BlueTEC clean diesel technology is the state of the art, with certified ultralow emissions nationwide. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 in the 2013 GL350 BlueTEC delivers 240 hp, a massive 455 lb-ft of torque, and acceleration as quick as its gasoline counterpart. Mercedes-Benz, pioneer of the original diesel car, has reinvented it without the noise, odor and emissions of old. By injecting a solution called AdBlue® into the exhaust, BlueTEC reduces smog-causing NOx to harmless nitrogen and water vapor. And with better highway mpg than some 4-cylinders and hybrids, if offers a cruising range of over 600 miles. Disclaimer
The industry's first 7-speed automatic has been made even smoother, more responsive and more efficient. A wide range of closely spaced gear ratios delivers the ideal response in virtually every driving situation, for relaxed cruising, quick acceleration, and thanks to two overdrive ratios, better highway fuel efficiency. Adaptive logic monitors your driving style and adjusts its shift points to match, while standard paddle shifters offer manual-style enjoyment anytime you want it.
A pair of paddles strategically positioned behind the upper steering-wheel spokes allows you to manually upshift and downshift the 7-speed automatic transmission with just a flick of your fingers.
In any season or road condition, 4MATIC™ all-wheel drive adds to your confidence and control. Always engaged and optimizing torque to every wheel, 4MATIC integrates with our standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) for maximum effectiveness in corners and slippery conditions. It also incorporates our 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS), which monitors for the first sign of wheel slip and responds to ensure that torque is always sent to the wheels with the best grip -- even if that's only one wheel. Disclaimer
For optimum traction, even in slippery conditions, 4MATIC all-wheel drive incorporates our advanced 4-wheel Electronic Traction System. 4-ETS can help get you going even if three wheels lose their grip. Sensors at each wheel monitor traction based on wheel speeds. If one or more wheels start to slip, 4-ETS individually brakes the slipping wheels to maintain the flow of torque to the wheels with grip. Even if only one wheel has grip, 4-ETS can help get you going and stay in control. Disclaimer
For a balanced, comfortable ride, the AIRMATIC semi-active suspension employs electronically controlled air springs that adjust to changing driving conditions. At the push of a button, the vehicle's ride height can be raised for added ground clearance. The suspension also lowers automatically at higher speeds for improved aerodynamics, stability and fuel-efficiency. AIRMATIC also provides automatic 4-wheel level control, to help compensate for additional cargo or passengers.
Powerful 4-wheel disc brakes feature a number of advances. If you lift off the accelerator quickly, Predictive Brake Priming sets the pads closer to the discs for more immediate response when you apply the brakes. In the rain, Automatic Brake Drying periodically applies the brakes just enough to sweep water build-up from the discs. During uphill starts, Hill-Start Assist helps prevent unwanted rollback. And a HOLD feature can make long red lights or stopped traffic a little easier. Disclaimer
A trailer in tow can adversely affect the driving dynamics of a vehicle. That's why the GL-Class is equipped standard with Trailer Stability Assist. The sensors for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) monitor for trailer sway, or oscillations caused by the trailer's movement. The system then intervenes by using the front brakes of your Mercedes to help stabilize the vehicle and trailer. Once the system is satisfied that the situation is under control, braking intervention is ceased. Disclaimer
From its bold grille to its muscular rear fenders and wraparound taillamps, the new 2013 GL-Class combines rugged capability with refined elegance and unexpectedly sleek aerodynamics. Glistening chrome accents highlight the sculpted body, from the front skid plate to the trim surrounding the large side windows. It all comes together to give the GL-Class a presence that's undeniably confident and unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz.
A winglike span of hand-polished wood sweeps from its dash to all four doors. Crisp, brushed metal trim highlights the ergonomic precision and elegant logic of its controls. And refinement can be found in every detail, from the precise top-stitching of its seats and armrests, to the numerous storage areas, beverage holders and power outlets. In space and style, the GL-Class delivers a first-class experience to all three of its seating rows.
Big standard 19-inch alloy wheels feature five pairs of twin spokes and a gleaming silver finish. Massive 275/55R19 all-season tires are designed for more aggressive grip in corners, balanced with confident wet-road performance and a composed ride quality.
