Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 0-60 times
Out of all performance specs, nothing but Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 0-60 times can better speak about the vehicle's temper. While horsepower and torque blow smoke in the eyes, GL-Class zero to sixty specs and average time to run a quarter mile are pretty straightforward metrics allowing to compare against its competitors.
Very often there is no chance of doing GL-Class 0-to-60 test personally and making conclusions from the experience of the other drivers is the last thing you want.
Conducting a trustworthy test drive requires following a strict methodology that is intended to eliminate the inconsistent circumstances like weather, tires, surface, engine temperature. It is always better to leave it for professionals.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 0-60 times, all trims
| Trim, HP, Engine, Transmission | 0-60 times | 1/4 mile times |
|
Base GL450 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,362 hp turbo, |
5.9 sec |
14.5 @ 97 mph |
|
Base GL350 BlueTEC 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,240 hp turbo, |
7.5 sec |
15.8 @ 86 mph |
2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 0-60 times, all trims
| Trim, HP, Engine, Transmission | 0-60 times | 1/4 mile times |
|
Base GL550 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,429 hp turbo, |
5.5 sec |
14.1 @ 89 mph |
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 0-60 times, all trims
| Trim, HP, Engine, Transmission | 0-60 times | 1/4 mile times |
|
Base GL63 AMG 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,550 hp turbo, |
4.8 sec |
12.9 @ 98 mph |
|
Base GL450 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,362 hp turbo, |
6.6 sec |
15 @ 83 mph |
|
Base GL550 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,429 hp turbo, |
6.7 sec |
15 @ 89 mph |
|
Base GL350 BlueTEC 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,240 hp turbo, |
8.3 sec |
17.8 @ 74 mph |
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 0-60 times, all trims
| Trim, HP, Engine, Transmission | 0-60 times | 1/4 mile times |
|
Base GL63 AMG 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,550 hp turbo, |
4.8 sec |
12.9 @ 98 mph |
|
Base GL550 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,429 hp turbo, |
5.5 sec |
14 @ 89 mph |
|
Base GL450 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,362 hp turbo, |
6.6 sec |
14.9 @ 83 mph |
|
Base GL350 BlueTEC 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,240 hp turbo, |
8.3 sec |
16.6 @ 74 mph |
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 0-60 times, all trims
| Trim, HP, Engine, Transmission | 0-60 times | 1/4 mile times |
|
Base GL550 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,382 hp |
6.9 sec |
15.1 @ 88 mph |
|
Base GL450 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,335 hp |
7.3 sec |
15.4 @ 86 mph |
|
Base GL350 BlueTEC 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MATIC,210 hp turbo, |
12.1 sec |
18.4 @ 71 mph |
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 0-60 mph acceleration across years
| Year of a Model | 0-60 times | 1/4 mile times |
| 2016 | 5.9 - 7.5 sec |
14.5 @ 97 - 15.8 @ 86 mph |
| 2015 | 5.5 sec |
14.1 @ 89 mph |
| 2014 | 4.8 - 8.3 sec |
12.9 @ 98 - 17.8 @ 74 mph |
| 2013 | 4.8 - 8.3 sec |
12.9 @ 98 - 16.6 @ 74 mph |
| 2012 | 6.9 - 12.1 sec |
15.1 @ 88 - 18.4 @ 71 mph |
| 2011 | 6.9 - 12.1 sec |
15.1 @ 88 - 18.3 @ 71 mph |
| 2010 | 6.9 - 12.2 sec |
15.1 @ 88 - 18.5 @ 71 mph |
| 2009 | 6.9 - 12 sec |
15.1 @ 88 - 18.4 @ 72 mph |
| 2008 | 6.9 - 11.9 sec |
15.1 @ 89 - 18.2 @ 72 mph |
| 2007 | 7.2 - 11.7 sec |
15.3 @ 86 - 18.2 @ 72 mph |
The market today is flooded with 7-seat SUVs, but not all are created equal. Most of the three-row crossovers are aimed at the family that puts value over anything else, but there are models like the GL-Class that put luxury and premium features over lower prices.
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a big three-row SUV with a lot of luxury features, refined and comfortable ride on the road, and premium interior. These characteristics make it one of the best-selling luxury SUVs in the US.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Performance
The GL-Class is offered with four different engines, ranging from 240 to 550 horsepower. The least powerful one is a turbodiesel V6 called GL350 BlueTec. Sure, it makes only 240 horsepower, but the big news here is the monstrous 455 pound-feet of torque, that helps the GL-Class sprint to 60 mph in respectable 8.3 seconds. The diesel is also very efficient – it achieves 26 mpg on the highway.
If you want more power, the gasoline GL450 V6 twin-turbo pumps out 363 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque from a 3.0-liter capacity. We think that this engine is a great fit to the GL-Class as it propels the car easily forward, even with a cabin full of people. Compared to the diesel it’s notably faster, but it has much worse fuel economy at 21 mpg highway.
Buyers in this segment often want more grunt and we wouldn’t argue against the great V8 options. The GL550 4.7-liter is good for 429 horsepower and has a much easier time than the V6, especially with a lot of passengers inside. The 0-60 mph sprint here takes only 5.5 seconds, which is an amazing result for a car that big.
The most powerful GL63 AMG variant has a 5.5-liter V8 with 550 horsepower. This engine really makes things different for the driver and is always ready to sprint forward in a sports car fashion. The acceleration from 0-60 mph takes under 5 seconds, an amazing result for a big SUV.
Exterior & Interior
If you want an aggressive-looking SUV, the GL-Class might not be the best choice for you. Mercedes’s biggest SUV has a more traditional approach to the styling, with upright sides and rear end, and elegant rather than aggressive front end. That said, we think that the GL-Class still looks polished even years after it was first announced. This is especially true for the AMG model, that looks more robust thanks to the more aggressive body styling. Still, cars like the Range Rover have more presence on the road.
On the inside, the GL-Class has the traditional Mercedes-Benz layout, with high-quality materials and well-chosen color. Tech-wise, the interior looks a bit dated compared to other offerings in the class – there’s a smallish 7-inch display on the center console that is operated via the COMAND interface. It’s not the easiest to use, especially when you compare it to infotainment systems in Audi and BMW.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class may not be the best looking or most high-tech SUV out there, but it offers a subdued luxury that many buyers in this class want. Those include a comfortable ride, spacious and luxurious cabin, and strong and refined engines.
Written by Ivo Gievski