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2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

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Overview

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2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.6

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a full-size SUV that provides seating for seven. It offers elegant style, solid performance, technology and safety. The 2012 GL-Class is fairly comparable in size with other vehicles in its class. Under the 2012 GL's hood, engines range from the 210-horsepower, 3.0-liter diesel in the GL350 BlueTEC SUV to the 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 of the Mercedes-Benz GL550. A host of standard features and accessory packages give the 2012 GL-Class broad appeal and makes tough competition for full-size SUV's such as the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX 570, Land Rover Range Rover and Infiniti QX56.

You'll Like This Car If...

Buyers seeking refinement, luxury and style will find plenty to admire in the 2012 GL-Class, especially with its excellent passenger and cargo space. Those looking for fuel economy in the full-size SUV class would do well to give the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC a serious look, rather than immediately seek out a hybrid alternative.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Unless three rows of seats are a requirement, the GL-Class has a hard time making an argument against the popular midsize ML-Class SUV. The GL's exterior styling can also come off a bit subdued, if not downright awkward, from certain angles.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.6
Driving Dynamics

7.6
Comfort & Convenience

8.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.2
Value

6.8
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#11

out of 28

MPG

#18

out of 28

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.1 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

For 2012, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class carries over largely unchanged. The interior has received minor tweaks and adjustments, including directional lines for the rearview camera. All GL-Class models now feature LED daytime running lights as standard equipment.

Driving the GL-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions When tested through variable real-world environments, including some seriously sharp curves and an aggressive off-road path, the 2012 GL450 handled itself quite well. This is partially due to the Adaptive...

Damping System, which helps to keep the wheels planted where they should be. Despite its hefty 5,300-pound curb weight, the GL450's nimble handling belies its size. Behind the wheel we felt as if we were driving a smaller, lighter SUV. The 7-speed automatic's gear ratios are spaced close enough to each other to make the most of the GL450's 4.6-liter V8. While the large SUV may not have the off-road pedigree of some of its competition, we liked the overall balance of practicality and capability it offered. Owners who aren't afraid to test the off-road abilities of 2012 GL450 without treating it as a pure rock-climber will find nothing lacking.

Favorite Features

Adaptive Damping System
The Adaptive Damping System in the 2012 GL-Class constantly monitors and reacts to road surface changes and can alter shock absorber settings an astounding 20 times per second. Adaptive Damping makes the ride smoother or firmer as needed, giving the driver comfort on a smooth highway or the confidence of control as conditions worsen.

BlueTEC V6 Diesel Engine
The BlueTEC clean diesel engine clears every emissions requirement in the U.S. while allowing the driver to cruise nearly 600 miles on a single full tank of ultra-low-sulfur diesel. With fuel prices in flux, the BlueTEC is a very attractive prospect, especially in a family-friendly SUV.

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Details

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Behind the multifunction steering wheel, which can be had with premium leather or burled walnut accents, drivers have practically unlimited ways to stay comfortable, thanks to the GL's 8-way power front seats with 4-way adjustable lumbar support. The third-row seats are easy to access and can fold down at the touch of a button. Stowing the second row creates just over 83 cubic feet of cargo room. While it's not revolutionary to be able to fit seven adults in a vehicle, the manner in which Mercedes made every seating position equally comfortable and enjoyable is certainly impressive. There is no "bad" seat in the 2012 GL-Class.

Exterior

The exterior of the GL-Class enters 2012 unchanged from the previous year, aside from the addition of standard LED daytime running lights. Mercedes has done a good job holding its own in the modern full-size SUV category, smartly balancing the practical needs of the segment buyer with the quality expectations common for the luxury marque. At once elegant, assertive, powerful and subtle, the GL-Class is pleasant to observe and stands out without crossing a line into being gauche. While the lower front fascia and flared wheel wells plant the GL-Class firmly in SUV design territory, the grille and sloping windshield would be at home in practically any modern Mercedes Benz vehicle. Good sight lines along with the optional Blind Spot Assist built into the exterior mirrors, bi-xenon headlamps and optional parking assist make the design of the 2012 GL-Class functional as well as stylish.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

GL-Class models come with an impressive list of standard features, giving them a tremendous amount of value and setting them apart from other SUVs. With a strong emphasis on the safety of its occupants, the GL-Class boasts full-time 4-wheel drive, brake assist, hill-start assist, for high-angle takeoffs. As with all 2012 models, Electronic Stability Control and a host of airbags are required by the government. Side-curtain airbags stretch along all three seating rows. The in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD fills the cabin with sound and allows drivers to watch DVD movies when the vehicle is in Park. Front and rear sunroofs are a nice touch, bringing an untypical ambiance to rear-seat passengers. Opting for the top Mercedes-Benz GL550 model rewards owners with the company's COMAND voice-control system as standard equipment, along with navigation and Bluetooth functionality.

Optional Equipment

Even with GL-Class' long list of standard equipment, there is a litany of options to fit every driver's needs or wants. Rear-seat occupants can enjoy quality entertainment, thanks to a pair of 8-inch LCD screens mounted on the back of the front-seat head restraints, enabling passengers to watch DVDs, play video games or even do both simultaneously. Many options, including hard-drive navigation, satellite radio, iPod/mp3 interface, power rear liftgate and rearview camera, can be had via packages or separately. Also notable is the availability of Parktronic parking assist, Blind Spot Assist, a Class-IV trailer hitch and full leather seats.

Under the Hood

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Engine photo

The 2012 GL-Class has three engine choices. The GL350's BlueTEC 3.0-liter diesel V6 stands out above its gasoline-fueled siblings, thanks to its gobs of low-end torque, which provides quick acceleration while returning 21 miles per gallon highway. The wonderful 4.6-liter V8 in the 2012 GL450 is all about performance, delivering 335 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier GL550 packs a powerhouse 5.5-liter V8, churning out 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All 2012 GL-Class models send their power to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel
210 horsepower @ 3,400 rpm
400 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-2,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/21

4.6-liter V8
335 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
339 lb-ft of torque @ 2,700-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18

5.5-liter V8
382 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
391 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/17

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC SUV's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price MSRP) starts at $61,570, while the 2012 GL450 starts exactly one thousand dollars more. Topping the GL range is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL550, with a cost of entry of $85,300. On the GL350 and GL450, adding only the Premium Package I increased the price about $4,000. Other options, such as the Rear-Seat Entertainment System and full leather package, can kick the price up to the GL550 level quickly, so consider your specific needs carefully if shopping around for a GL-Class. Be sure to check out kbb.com's Fair Purchase Price, to see what others in your area paying for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV is an excellent choice in terms of resale value, with residuals a few percentage points above those of the Land Rover Range Rover.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.1

Out of 10

Based on 145 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

8.0/10

Quality

8.5/10
Reliability

8.5/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.0/10

Great effortless driving experience.

By Al (TX) on Monday, June 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great Luxury SUV"

Cons: "Not a reliable model"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"Feels like you are driving a much smaller SUV. It has plenty of power with a overall mpg of 14.5. The current mileage to date: 28000. This has not been a very reliable SUV compared to the other MB models I own. The ABS/EPS system has already been repaired 5 times but the dealership at Sugar Land provides exceptional customer service."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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2011 GL350 bluetec

By Atlcarguy (GA) on Sunday, February 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 37,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, quiet, space, fuel mileage"

Cons: "Nav system, run flat tires"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This is our second GL. We have owned it since September 2010. Our previous GL was a 2008 GL 320CDI. This is by far one of the best cars that you can own. We have loved both of our GLs and would only get the diesel. Lower initial our purchase , better resale, and awesome fuel mileage. My two biggest complaints with the 2011 are the nav system (Mercedes issue same on my 2011 E cabriolet too) and the run flat tires. They are required because bluetec prevents spare. We were told that we were very lucky to get 28,000 miles out of ours. It was $2,400 for four titles installed. MB should be embarrassed for using a second rate product on one of their premier vehicles. Other than that love the vehicle. Looking to get a 2014 in the fall. Love the new style"

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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My 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550

By Jon on Tuesday, February 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 37,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great price, fun to drive"

Cons: "Trunk isn't that wide"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought my GL550 new in '08 in black with tan premium leather and traded in my CLK55. I got Heated rear seats, keyless go, dual entertainment screens. This car has ton of room despite the fact that the trunk is should be slightly wider. The seats heat up in 45 seconds! This car even has massaging seats! This car was loaded even without options I added! The engine is a horse! The 5,500 lb SUV goes from 0-60 in 6.5-7 seconds! The engine is super loud and in the GL550 you can barely hear it! I highly recommend this car."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Very expensive to maintain

By RBH (NJ) on Monday, November 19, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 46,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Very well made"

Cons: "Run flat tires stink, Blue tec is expensive,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"I have owned this car for three years and love driving it and have had no problems. The only problem with this SUV is the tires and the cost of maintenance. It has run flat tires and they are terrible. If you have a flat it is very difficult finding a tire in less than a week. You cannot carry a spare because of the blue tec system. The dealer will sell you the blue tec fluid for 5 times what is cost at the VW dealer.Having a diesel does not save any money because of the tire maintenance and the blue tec. I will not buy another GL 350 CDI again."

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Nice to drive but costly to maintain

By trees (KY) on Wednesday, October 31, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 117,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I bought my GL320CDI new in November of 2007. It is quiet, comfortable, and nice to drive. However, it is very costly to maintain. M-B ownership comes at price, in general. Oil changes are $300 by the time that you get out of the shop. And that is a cheap visit. I have had glow plugs fail, a glow plug controller fail, and transmission slip. The transmission was out of warranty and almost cost me $6,000, but I got it in to the shop in time, so I spent $800 instead. And it has never towed a thing!! Had issues with the engine running rough which was due to a clogged filter in the exhaust system. I was originally quoted $2500 to repair/replace filter, until dealership found out it could be cleaned. Was happy to spend $300 or so for that. Tires are a pain too because they are high performance tires that last 24,000 miles, if you are lucky. There have been lots of little things fail too: door handles, rear door lock, etc. Most of the little stuff happened under warranty. Bigger stuff happened out of warranty. I even had a power steering line blow. Come to find out that the clamp that was used on one of the high pressure hoses was a recalled part from the M-Series from 2002 or so. No one had an explanation for how that part even got onto the GL. Overall, car is nice to drive, but a maintenance pig."

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Great SUV, purchased in 2007, it is a 2008.

By Lin (TX) on Thursday, August 23, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 68,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great Mileage, holds road even in snow, towing."

Cons: "Dealers that want to upsell you everything."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Purchased in 2007, a 2008 model, great gas mileage, have gone across country multi times. Most recent from TX to CA. Handles well, turning is excellent, holds road at high speeds. Does well off road in sand, and on highway. Only problem have been Dealers that don't know what they are doing. One in CA, did not tighten oil cap,and oil blew all over engine. Cost then $400.00 to clean engine. I have towing package and all bells, whistles, keyless entry..great..never lose a key. One does need to find a good dealer, if serviced properly no problems. Would purchase this vehicle again. Diesel cost more, but mileage is much better. If you consider the mileage vs. other gas SUV, it is almost double. Best mileage on a trip was 30.4 MPH. Usual 28.7MPH. Skid plates are great for off road. Power, comfort, good MPH, safety. Just get a good Dealer and you will love this SUV."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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