Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
Segment: Large SUV
Production years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
Mercedes-Benz introduced the luxurious seven-seater GL at the 2006 North American International Motor Show and took the crown as the brand's flagship SUV.
The German carmaker looked with praying eyes at the American seven-seat off-roaders for years before deciding to take the decision to compete with them on their home ground. Moreover, it produced it in Alabama to deliver it faster and avoid expensive import taxes. Although the car was not cheap and was considered the SUV version of the S-Class flagship model produced by the three-pointed-star brand.
Unlike the Cadillac Escalade, which was a body-on-frame build, the GL featured a unibody construction, thus making the vehicle lighter. Its front fascia resembled its smaller sibling, the ML-Class, already made in Tuscaloosa. With its two-slats grille and the tall lower bumper, the carmaker tried to hide the vehicle's height. On its sides, the vehicle sported longer windows for the doors and, in addition, a third long glass panel between the rear doors and the D-pillars.
The interior was a mix between the ML-Class and the S-Class in terms of luxury and equipment. Its leather-wrapped cabin was adorned with wood grains on the center stack, door cards, and center console. There was room for three passengers in the middle row and two more on the third one. These two formed a completely flat loading area and an impressive 83.3 cu-ft (2,359 liters) of space when folded down.
Under the hood, the carmaker installed a choice of two V8 gasoline engines paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. For specific markets, though, the carmaker added a few turbo-diesel options, which were much more fuel-efficient. Power went in all corners as standard on the entire range, and the all-wheel independent air suspension ensured one of the most comfortable rides in the segment.
ENGINE SPECS - 450 V8 4MATIC 7AT AWD (340 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4663 cm3 |
Power: | 250 KW @ 6000 RPM 340 HP @ 6000 RPM 335 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 339 lb-ft @ 2700-5000 RPM 460 Nm @ 2700-5000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 146 mph (235 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 7-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 275/55 R19 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 200.3 in (5088 mm) |
Width: | 75.6 in (1920 mm) |
Height: | 72.4 in (1839 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.7/64.8 in (1,643/1,646 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 12 in (305 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 21.9 cuFT (620 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.36 |
Turning circle: | 39.7 ft (12.1 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 5191.8 lbs (2355 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6944 lbs (3150 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 12.8 mpg US (18.4 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 22.4 mpg US (10.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 17.7 mpg US (13.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 312 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 500 V8 4MATIC 7AT AWD (388 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 5461 cm3 |
Power: | 285 KW @ 6000 RPM 387 HP @ 6000 RPM 382 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 RPM 530 Nm @ 2800-4800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 149 mph (240 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 7-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 275/55 R19 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 200.3 in (5088 mm) |
Width: | 75.6 in (1920 mm) |
Height: | 72.4 in (1839 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.7/64.8 in (1,643/1,646 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 12 in (305 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 21.9 cuFT (620 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.36 |
Turning circle: | 39.7 ft (12.1 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 5225 lbs (2370 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6944 lbs (3150 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 12.5 mpg US (18.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 22.2 mpg US (10.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 16.9 mpg US (13.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 317 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 320 V6 CDI 4MATIC 7AT AWD (224 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 2987 cm3 |
Power: | 165 KW @ 3800 RPM 224 HP @ 3800 RPM 221 BHP @ 3800 RPM |
Torque: | 376 lb-ft @ 1600-2800 RPM 510 Nm @ 1600-2800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Common Rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 7-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 265/60 R18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 200.3 in (5088 mm) |
Width: | 75.6 in (1920 mm) |
Height: | 72.4 in (1839 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 65/65.1 in (1,651/1,654 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 12 in (305 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 21.9 cuFT (620 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.36 |
Turning circle: | 39.7 ft (12.1 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 5235.9 lbs (2375 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6944 lbs (3150 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18.8 mpg US (12.5 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 29.4 mpg US (8 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 261 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 350 V6 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC 7AT AWD (265 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 2987 cm3 |
Power: | 195 KW @ 3800 RPM 265 HP @ 3800 RPM 261 BHP @ 3800 RPM |
Torque: | 457 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM 620 Nm @ 1600 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Common Rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 7-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 265/60 R18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 200.3 in (5088 mm) |
Width: | 75.6 in (1920 mm) |
Height: | 72.4 in (1839 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 65/65.1 in (1,651/1,654 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 12 in (305 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 21.9 cuFT (620 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.36 |
Turning circle: | 39.7 ft (12.1 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 5181 lbs (2350 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6945 lbs (3150 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 25.3 mpg US (9.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 235 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 350 V6 CDI BlueTec 4MATIC 7AT AWD (211 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 2987 cm3 |
Power: | 155 KW @ 3400 RPM 211 HP @ 3400 RPM 208 BHP @ 3400 RPM |
Torque: | 398 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM 540 Nm @ 1600 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Common Rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 7-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 265/60 R18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 200.3 in (5088 mm) |
Width: | 75.6 in (1920 mm) |
Height: | 72.4 in (1839 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 65/65.1 in (1,651/1,654 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 12 in (305 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 21.9 cuFT (620 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.36 |
Turning circle: | 39.7 ft (12.1 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 5269 lbs (2390 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 6945 lbs (3150 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 19.4 mpg US (12.1 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.7 mpg US (7.2 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 239 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 420 V8 CDI 4MATIC 7AT AWD (306 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 3996 cm3 |
Power: | 225 KW @ 3600 RPM 306 HP @ 3600 RPM 302 BHP @ 3600 RPM |
Torque: | 516 lb-ft @ 2200-2600 RPM 700 Nm @ 2200-2600 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Common Rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 143 mph (230 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 7-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 275/55 R19 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 200.3 in (5088 mm) |
Width: | 75.6 in (1920 mm) |
Height: | 72.4 in (1839 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.7/64.8 in (1,643/1,646 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 12 in (305 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 21.9 cuFT (620 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.36 |
Turning circle: | 39.7 ft (12.1 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 5456.4 lbs (2475 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 7165 lbs (3250 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 15.1 mpg US (15.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 25.6 mpg US (9.2 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 20.8 mpg US (11.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 307 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 450 V8 CDI 4MATIC 7AT AWD (306 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 3996 cm3 |
Power: | 225 KW @ 3600 RPM 306 HP @ 3600 RPM 302 BHP @ 3600 RPM |
Torque: | 516 lb-ft @ 2200-2600 RPM 700 Nm @ 2200-2600 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Common Rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 26.4 gallons (99.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 143 mph (230 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 7-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 275/55 R19 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 200.3 in (5088 mm) |
Width: | 75.6 in (1920 mm) |
Height: | 72.4 in (1839 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.7/64.8 in (1,643/1,646 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 12 in (305 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 21.9 cuFT (620 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.36 |
Turning circle: | 39.7 ft (12.1 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 5456.4 lbs (2475 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 7165 lbs (3250 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 15.1 mpg US (15.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 25.6 mpg US (9.2 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 20.8 mpg US (11.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 307 g/km |