Looking and feeling good after a significant redesign last year, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class luxury midsize SUV stands ready to tote up to 7 people and all their accoutrements wherever a sizable bankroll is appreciated. Respectably reserved in appearance, decidedly powerful in performance and predictably posh in appointments, this high-end hauler boasts surprisingly adept handling capabilities complementing the smooth Euro-ride that has distinguished this elegant ute since its 2007 debut. Meanwhile, no significant changes are expected for the 2014 edition of M-B's princely pack mule.
The entry-level, turbodiesel GL350 BlueTEC begins the trim lineup with a fuel-efficient bang, while the lower midlevel GL450, the upper-midlevel GL550 and the track-bred GL63 AMG each boast gasoline-burning twin-turbocharged power. All GL-Class iterations, meanwhile, sport Mercedes’ standard 4MATIC full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) system that tames both fast corners and funky weather, while of course remaining ready to instantly transfer torque from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip when things get especially nasty. And it does all this while retaining its 93.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second- and third-row seatbacks folded.
Power-wise, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine again gives the GL350 BlueTEC its go. Mated with the standard 7-speed shiftable automatic transmission, this blown six-banger puts out 240 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. As an extra bonus, look for an estimated 19 mpg city/26 highway from this fuel-efficient diesel.
The GL450 and GL550 each sport a 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged and variable-valve-timed (VVT) V8 powerplant that again combines with the 7-speed shiftable automatic for 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Mileage figures, however, drop precipitously to 14/19.
Finally, the track-tested GL63 AMG, a product of M-B’s AMG racing division, sports a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, again with VVT, and again mated with the standard 7-speed shiftable automatic. Look for 550 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque from this amped-up V8, but mileage drops even further to 13/17. M-B, by the way, touts its high-end heavy haulers to tow up to 7,000 pounds of trailer when properly equipped.
Standard appearance posh that’s pushed around by these various powertrains, meanwhile, includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, reverse-tilting heated power-adjustable mirrors, a power rear liftgate and a power sunroof in the GL350 BlueTEC and the GL450. Both trims additionally flaunt leatherette upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, reclining second-row seats, power-folding third-row seats, leather and wood cabin accents, and full power accessories. As well, each trim features cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, a universal remote garage door opener and a rear-view camera, as well as dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth-interfaced Mbrace2 infotainment with a 7-inch color touchscreen display. Standard entertainment equipment for these lower trims, meantime, includes a 6-CD changer with video monitor and DVD player, a memory-card slot and a USB port.
Moving up to the GL550, look for standard suspension damping, 21-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, massaging front seats with added power-adjustable settings, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a simulated aerial view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and memory for driver's settings. Additionally, this up-featured trim sports a Harman Kardon 830-watt entertainment system that boasts 14 speakers, Surround Sound and satellite radio, while a standard hard-drive-based navigation suite is incorporated into the Mbrace2 infotainment monitor.
Stepping into the top-shelf GL63 AMG, one can expect to find such additional bling as upgraded 21-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned air suspension system, beefed-up brakes and M-B’s Active Curve System with auto-variable stabilizer bars. Of course, unique badges and decals also come standard in this flagship trim, as does a microfiber-trimmed sport steering wheel.
Options in lower GL-Class trims include many of the jewels found standard in higher trims, while the GL450 and GL550 can be delivered with an available On-/Off-Road Package with auto hi-lo gear selection, a locking rear differential, 6-mode terrain selector, adaptive suspension damping and front underbody protection. All 2014 GL-Class trims, meanwhile, are eligible for such standalone options as a multi-view parking camera system, a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable “easy-entry” second-row seats and rear-seat DVD entertainment.
Furthermore, each trim can be delivered with available special-order items like an upgraded Bang & Olufsen premium audio package and “designo” unique interior and exterior colors.
Finally, notable standard safety equipment aboard each 2014 GL-Class trim includes 4-wheel antilock braking (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, 3-row head airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Additionally, daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm are standard across the lineup. Optional safety stuff, furthermore, includes a Driver Assistance Package with blind spot and lane departure warnings, as well as adaptive cruise control, while a night-vision pedestrian warning system and M-B’s touted PARKTRONIC parking assist technology are special-order safety extras available across the trim spectrum.
I found water leaked inside of my 2014 Mercedes GL , most of the water was in the trunk and the second row Does any one have any idea where could have the water leaked from ? it was raining hard and I found the water was also dripping down from the car on the floor
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front 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
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD 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
Armrests: front center · 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
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · 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: cruise controls · 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: 3.45
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Running boards: illuminated · Window trim: chrome
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: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation · Roof rack color: chrome · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · 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: lock 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
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 · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD 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
Armrests: front center · 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: alloy
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · 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: 3.70
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Running boards: illuminated · Window trim: chrome
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: lamp failure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation · Roof rack color: chrome · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock
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 · Third 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: horn/light operation
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
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
Armrests: front center · 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: wood
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Assist handle: rear · 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: audio system · 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: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · 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: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: illuminated · Window trim: chrome
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: lamp failure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: chrome · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front, rear and third row · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · 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
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: 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
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 · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM 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
Armrests: front center · 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 · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · 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: 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: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: illuminated · Window trim: chrome
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: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation · Roof rack color: chrome · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front, rear and third row · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third 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: premium 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: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent