Mercedes GL-Class 2016 Features: Ultimate Luxury

For those seeking the pinnacle of spacious luxury and advanced technology in an SUV, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class delivers an unparalleled experience. This model year boasts a sophisticated suite of features, from its powerful yet efficient powertrains and advanced safety systems to its elegantly appointed interior designed for ultimate comfort and convenience.

Discovering the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: A Journey into Ultimate Luxury

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class isn’t just an SUV; it’s a statement of refined taste and a sanctuary on wheels. For many, finding a vehicle that perfectly blends generous space, cutting-edge technology, and that signature Mercedes-Benz luxury can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. It’s easy to get lost in spec sheets and trim levels. But fear not, as we’re here to demystify the opulent world of the 2016 GL-Class. We’ll explore what makes this vehicle a standout choice, focusing on the features that truly define its “ultimate luxury” status. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind its enduring appeal. What lies beneath that commanding exterior? Let’s explore the exceptional features of your 2016 GL-Class.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

What makes the 2016 GL-Class a luxury SUV?

The 2016 GL-Class offers a premium experience through its high-quality materials, advanced comfort features like multi-contour seats, sophisticated infotainment, and a quiet, refined ride. It emphasizes passenger comfort and offers a wealth of technology typically found only in high-end sedans.

What are the main engine options for the 2016 GL-Class?

The 2016 GL-Class was primarily offered with two powerful yet efficient engines: the GL 450 featured a 3.0-liter biturbo V6, and the GL 550 came with a robust 4.6-liter biturbo V8. Both were paired with a smooth 7-speed automatic transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS).

Is the 2016 GL-Class good for families?

Absolutely. With three rows of seating accommodating up to seven passengers, ample cargo space, and a suite of advanced safety features, the GL-Class is an excellent choice for families. Its comfortable ride and entertainment options make long journeys enjoyable for everyone.

What safety features are standard on the 2016 GL-Class?

Standard safety features typically include a rearview camera, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS (a radar-based autonomous braking system), ATTENTION ASSIST, and a comprehensive airbag system. Many also came equipped with advanced optional systems.

How does the infotainment system work in the 2016 GL-Class?

The COMAND infotainment system in the 2016 GL-Class features a central display screen controlled by a rotary dial and buttons on the center console. It offers navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and optional features like HD radio and Harman Kardon surround sound. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard for this model year but could be added as aftermarket solutions.

What is the cargo space like in the 2016 GL-Class?

The GL-Class offers generous cargo space. Behind the third row, you’ll find around 38.2 cubic feet. When the third row is folded down, this expands to approximately 71.3 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded, it can reach about 93.8 cubic feet, making it highly versatile for hauling luggage or gear.

Exterior Elegance and Commanding Presence: The 2016 GL-Class Design

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class immediately captivates with its distinctive styling. It’s an SUV that doesn’t just take up space; it commands it with an air of sophisticated authority. The front fascia is dominated by a bold grille featuring the iconic Mercedes-Benz star, flanked by elegant, sculpted headlights. These aren’t just for illumination; they incorporate advanced LED daytime running lights that lend a distinctive signature, even when parked.

The silhouette of the GL-Class is one of smooth, flowing lines, balancing its substantial size with an athletic grace. Character lines sweep along the body, adding dynamism and visual interest. The rear design is equally refined, with wraparound LED taillights and a neatly integrated bumper. Every element, from the chrome accents to the substantial alloy wheels, contributes to an impression of robust luxury and meticulous craftsmanship. This is a vehicle that looks equally at home navigating city streets as it does cruising down a scenic highway.

Under the Hood: Power, Performance, and Efficiency

Beneath its luxurious exterior, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class houses powertrains engineered for both potent performance and remarkable efficiency. The GL 450 variant is equipped with a 3.0-liter biturbo V6 engine. This powerplant delivers a robust 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, providing ample acceleration for merging onto highways and confident passing maneuvers.

For those craving even more power, the GL 550 boasts a formidable 4.6-liter biturbo V8 engine. This engine unleashes 449 horsepower and a staggering 516 lb-ft of torque, offering a truly exhilarating driving experience. Both engines are mated to Mercedes-Benz’s smooth and responsive 7-speed automatic transmission, known as 7G-TRONIC PLUS. This transmission ensures seamless gear changes and optimizes engine performance for efficiency.

