Compare the GL-Class SUVs

 

GL350 BlueTEC S

GL350 BlueTEC SUV

GL450 4MATIC SU

GL450 4MATIC SUV

GL550 4MATIC SU

GL550 4MATIC SUV
 
KEY FEATURES  
 
Price
$62,400* MSRP Estimate Payment
$63,900* MSRP Estimate Payment
$86,900* MSRP Estimate Payment
 
$116,925* MSRP
Engine
3.0L turbodiesel V-6
4.6L biturbo gasoline V-8
4.6L biturbo gasoline V-8
 
5.5L AMG biturbo gasoline V-8
Horsepower & Torque
 
240 Horsepower
@ 3,600 rpm
455 lb-ft Torque
@ 1,600-2,400 rpm
 
362 Horsepower
@ 5,000-6,000 rpm
406 lb-ft Torque
@ 1,500-4,000 rpm
 
429 Horsepower
@ 5,250 rpm
516 lb-ft Torque
@ 1,800-3,500 rpm
 
 
550 Horsepower
@ 5,250-5,750 rpm
560 lb-ft Torque
@ 2,000-5,000 rpm
Acceleration
 
 
 
 
 
Wheels
19-inch twin 5-spoke Mercedes Benz 2013 GL Class SUV Rim R55
19-inch twin 5-spoke Mercedes Benz 2013 GL Class SUV Rim R55
21-inch AMG twin 5-spoke Mercedes Benz 2013 GL Class SUV Rim 757
 
21-inch AMG twin 5-spoke Mercedes Benz 2013 GL Class SUV Rim 798

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Performance & Handling  
7-speed automatic transmission
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Paddle shifters
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
4MATIC all-wheel drive
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
AIRMATIC air suspension
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Adaptive Damping System
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM
Optional
Optional
Optional
 
Adaptive braking technology
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Trailer hitch (Class IV, 7,500 lbs max)
Optional
Optional
Optional
 
Trailer Stability Assist
Standard
Standard
Standard
 

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Design  
LED Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
LED taillamps
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
19-inch twin 5-spoke wheels
Standard
Standard
 
20-inch twin 5-spoke wheels
Optional
Optional
 
21-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels
Standard
 
Chrome front skid plate
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Brushed aluminum roof rails
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Illuminated running boards
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Premium leather 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Wood/leather steering wheel
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Heated steering wheel
Optional
Optional
Optional
 
Eucalyptus wood trim
Standard
Standard
 
Burl Walnut wood trim
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
designo Piano Black Lacquer wood trim
Optional
Optional
Optional
 

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Safety  
13-way air bag protection
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Rear side-impact air bags
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
ATTENTION ASSIST driver-drowsiness monitor
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Blind Spot Assist
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Lane Keeping Assist (lane tracking assist)
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE® Brake
Optional
Optional
Optional
 
Active Blind Spot Assist
Optional
Optional
Optional
 
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Optional
Optional
Optional
 
PRE-SAFE®
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Post-collision response
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Rear view camera
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Surround View System
Optional
Optional
Optional
 
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Crosswind Stabilization
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Trailer Stability Assist
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Adaptive braking technology
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Bi-Xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
LED Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Tire-pressure monitoring system
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Mercedes-Benz mbrace2™
Standard
Standard
Standard
 

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Comfort & Convenience  
MB-Tex upholstery
Standard
Standard
 
Leather upholstery
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
designo leather upholstery
Optional
Optional
Optional
 
Dual-zone climate control w/dust and charcoal filters
Standard
Standard
 
3-zone climate control
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Power front seats w/driver lumbar support
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Front-seat memory system with passenger lumbar support
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Heated front seats
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Active Ventilated front seats
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Multicontour front seats w/massage
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
60/40 split-folding 2nd-row seats w/2-side EASY-ENTRY
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Heated 2nd-row seats
Optional
Optional
Optional
 
Power-folding 50/50-split 3rd-row seats
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
KEYLESS-GO
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Soft-close doors
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Panorama roof
Optional
Optional
Optional
 
Premium interior lighting
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Multicolor ambient interior lighting
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Illuminated front door sills
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Tilt/telescoping steering column
Standard
Standard
 
Power tilt/telescoping steering column
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Power folding side mirrors
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Power liftgate
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Lockable rear storage compartment
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
115V AC power outlet in rear cabin
Standard
Standard
Standard
 

