Mercedes GL-Class 2016: Effortless City Mileage

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class can achieve surprisingly good city mileage with smart driving habits and proper maintenance. This guide will show you how to maximize fuel efficiency in your large luxury SUV for everyday urban journeys.

Navigating the city in a spacious, luxurious SUV like the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class can sometimes feel like a compromise when it comes to fuel consumption. Many owners worry about the impact of stop-and-go traffic and shorter trips on their gas bill. It’s a common concern, especially with a vehicle of this caliber. But what if I told you that with a few simple tricks, you can make your GL-Class a far more efficient city cruiser?

You don’t need to sacrifice comfort or performance to see better numbers at the pump. This guide is designed to break down how to achieve “effortless city mileage” in your 2016 GL-Class. We’ll cover everything from driving techniques to essential maintenance that makes a real difference. Get ready to transform your city driving experience and feel more in control of your fuel costs. Next, we’ll dive into the specific strategies.

Understanding Your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: The Foundation for Efficiency

Before we talk about how to drive efficiently, let’s understand the vehicle itself. The 2016 GL-Class, often referred to by its internal designation X166, was a full-size luxury SUV renowned for its comfort, capability, and commanding presence. It typically came equipped with powerful V6 or V8 engines, offering robust performance that, while exhilarating, can also be fuel-thirsty if not managed correctly.

The key to unlocking better city mileage lies in acknowledging that larger, heavier vehicles do require more energy to move, especially from a standstill. However, modern engineering in vehicles like the 2016 GL-Class includes technologies designed to mitigate this. Understanding these systems and how they interact with your driving style is crucial.

Engine Options and Fuel Economy

The 2016 GL-Class offered a few engine choices, each with its own fuel economy profile. Knowing which engine powers your GL is the first step.

Engine Option	City MPG (EPA Estimated)	Highway MPG (EPA Estimated)	Combined MPG (EPA Estimated)
GL350 BlueTEC (3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel)	19	24	21
GL450 4MATIC (4.7L V8 Biturbo)	17	21	19
GL550 4MATIC (4.7L V8 Biturbo)	16	21	18
GL63 AMG (5.5L V8 Biturbo)	13	17	14

Note: EPA estimates are for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary depending on driving conditions, vehicle maintenance, and driving habits. The GL350 BlueTEC diesel engine, with its inherent torque and efficiency benefits, often shows better city mileage than its gasoline counterparts.

Key Technologies Affecting City Driving

Your 2016 GL-Class is equipped with several systems that can impact fuel efficiency, particularly in urban environments:

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive: While providing excellent traction, AWD systems can add a slight drag that slightly reduces MPG compared to RWD-only vehicles.
Transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS): This 7-speed automatic transmission is designed for smooth shifts and efficient power delivery. Using its manual modes or allowing it to shift optimally is key.
Engine Management Systems: Modern engines use sophisticated computer controls to optimize fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions. Ensuring these systems are functioning correctly is vital.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Properly inflated tires are crucial for both safety and fuel economy.

Maximizing Your 2016 GL-Class City Mileage: Practical Driving Techniques

The most significant factor in achieving better fuel economy in any vehicle, especially a larger SUV, is your driving style. In the city, where traffic lights, stop signs, and congestion are common, adopting efficient habits can make a substantial difference.

1. Smooth Acceleration and Deceleration

This is the golden rule of fuel efficiency. Think of your accelerator pedal as a sensitive instrument, not an on/off switch.

Gentle Starts: Press the accelerator pedal lightly and progressively from a standstill. Forcing the engine to work harder accelerates quickly, consuming more fuel.
Anticipate Stops: Look ahead for traffic lights, brake lights, and pedestrians. When you see a red light or a slowing vehicle, take your foot off the accelerator early and let the car coast. This uses the engine’s natural resistance (and its fuel injectors will often shut off during coasting) to slow down, saving brake wear and fuel.
Avoid Sudden Braking: Slamming on the brakes wastes the momentum you’ve built up using fuel. Smooth, controlled braking is far more efficient.

2. Maintain a Steady Speed

City driving often involves fluctuating speeds. When possible, try to maintain a consistent pace.

Cruising When Able: If you find yourself on a stretch of road with clear traffic, maintain a steady speed rather than rapidly accelerating and decelerating.
Utilize Cruise Control (When Appropriate): While less common in dense city traffic, if you’re on a highway bypass or a less congested arterial road, cruise control can help maintain a steady speed more effectively than manual control, potentially saving fuel.

3. Minimize Idling

Excessive idling is a major fuel-waster, especially in a vehicle designed for touring. While some idling is necessary, try to reduce it.

Turn Off Engine for Extended Stops: If you anticipate being stopped for more than 30-60 seconds (e.g., waiting for a train, a lengthy pickup), consider turning off the engine. Modern engines and starter motors are built for frequent use.
Be Mindful of Drive-Thrus: If possible, park and go into shops instead of relying solely on drive-thrus where you might spend more time idling.

4. Strategic Gear Selection (If Applicable)

While the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission is largely automatic, understanding its behavior can help.

Drive Mode Setting: Some Mercedes models have selectable drive modes (e.g., “C” for Comfort and “S” for Sport). The “C” (Comfort) mode typically prioritizes smoother shifts and earlier upshifts, which can aid fuel economy in city driving. Consult your owner’s manual for specific settings on your 2016 GL-Class.
Manual Mode Use: If you’re using the manual shift mode via the paddle shifters, upshift as soon as it feels appropriate to keep the engine revs lower.

5. Optimize HVAC Use

The climate control system, especially the air conditioning, draws power from the engine, increasing fuel consumption.

Ventilation First: On cooler days or when starting up, try using the ventilation system before resorting to the highest AC settings.
Moderate Settings: Instead of blasting the AC on its coldest setting, try a moderate fan speed and temperature.
Window Use: At lower city speeds, opening windows for ventilation can be more fuel-efficient than running the AC intensely. However, at higher speeds (like on a highway bypass), the aerodynamic drag from open windows can negate this benefit.

6. Reduce Vehicle Load

Extra weight makes your engine work harder.

Remove Unnecessary Items: Don’t carry around heavy items in your cargo area or cabin if you don’t need them for that trip. Every kilogram counts.
Roof Racks and Cargo Boxes: These create aerodynamic drag and add weight, significantly impacting fuel economy. Remove them when not in use.

Essential Maintenance for Optimal City Mileage

A well-maintained vehicle performs more efficiently. For your 2016 GL-Class, regular servicing and attention to key components can directly translate to better city mileage.

1. Tire Pressure is Paramount

Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making your engine work harder.

Check Regularly: Inflate your tires to the pressure recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s doorjamb. Always check when tires are cold.
TPMS Functionality: Ensure your Tire Pressure Monitoring System is functioning correctly. Visit a reputable tire shop or Mercedes-Benz dealer if you have concerns.
Learn More about Tire Care: For detailed information on maintaining your tires, the U.S. Department of Transportation provides excellent resources on tire safety and consumer information: NHTSA Tire Information.

2. Keep Air Filters Clean

A clogged engine air filter restricts airflow to the engine, reducing its ability to breathe efficiently.

Regular Inspections: Have your engine air filter inspected during regular maintenance intervals.
Replacement When Needed: Replace the air filter if it appears dirty or damaged. A clean filter ensures optimal fuel-air mixture, crucial for efficiency.

3. Spark Plugs and Ignition System

Worn spark plugs can lead to incomplete combustion and decreased fuel efficiency.

Scheduled Replacement: Ensure spark plugs are replaced according to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.
System Health: Any issues with ignition coils or other ignition components should be addressed promptly by a qualified technician.

4. Fuel System Cleanliness

A clean fuel system ensures proper fuel delivery.

Fuel Injector Service: Over time, fuel injectors can become clogged. Consider a fuel injector cleaning service as recommended by your Mercedes-Benz dealer or independent specialist.
Use Quality Fuel: Always use high-quality gasoline from reputable stations. This helps keep your fuel system clean. For diesel vehicles, use high-quality diesel fuel with appropriate additives.

5. Engine Oil and Lubrication

Using the correct grade and type of engine oil is vital for engine health and efficiency.

Manufacturer Recommended Oil: Always use the specific synthetic oil recommended by Mercedes-Benz for your 2016 GL-Class. The correct oil reduces friction, allowing engine parts to move more freely.
Regular Oil Changes: Adhere to the recommended oil change intervals. Fresh oil lubricates better and helps keep the engine running smoothly.

6. Smooth Suspension and Alignment

Misaligned wheels or suspension issues can increase rolling resistance.

Alignment Checks: Have your wheel alignment checked periodically, especially after hitting a pothole or curbs.
Suspension Function: If you notice pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, have your suspension inspected.

Advanced Considerations: Technology and Driving Aids

Your 2016 GL-Class is packed with technology that can subtly aid in fuel efficiency. Understanding and utilizing these can streamline your city driving.

ECO Start/Stop Function

Many Mercedes-Benz models, including some configurations of the 2016 GL-Class, feature an ECO Start/Stop system. This automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary (e.g., at a red light) and restarts it when you release the brake pedal.

How it Works: The system monitors brake pedal pressure, gear selection, and other vehicle parameters.
Maximizing its Use: Ensure the ECO button is engaged (usually indicated by a green light on the dashboard). While it might feel unusual at first, it’s a significant fuel saver in city driving. There are no special steps required other than ensuring it’s active.
When to Deactivate: You might choose to deactivate it if you need to move the vehicle a very short distance immediately upon stopping, or if you prefer not to use it for personal preference. However, for maximum city economy, keeping it engaged is recommended.

Navigation System Integration

If your GL-Class is equipped with a navigation system, it can sometimes influence driving behavior for efficiency.

Route Planning: Some advanced systems can suggest more fuel-efficient routes, though this is less common in older models. More importantly, by providing clear directions, it can reduce driver distraction and hesitation, leading to smoother driving.
Anticipatory Alerts: Navigation systems can alert you to upcoming turns or slowdowns, giving you more time to react and decelerate smoothly.

Driver Assist Systems

While primarily for safety, some driver-assist features can indirectly influence fuel efficiency.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): If equipped, ACC maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. In varying city traffic, it can help prevent rapid acceleration and braking cycles. However, its effectiveness and appropriateness largely depend on traffic density.
Active Brake Assist: This system can help prevent or mitigate collisions. While not a direct fuel-saving feature, avoiding accidents is the most efficient outcome of all.

Understanding the GL-Class 2016 City Mileage: FAQ

Here are some common questions beginners might have about their 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and city driving.

Q1: Is the 2016 GL-Class really bad on gas in the city?

A1: The 2016 GL-Class is a large, luxurious SUV, and its EPA estimates for city driving reflect this. However, it’s not necessarily “bad” when considering its class. The diesel GL350 BlueTEC is noticeably more fuel-efficient in city conditions compared to the gasoline V8 models. With smart driving and maintenance, you can achieve more than the baseline estimates.

Q2: How much difference can driving style make to my GL-Class’s city mileage?

A2: A significant difference. For a vehicle like the GL-Class, smooth acceleration, anticipating stops, and minimizing idling can easily improve fuel economy by 10-20% or even more in heavy city traffic.

Q3: Should I use eco mode in my GL-Class 2016 for city driving?

A3: Yes, if your GL-Class is equipped with the ECO Start/Stop function, engaging it is highly recommended for city driving. It significantly reduces fuel consumption by shutting off the engine during stops.

Q4: Does running the air conditioning in my 2016 GL-Class use a lot of fuel?

A4: Yes, running the air conditioning puts an extra load on the engine, which will increase fuel consumption. On warmer days in city traffic, it can increase consumption by 10-20%. Using the ventilation system or opening windows at lower speeds can help conserve fuel.

Q5: What’s the best engine for city driving mileage in a 2016 GL-Class?

A5: The 3.0L V6 BlueTEC diesel engine (GL350) generally offers the best city mileage among the 2016 GL-Class engine options due to the inherent efficiency of diesel engines and their torque characteristics.

Q6: How often should I check my tire pressure on my 2016 GL-Class?

A6: It’s best to check your tire pressure at least once a month, and before any long trips. Temperature fluctuations can also affect pressure, so checking more frequently during seasonal changes is a good idea. Always check when tires are cold for the most accurate reading.

Q7: Can I use a different oil than what Mercedes-Benz recommends in my GL-Class?

A7: It’s strongly advised to use only the Mercedes-Benz approved synthetic oil specified in your owner’s manual. Using the wrong type or grade of oil can negatively affect engine performance, wear, and fuel efficiency. For more on the importance of correct lubricants, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) provides standards and information: SAE J300 – Engine Oil Viscosity Classification.

Conclusion: Your 2016 GL-Class, More Efficient Than You Think

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a magnificent vehicle, and while its primary strengths lie in luxury and capability, it doesn’t have to be a gas guzzler in the city. By implementing the driving techniques we’ve discussed – smooth acceleration, anticipating stops, and minimizing idling – you can take direct control of your fuel expenditures.

Coupled with consistent, proper maintenance, such as keeping tires inflated and air filters clean, your GL-Class can achieve surprisingly effective city mileage. The advanced technologies like ECO Start/Stop further assist in this endeavor, making urban driving less of a drain on your wallet.

It’s about a mindful approach to driving and a commitment to your vehicle’s well-being. With these strategies, you can enjoy the unparalleled comfort and prestige of your GL-Class on every city journey, with the added satisfaction of optimizing its efficiency. Happy, efficient driving!