersizes the tires to 21 inches and halves the spokes to 5. Airmatic, Mercedes’ automatically adjusting air suspension system, cushions the ride, and an optional On-and-Off-Road package adds the ability to raise ground clearance to 12 inches and offer 23.6 inches of wading capacity. Adding to the panorama is a standard sunroof on all levels of trim.

Inside, the wood paneling, center stack and dash are identical to that of the M-Class; while not a revelation, it’s certainly more luxurious than before. And it’s bigger than the previous model, with more passenger room (41.2 inches of headroom, 40.3 of legroom) and a third row easily flipped for cargo mode. All in all, the new GL-Class sports 93.8 cubic feet of cargo space, up 10.5 from last year. A powered rear liftgate is also standard, and all levels can tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly outfitted.

Like all Mercedes, the GL-Class is packed with the latest safety technology. Radar-based collision prevention, vehicle stabilization and automated parking are amongst the many high-tech goodies customers know and love. A new “Easy Entry” mode automatically collapses the second row, allowing better access to the rear seats. The GL is supposed to hold up to 7 passengers, but that third-row seating can be a little cozy.

Mercedes is attempting to position this new GL as a larger, more powerful M-Class and a formidable challenger to the Range Rover by swathing it in luxurious goodies and boosting its power. We shall see if the baby takes the candy.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

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User rating:
by Ikramullah K
Apr 02, 2024
It has very powerful engine and very economical. Its very comfortable Apr 02, 2024
by Cleve M
Feb 28, 2024
Loved it and for the year that is its beautiful Feb 28, 2024
by Andrea C
Feb 26, 2024
leaky sunroof paint stained seats. runs roughFeb 26, 2024

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Pricing

Original MSRP
$62,400 to $116,925
Price range
$11,042 to $12,103
Average price on CG
$11,084
YoY price change
$12,103 to $11,084

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

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 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 trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor 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: front, rear and third row · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · 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: body-color · 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

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: remote operation · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front, rear and third row · Seatbelt pretensioners: front, rear and third row · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · 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: leatherette

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

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location

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 · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 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 trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor 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: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · 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: body-color · 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: power operated · 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

Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · 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: power · Upholstery: leatherette

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

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: horn/light operation

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

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · 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 trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: grocery bag holder · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.70

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · 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: power operated · 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

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · 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: power · 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): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location

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

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · 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 trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front, rear and third row · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.70

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · 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

Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · 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

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: horn/light operation

Third Row Seat

Type: split-bench

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (4)