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Audio & Entertainment  
COMAND system with central controller and 7-inch LCD screen
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
6-disc DVD/CD changer
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
Bluetooth® hands-free system with audio streaming
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
80GB hard-drive navigation with Zagat® survey
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
MP3 Media Interface
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
In-dash memory card reader
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
USB and AUX audio jacks
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
SiriusXM Radio, Traffic and Weather
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
HD Radio™ receiver
Standard
Standard
Standard
 
10GB Music Register
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Rear Seat Entertainment system
Optional
Optional
Optional
 

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Packages  
Premium 1 Package
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Premium 2 Package
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Appearance Package
Optional
 
Lane Tracking Package
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
Driver Assistance Package
Optional
Optional
Optional
 
Lighting Package
Optional
Optional
Standard
 
On/Off-Road Package
Optional
Optional
 
Parking Assist Package
Optional
Optional
Optional
 

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On/Off-Road Package

•AIRMATIC air suspension
•Adaptive Damping System
•2-speed transfer case
•6-mode driving program selector
•Front underride protection

Dual-zone climate control w/ dust and charcoal filters

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.

60/40-split 2nd-row seats

With more than 39 inches of legroom, the spacious 2nd-row seating offers generous space for passengers. The seats fold flat in seconds in a 60/40-split, for flexible cargo space as well.

3-zone climate control

Separate left and right temperature controls allow the driver and front passenger to enjoy personalized comfort, while a third zone is dedicated to the rear cabin. In addition to fully automatic or manual control of blower speed and airflow distribution, the system includes both a dust/pollen filter plus an an activated charcoal filter that helps remove odors from the cabin air. The rear-cabin settings can be adjusted from both the in-dash and 2nd-row control panels.

ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM

To help control body lean during cornering maneuvers, electrohydraulically variable stabilizer bars for the front and rear axles increase their roll stiffness based on driving speed and lateral acceleration, as well as the driver-selection of the Adaptive Damping System's Sport mode. In addition to flatter, more confident cornering, the system also enhances comfort in straight-line driving and during gentle, sweeping turns.

80G hard-drive navigation with Zagat survey

Using a fast 80GB hard drive to store maps, points of interest and even Zagat® Survey ratings for restaurants, hotels and golf courses, this virtual copilot offers detailed driving directions with a friendly voice. The 7-inch LCD screen displays your route with new 3D maps of building profiles and elevations, plus gas stations, ATMs, Mercedes-Benz dealerships and even scenic routes. Data for the contiguous U.S., Canada and Oahu, Hawaii are standard, with periodic updates available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

MP3 Media Interface

The MP3 Media Interface turns your Mercedes-Benz into an extension of your iPod or compatible electronic device. Browse, select and play your musical accompaniment of choice via the multifunction steering wheel or central controller. New for 2013, you can even search for music via the Enhanced Voice Control system.

Premium 1 Package

•80GB hard-drive navigation with Zagat® Survey
•10GB Music Register
•Gracenote® media database
•iPod®/MP3 Media Interface
•SiriusXM Radio with SiriusXM Traffic and Weather
•Enhanced Voice Control for audio (including iPod), telephone and navigation
•10-way power front seats with memory
•Power tilt/telescoping steering column
•Auto-dimming driver-side and rear view mirrors
•Power-folding side mirrors
•Multicolor ambient lighting
•Illuminated front door sills

20-inch twin 5-spoke wheels

Optional 20-inch alloy wheels feature five pairs of twin spokes and a gleaming silver finish. Massive 265/45R20 all-season tires are designed for more aggressive grip in corners, balanced with confident wet-road performance and a composed ride quality.

Bi-Xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination

Bi-Xenon headlamps help deliver greater visibility than halogen headlamps because their brighter, whiter light is much closer to natural daylight. Active Curve Illumination helps you see better into corners at night, swiveling the headlamps as you steer to increase usable illumination by up to 90% over conventional fixed headlamps.

Panorama roof

Offering sweeping skyward views to passengers in all three rows, this fully functional glass sunroof is a first in its class. It features a front panel that can either tilt up for ventilation or slide over the rear panel for an open-air feeling. A power shade allow occupants of the first two rows to adjust the amount of sunlight entering the cabin, while heat-rejecting glass further helps keep the sun's rays at bay.

