Mercedes-Benz GL Model Years and History

Though the GL-Class remains mostly unchanged for 2016, Mercedes' 'mbrace connect' services now come with a 5-year subscription. Three new mbrace packages have been added, offering industry-leading safety and concierge services.

The big change for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is in the GL450's engine compartment, where a new turbocharged 3.0L V6 replaces the previous 4.6L V8. The new engine produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, right on par with the engine it replaces but also more fuel efficient, with stop-start technology that helps it achieve 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

There are few changes to the GL-Class in 2014. It is now available with heated and cooled cupholders and several new paint colors are offered.

The full-size Mercedes-Benz GL-Class sport-utility vehicle gets a complete redesign for 2013, with new, more fuel-efficient turbocharged engines, additional advanced safety features and even more luxurious cabin appointments than before. The new GL-Class is offered in GL 350 BlueTec, GL 450 and GL 550 models, with a top-performance GL 63 AMG model available in early calendar-year 2013.

There are no significant changes to the GL-Class for 2012. LED daytime running lights are now standard and several minor interior changes have been made.

There are no significant changes to the GL-Class for 2011. Base MSRP are up about $1,000 over last year.

Mercedes-Benz upgraded the GL-Class' diesel engine slightly for 2010. It's now known as the GL350 BlueTEC. This means the GL-Class' entry level model is now smoother and more powerful. The GLs also get a slightly refreshed exterior and interior.

Mercedes-Benz upgraded last year's CDI diesel engine to the GL320 BlueTEC V6 diesel, which scrubs the emissions as well as delivering better fuel economy. All three GL versions get Mercedes-Benz' PRE-SAFE system, which anticipates collisions and takes steps to protect the passenger.

New for 2008, the GL550 adds Mercedes-Benz' impressive 5.5L V8 engine to the GL-Class. These vehicles are built alongside--and share many parts with--the M and R-Classes. Due in part to its unibody construction, the GL-Class offers nearly the same agility as smaller SUVs, only it carries a gigantic 83.3 cubic feet of cargo space. All models feature automatic four-wheel-drive and a smooth seven-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz introduced their seven-passenger GL450 early in 2006 and added the GL320 CDI early in 2007, both as 2007 models. The vehicles are built on the same platform as the five-seater M-Class, only with a new drivetrain. The GL-Class offers nearly the same agility as smaller SUVs, only it carries a gigantic 83.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Both models are available with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission only.