Bright white LED Daytime Running Lamps help increase the visibility of your vehicle to oncoming traffic by illuminating front lights whenever the car is switched on. With long life and low energy consumption, the light-emitting diode (LED) lamps also add a distinctive high-tech styling touch.
LED taillamps feature a stylish fiber-optic effect for a distinctive nighttime appearance. Long-lasting, attention-getting LEDs are also employed for the rear turn signals and red rear foglamp.
Sleek and purposeful, the roof rails accommodate a variety of available accessory attachments for carrying bikes, surfboards, skis, snowboards and cargo carriers.They're crafted from elegant aluminum that adds modern style even when you're not using them.
The standard 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in supple Premium leather. Multifunction controls put many of the features you use most right under your thumbs, along with providing easy access to the many useful screens of the color display in the gauge cluster and the Bluetooth® hands-free system.
Dark brown Eucalyptus wood trim adorns the dash and all four doors. Its linear grain and deep, hand-finished gloss bring a modern style and a warm aura to the GL350 BlueTEC cabin.
An advanced system of 9 air bags offers 13-way occupant protection. Dual two-stage front air bags, front and 2nd-row side-impact air bags, a driver's knee air bag, and side curtain air bags for all three seating rows are standard. Disclaimer
At speeds above 20 mph, this new system's radar-based technology alerts the driver if they´re approaching a vehicle ahead at a speed and distance that suggest a collision is likely. It can also detect stationary objects when driving at speeds up to 40 mph. Its Adaptive Brake Assist automatically provides the ideal level of braking as soon as the driver steps on the brake pedal. And if deemed necessary, the system can also activate PRE-SAFE®. Along with helping to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision, the system´s engagement of the brake lamps can help to alert the drivers behind your GL-Class earlier as well. Disclaimer
The first system of its kind, ATTENTION ASSIST continuously monitors different parameters of driving behavior, and can automatically alert the driver with both visual and audible warnings if it detects signs of drowsiness on long trips. Disclaimer
Another Mercedes-Benz safety breakthrough, PRE-SAFE® is a predictive occupant-protection system that helps prepare for an accident in the critical moments before it occurs. If sensors detect certain vehicle movements that indicate that an accident is possible, PRE-SAFE takes action: Reversible electronic tensioners tighten the front seat belts. The occupied front passenger seat (on models equipped with front-seat memory) adjusts to a more favorable position for air-bag and seat-belt effectiveness, while both active front head restraints adjust for optimum protection. If severe skidding indicates that a rollover is likely, PRE-SAFE closes the sunroof and the side windows in the first two rows. If no accident occurs, the seat-belt tensioners reverse, and you simply readjust your seat, open the sunroof and continue on your way. Disclaimer
Complementing the preparations made by the PRE-SAFE system before an impending collision, a GL-Class automatically takes measures to help ensure the safety, and facilitate the rescue, of the occupants immediately after one occurs. These include shutting off the engine and fuel supply, unlocking all doors,and turning on the hazard flashers and interior lights. In models equipped with driver-seat memory, the system can also move the power steering column upward.
This innovative driver-assistance feature helps you to see directly behind your vehicle when reversing. Shift into Reverse, and a wide-angle camera mounted in the rear displays a live view of what's behind the vehicle on the COMAND screen in the dashboard. Active parking guidelines on the screen help you back into a parking space. A special new mode helps you line up the optional trailer hitch of your GL-Class with your trailer, then zoom in for more precise maneuvering. Disclaimer
The exterior lights can be programmed to turn on for a preset interval when you remote-lock your vehicle in darkness, to help light a path for you as you leave.
An advanced new uni-body structure elevates the safety, comfort and performance of the GL-Class to new heights. The passenger cell is made more robust via the extensive use of high and ultra-high-strength steel, triple-layer roof pillars, and multiple reinforcements of the floor, doors, side sills and even a tubular magnesium structure spanning behind the dashboard. Advanced front and rear crumple zones progressively deform to help absorb impact forces before dissipating them over, under and around the cabin. In addition, the strategic use of aluminum (such as the hood and front fenders) and acoustically optimized materials helps to manage weight and noise, for more precise handling and a quieter ride.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can automatically detect a substantial loss of tire pressure in any wheel and alert the driver via a warning message in the multifunction display. The advanced TPMS can also display the numeric tire pressure for each mounted wheel.
Enjoy the strong, controlled stopping power of dual-circuit power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, backed by an Antilock Braking System (ABS). ABS senses impending wheel lockup under heavy braking and pumps the front brakes individually or the rear brakes together. This intelligent system can pump the brakes as needed up to 30 times per second, to prevent lockup and preserve the driver's steering ability. Disclaimer
Brake Assist senses emergency braking via the speed at which the driver presses the brake pedal and immediately applies maximum available power boost. Brake Assist can potentially reduce the overall stopping distance by eliminating the delay caused by a common human tendency not to brake hard enough, soon enough. Letting up on the brake pedal releases Brake Assist. Disclaimer
Adaptive braking technology integrates a suite of advances. If you lift off the accelerator quickly, Predictive Brake Priming sets the pads closer to the discs for more immediate response when you apply the brakes. In the rain, Automatic Brake Drying periodically applies the brakes just enough to sweep water build-up from the discs. During uphill starts, Hill-Start Assist helps prevent unwanted rollback. And a HOLD feature can make long red lights or stopped traffic a little easier Disclaimer
This safety breakthrough first introduced by Mercedes-Benz continually monitors your driving inputs and the vehicle's motion to help keep it going in your intended direction, especially in corners and during evasive maneuvers. If it detects wheelspin, severe understeer (plowing), or oversteer (fishtailing), ESP can brake individual wheels and reduce engine power to help bring the vehicle under control. A new load-sensing feature adapts the engagement thresholds of ESP to allow more sporty handling feel when the vehicle is lightly laden. Disclaimer
A clever adaptation of the information already gathered by the AIRMATIC suspension, adaptive braking technology, electromechanical power steering and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) allows the GL-Class to automatically compensate for the effects of strong side winds. When sufficiently strong lateral gusts are detected, the system gently applies the brakes on one side of the vehicle to help keep the vehicle smoothly on course, in both straight-line travel and through gentle curves. The system operates above approximately 50 mph, and is automatically deactivated by significant steering inputs by the driver. Disclaimer
A trailer in tow can adversely affect the driving dynamics of a vehicle. That's why the GL-Class is equipped standard with Trailer Stability Assist. The sensors for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) monitor for trailer sway, or oscillations caused by the trailer's movement. The system then intervenes by using the front brakes of your Mercedes to help stabilize the vehicle and trailer. Once the system is satisfied that the situation is under control, braking intervention is ceased. Disclaimer
The SmartKey remote control integrates remote door locks, a removable valet key, and a remote panic alarm. You may selectively unlock only the driver's door and fuel filler, or all four doors plus the liftgate and fuel filler.
The standard antitheft alarm system is armed automatically when you lock your Mercedes from the outside. It sounds the horn and flashes the exterior lights if a door, the trunk or the hood is opened without first unlocking the vehicle. You can also sound the alarm by pressing the red "panic" button on your SmartKey remote when you're within range of your vehicle.
Rain-sensing windshield wipers automatically adjust the intermittent wiper frequency based on the amount of rainfall.
Equipped with Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) and belt force limiters, 3-point seat belts are arguably our most important passive safety feature. If a collision exceeds a preset threshold, the ETDs instantly remove slack from the front and rear outboard seat belts. Belt force limiters allow a slight amount of give in the ETD-equipped seat belts, to reduce the peak seat-belt forces on the occupant. Disclaimer
From your car, your computer or your compatible smartphone, mbrace2™ offers the industry's most comprehensive range of features for more connected, safe and productive drive time. From making your everyday life easier to helping out in an emergency, mbrace2 combines advanced Cloud-based and GPS technology with 24-hour support from helpful experts. The mbrace hardware is standard, and a trial period for each of the three mbrace Packages is included. Disclaimer
MB-Tex upholstery offers a rich appearance and supple leather-like feel, even in cold weather. It also offers legendary durability and easy care.
For fingertip access to some of the vehicle functions you use most often, convenient buttons on the steering wheel let you control the audio volume and selection, send and end calls on your Bluetooth-enabled phone, use the available Enhanced Voice Control, and scroll through the features of the illustrated color multifunction display in the instrument cluster.
Separate left and right temperature controls allow the driver and front passenger to enjoy personalized comfort. In addition to fully automatic or manual control of blower speed and airflow distribution, the system includes both a dust/pollen filter plus an charcoal filter that helps remove odors from the cabin air.
Both front seats power-adjust for reach, height, tilt and recline. Convenient, intuitive controls on each front door make it easy to find your ideal driving position. For long-term comfort and lower-back support, the driver seat features a 4-way power-adjustable lumbar support.
Electrically heated front seats quickly take the chill out of even the coldest day. Three levels of warming automatically step down after several minutes to the lowest setting.
With more than 38 inches of legroom, the spacious 2nd-row seating offers generous space for three passengers. The seats fold flat in seconds in a 60/40-split, for flexible cargo space as well. An EASY-ENTRY feature on both sides eases 3rd-row access from either the right or left rear door.
The 50/50-split 3rd-row seats in the GL-Class can be individually folded flat in less than five seconds at the touch of a button. When used in combination with the folding 2nd-row seats, this standard appointment gives you easy access to nearly 94 cu ft of cargo space.
At the touch of a button, the tinted glass sunroof tilts up at the rear for ventilation, or slides open for a breezy view of the sky. An express feature fully opens or closes the roof with a single touch, and a manual sliding sunshade helps block out unwanted sunlight.
For added convenience in the rain or with an armful of packages, you can fully open and close the liftgate via a switch on the driver's interior door panel or a button on the SmartKey remote. Press a button on the underside of the liftgate and it powers itself closed. A sensor automatically stops the liftgate if it detects an obstruction, and you can set the system to limit the opening height, useful under low ceilings.
Deep-tinted windows for the rear doors, rear quarters and liftgate affords added privacy and warm-weather comfort to rear-cabin passengers.
Three buttons on the rear view mirror can be programmed to operate many types of garage door openers, security gates and other HomeLink-compatible features. Disclaimer
Efficient, low-intensity LEDs help illuminate the center console, front footwells and interior door handles, to help make nighttime driving more convenient and passengers feel more secure.
Conveniently located in the 2nd-row seating area, a household-style 115V outlet lets you charge your laptop or camera, plug in a gaming system, or use other electronic devices, up to a maximum of 150 watts, without a special adapter.
Whether you're stuck traversing hills or merely waiting in traffic, the Mercedes-Benz HOLD Function keeps your vehicle stationary without requiring any interaction with the brake pedal. Much like conventional cruise control, the HOLD function cleverly integrates into your natural interaction with the brake pedal, activating when you press beyond the brake pedal's range, and deactivating with a simple press of the accelerator.
Featuring a large high-resolution color-LCD display mounted high in the dash and a central controller on the console, the Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND) system gives you convenient control of audio, video, hands-free calling and optional navigation functions. Many features can also be accessed via the integrated steering-wheel controls.
The in-dash player can play audio CDs and DVDs. You can even watch a DVD movie while the vehicle is in Park.
Place and answer calls, and even access select phonebooks without taking your hands off the steering wheel with standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling. Pairing your Bluetooth-compatible phone with the vehicle is simpler than ever. Then, just leave your phone in your pocket and enjoy hands-free conversations over the audio system. Visit http://www.mercedes-benz-mobile.com/us/en/ to learn more about Bluetooth connectivity. Disclaimer
Bluetooth audio streaming makes it even easier to enjoy your digital music player. It allows you to connect your Bluetooth-equipped iPod® or other MP3 player wirelessly to your vehicle's audio system for convenient, cable-free playback.
An in-dash SD memory card reader enables you to enjoy your music through the stereo system of your Mercedes-Benz without having to bring along a media player. It supports MP3, MP4 and WMA audio files.
Both an auxiliary audio input jack and USB connector allow plug-and-play enjoyment from your iPod® or other MP3 player.
Delivering remarkably clear audio that gives AM stations the crispness of FM radio, and FM stations CD-grade sound, HD Radio™ technology also offers a larger bandwidth that can actually increase the number of stations available to you. Disclaimer