Premium interior lighting

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.

Power tilt/sliding sunroof

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.

Hands-free Bluetooth interface

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 www.mercedes-benz-mobile.com/us/en/ to learn more about Bluetooth connectivity.

Surround View System

This innovative driver-assistance system uses four cameras whose live images are automatically combined into a single "overhead" view that's displayed on the in-dash screen during low-speed maneuvers. To help you better negotiate tight spaces, the system shows an area approximately 3 feet in all four directions around your GL-Class, with the image automatically adapted to the selected gear. Active parking guidelines on the screen help you back into a parking space, while a special rear view zoom mode helps you line up the optional trailer hitch of your GL-Class with your trailer. You can also select the images of each camera individually through the COMAND system controller.

Active Blind Spot Assist

Above approximately 20 mph, Active Blind Spot Assist can alert you to some unseen vehicles in the next lane. If radar sensors in the rear bumper detect a vehicle in the "blind spot" area to either side, an indicator lights up in the appropriate side mirror. If you activate a turn signal while a vehicle is detected, a warning sounds. And if you disregard the alerts and begin changing lanes, advanced active technology can apply the brake to a single rear wheel, to help guide the car back into its lane.

Active Lane Keeping Assist

With technology that monitors ordinary road markings, Active Lane Keeping Assist helps detect unintended drifting off-course,and alerts the driver by vibrating the steering wheel. If the driver continues to drift, it can apply the brake to a single rear wheel to help guide the car back into its lane.

Driver Assistance Package

•DISTRONIC PLUS (with PRE-SAFE Brake)
•Active Blind Spot Assist
•Active Lane Keeping Assist

13-way air bag protection

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.

PRE-SAFE®

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.

Trailer Stability Assist

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.

19-inch twin 5-spoke wheels

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.

Eucalyptus wood trim

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 GL450 4MATIC cabin.

MB-Tex upholstery

MB-Tex upholstery offers a rich appearance and supple leather-like feel, even in cold weather. It also offers legendary durability and easy care.

In-dash memory card reader

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.

Illuminated running boards

Stylish and functional running boards ease your entry and exit while providing a rugged element of design. Grippy rubber studs dot the running boards, for a surer step even in inclement weather. And elegant, seamlessly integrated new fiber-optic LED illumination of the step area helps to light your way aboard.

Multicolor ambient lighting and illuminated door sills

A network of efficient LEDs and fiber optics casts a gentle glow from beneath the trim on the dashboard and door panels, both to welcome occupants into the cabin and to help make nighttime driving feel more secure. For an added touch of personality, any of three illumination color profiles (Polar, Solar and Neutral) can be selected. Additional lighting enhancements include illuminated front door sills, rear footwells and front cup holders.

Soft-close doors

Automatic assist mechanisms quietly and graciously finish closing the doors for you or your passengers. Just bring the door to its latch, and the closing assist gently snugs it to its fully closed position.

21-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels

Optional 21-inch AMG 5-spoke wheels offer even more athletic performance, with substantial 295/35R21 high-performance tires all around.

LED Daytime Running Lamps

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

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.

Burl Walnut wood trim

Included with the optional leather upholstery, hand-polished Burl Walnut wood trim graces the dash and all four doors, lending the GL450 4MATIC cockpit a further air of refinement and exclusivity.

Power-folding 50/50-split 3rd-row seats

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.

HD Radio™ receiver

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.

Rear Seat Entertainment system

LCD monitors built into the front head restraints offer first-rate entertainment to the second row. Multiple input sources let passengers enjoy DVDs and video games together or independently, with two wireless headsets, dual wireless remotes. Separate movies can play at once, by using both the DVD player at the rear of the console and the standard in-dash DVD/CD player. Auxiliary inputs can also connect portable gaming devices, video cameras or other peripherals. And the audio can play via the vehicle's sound system or discreetly through each headset.

7-speed automatic transmission

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.

SiriusXM Radio, Traffic and Weather

SiriusXM Radio offers 130+ channels of premium digital entertainment, from news, talk and sports to commercial-free music from every genre. Enjoy live broadcasts of the biggest NFL®, NCAA®, NHL® and NBA® teams, plus 150+ college sports teams. While you listen, SiriusXM Traffic keeps you up to date on accidents, traffic, construction and road closures, and even helps your vehicle's navigation system find the fastest route based on real-time traffic. And SiriusXM Weather delivers detailed, graphical weather reports and forecasts.

Aluminum roof rails

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.

Premium leather 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel

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.

Lighting Package

•Bi-Xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
•Adaptive Highbeam Assist
•Headlamp washing system

Leather upholstery

Supple, richly grained double-stitched leather is hand-fitted to all seating surfaces, even the head restraints.

Mercedes-Benz mbrace2™

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.

Parking Assist Package

•PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
•Surround View System

harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system

Specifically engineered for the GL-Class, this premium digital sound system fills the cabin with 830 watts of beautifully balanced audio. No fewer than 13 strategically placed speakers plus the rich bass of a subwoofer deliver a wholly immersive listening experience through Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound technology. Digital Dynamic Volume Control impeccably and imperceptibly maintains the sound spectrum for consistent listening pleasure in varying driving conditions.

Premium 2 Package

• Includes all items in the Premium 1 Package, plus:
• harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1
• KEYLESS-GO
• Soft-close doors
• Lockable rear storage compartment

Power liftgate

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.

4MATIC all-wheel drive

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.

Heated rear seats

Electrically heated outboard rear seats offer soothing warmth with individualized comfort. Three levels of warming automatically step down after several minutes, while automatic shutoff means the driver need not worry if the passengers forget to turn them off.

Crosswind Stabilization

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.

ATTENTION ASSIST driver-drowsiness monitor

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.

Heated steering wheel

Heating elements beneath the Premium leather trim of the steering wheel rapidly take the chill out of your hands on a cold morning. After a few minutes, the heating level is automatically reduced to maintain lasting comfort.

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST

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 M?Class earlier as well.

Appearance Package

•20-inch twin 5-spoke wheels
•Illuminated running boards
•Chrome exhaust tips

Post-collision response

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.

Rear view camera

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.

6-disc DVD/CD changer

The in-dash player can play audio CDs and DVDs. You can even watch a DVD movie while the vehicle is in Park.

KEYLESS-GO

A leap in ease and efficiency pioneered by Mercedes-Benz, KEYLESS-GO lets you unlock, start and drive away without removing the SmartKey from your pocket or purse. You can lock and unlock the doors with a touch of the exterior handles, and start the engine by stepping on the brake pedal and pushing the Start/Stop button on the dashboard. You can also start the vehicle in the conventional way by removing the Start/Stop button and inserting the SmartKey into the ignition.

Paddle shifters

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.

Ruggedly refined all-new design

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.

Multicolor ambient lighting and illuminated door sills

A network of efficient LEDs and fiber optics casts a gentle glow from beneath the trim on the dashboard and door panels, both to welcome occupants into the cabin and to help make nighttime driving feel more secure. For an added touch of personality, any of three illumination color profiles (Polar, Solar and Neutral) can be selected. Additional lighting enhancements include illuminated front door sills, rear footwells and front cup holders.

Power front seats w/ driver lumbar support

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.

Adaptive braking technology

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.

Lane Keeping Assist

With technology that monitors ordinary road markings, Lane Keeping Assist helps detect unintended drifting off-course,and alerts the driver by vibrating the steering wheel.

Adaptive Damping System (ADS)

With the optional On/Off-Road Package or ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM, the innovative AIRMATIC air suspension incorporates our Adaptive Damping System. ADS II continually optimizes ride and handling by automatically selecting one of four damping profiles for each spring-strut every time a wheel changes its direction of up-down travel. Driver-selectable Comfort and Sport modes allow you tailor handling response and ride firmness to your present driving style.

Front-seat memory system with passenger lumbar support

Intuitive, seat-shaped controls on each front door help you and your front passenger find your ideal seating positions with 10-way power adjustment. A memory system for the driver seat recalls three stored positions for the seat plus the power steering column and side mirrors. And 4-way power lumbar support is added to the front passenger seat.

Power tilt/telescoping steering column

To help you find your ideal driving position, the steering column power-adjusts up/down and in/out at the touch of a button. The settings can also be stored in the 3-position driver-seat memory.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist

Engineered to provide the maximum possible road illumination without creating glare for other drivers, this innovative feature uses continuous input from a camera to automatically vary the range of your high beams, based on the distance both to oncoming vehicles and to those ahead of you. Enhancing your ability to identify changes in the road´s path and the presence of pedestrians and hazards earlier, Adaptive Highbeam Assist can help you drive more safely and confidently in the dark.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

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.

Wood/leather 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel

Put a classic touch of luxury in your hands with a steering wheel accented with hand-polished wood to match the interior of the vehicle and trimmed 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.

Lane Tracking Package

•Blind Spot Assist
•Lane Keeping Assist

AIRMATIC air suspension

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.

Power-folding side mirrors

The side mirrors can be folded in at the touch of a button, adding convenience when parked in tight quarters. You can also program the mirrors to fold automatically when you remote-lock the vehicle, then unfold upon unlocking

Household-type 115V power outlet

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.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)

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.

Heated front seats

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.

10GB Music Register

Music Register allows you to store up to 10GB of your own digital music on the in-dash hard drive. It lets you copy songs from your CDs and DVDs and save them to your vehicle's audio system, so you can listen to them anytime and anywhere you drive.

Heated and Active Ventilated front seats

Heated and Active Ventilated seats are a luxury you'll soon consider a necessity. Three levels of heating and cooling ventilation are offered. By gently circulating air through perforations in the seat and backrest, Active Ventilated seats help keep you cooler and your clothes dryer during warmer months. On cold or damp days, using both the ventilation and heating features together can circulate the seat heating more quickly, to help keep you warm and dry.

Blind Spot Assist

When the vehicle is traveling above approximately 20 mph, this system uses radar technology to sense when a vehicle enters the blind-spot area. Blind Spot Assist then automatically alerts the driver via an illuminated red icon in the appropriate side mirror. The system also gives an audible warning if the driver activates a turn signal while a vehicle is detected in the blind spot.

COMAND system with central controller and 7-inch LCD screen

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.

PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist

Active Parking Assist helps you size up parallel-parking spaces as you drive by, using sensors in the bumper to determine if available spots can accommodate your vehicle. Then, while you control the brakes and gear selection, the system automatically and expertly steers the car into the space.

In any low-speed maneuver, PARKTRONIC's ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers detect nearby objects within the system's field of view. Audible signals and illuminated displays in the cabin help you navigate tight spaces with confidence.

Trailer hitch (Class III, 7,200 lbs max)

Campers, boats, horse trailers, bikes... whatever you are towing, the GL-Class was designed with pulling a trailer in mind. Take full advantage of its 7,500-lb towing capacity with an optional factory-installed trailer hitch that allows the GL450 to meet Class III towing requirements. The hitch option includes the wiring harnesses for the trailer lights and brakes, while every GL-Class is already equipped to handle the rigors of towing on the engine, cooling system and transmission. Standard Trailer Stability Assist helps keep trailer sway under control.

Heated steering wheel

Heating elements beneath the Premium leather trim of the steering wheel rapidly take the chill out of your hands on a cold morning. After a few minutes, the heating level is automatically reduced to maintain lasting comfort.

USB and AUX audio jacks

Both an auxiliary audio input jack and USB connector allow plug-and-play enjoyment from your iPod® or other MP3 player.

DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE® Brake

This advanced, radar-based cruise control monitors the vehicle ahead and adjusts your speed to help maintain a chosen following distance. It can even bring the car to a halt if it senses stopped traffic, then resume automatically. Should the car ahead slow to a stop suddenly, the PRE-SAFE Brake system can automatically engage up to 40% of available braking power and issue an audiovisual alarm. If you still haven't applied the brakes within 0.6 seconds of a calculated impact, it automatically engages 100% braking power.

In-dash memory card reader

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.

Bluetooth® hands-free system with audio streaming

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 www.mercedes-benz-mobile.com/us/en/ to learn more about Bluetooth connectivity.

* Excludes all options, taxes, title, registration, $905 transportation charge, and dealer prep fee.

Vehicles depicted may feature optional equipment. Production equipment may differ.

† Stated rates of acceleration are based upon manufacturer's track results and may vary depending on model environmental and road surface conditions, driving style, elevation and vehicle load.

†† 2013 EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.

‡ With optional trailer hitch. Read Operator's Manual before towing. In some states, aftermarket trailer brakes are required. See dealer for details.