Furthermore, standard across all 2016 GL-Class models is the legendary 4MATIC^® all-wheel-drive system. This sophisticated system continuously monitors traction, sending power to the wheels that need it most. This not only enhances grip and stability in adverse weather conditions but also contributes to the vehicle’s confident handling on dry pavement.

Powertrain Specifications at a Glance

Model	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Transmission	Drivetrain
GL 450 4MATIC®	3.0L Biturbo V6	362 hp	406 lb-ft	7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC PLUS)	4MATIC® All-Wheel Drive
GL 550 4MATIC®	4.6L Biturbo V8	449 hp	516 lb-ft	7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC PLUS)	4MATIC® All-Wheel Drive

The Art of Comfort: Inside the GL-Class Cabin

Stepping inside the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is an immersion into a world of refined luxury and thoughtful design. Every surface, from the supple leather upholstery to the genuine wood or brushed aluminum trim, speaks of quality and craftsmanship. The cabin is meticulously insulated, creating a remarkably quiet environment even at highway speeds, which allows occupants to fully appreciate the premium audio system or engage in easy conversation.

The front seats are exceptionally comfortable and highly adjustable, often featuring heating, ventilation, and even massage functions as part of optional packages. These seats are designed to support occupants on long journeys, minimizing fatigue. The driver benefits from a commanding view of the road, enhanced by the ergonomically placed controls and the intuitive COMAND^® infotainment system.

Key Interior Luxuries and Comfort Features

• Spacious Seating: Three rows of seating accommodate up to seven passengers in comfort, with generous legroom in the first two rows.
• Power Folding Third Row: The third-row seats can be easily folded or raised at the touch of a button for maximum cargo versatility.
• Premium Upholstery: Standard MB-Tex or optional high-quality leather seating surfaces offer a luxurious feel.
• Multi-Zone Climate Control: Triple-zone automatic climate control ensures that all occupants can maintain their preferred temperature.
• Ambient Lighting: Subtle interior ambient lighting enhances the cabin’s sophisticated atmosphere, especially at night.
• Power Liftgate: For added convenience, the rear liftgate opens and closes electronically, simplifying loading and unloading.
• Panoramic Sunroof: An available large panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airy and open feel.

Technology and Connectivity: Seamlessly Integrated

The 2016 GL-Class seamlessly integrates advanced technology to enhance the driving experience, convenience, and safety for all occupants. At the heart of the infotainment system is the COMAND^® controller, a user-friendly interface using a central high-resolution display and a physical dial on the center console for navigation, audio, and vehicle settings.

While contemporary smartphones offer features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 2016 GL-Class was ahead of its time with its integrated multimedia capabilities. This includes:

• Navigation System: A sophisticated, hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic information.
• Bluetooth^® Connectivity: Seamlessly connect your mobile device for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
• USB Ports and SD Card Slot: Easily connect external media devices for music playback and charging.
• Optional Harman Kardon^® Logic 7^® Surround Sound System: Immerse yourself in concert-hall audio quality with 13 speakers.
• SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio: Enjoy a vast array of entertainment and news channels.

Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to driver assistance is also evident. While not all systems were standard across every trim, many were available, offering peace of mind and an extra layer of safety. For more on these advanced systems, consulting official Mercedes-Benz documentation or a dealership service advisor is recommended. These technologies are designed to work in harmony, making every journey smoother and more enjoyable. For a deeper dive into infotainment system functionalities and potential updates, resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can provide valuable insights into vehicle safety technologies and recalls.

Safety First: Advanced Protection Systems

Safety is paramount in any Mercedes-Benz, and the 2016 GL-Class is no exception. It’s engineered with a comprehensive suite of passive and active safety features designed to protect occupants and help prevent accidents. The robust chassis and advanced airbag system provide excellent passive protection in the event of a collision.

However, the GL-Class truly shines with its suite of intelligent driver assistance systems, many of which were standard or available options:

Standard and Available Safety Technologies

• COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS: This radar-based system provides visual and audible warnings if it detects a risk of a frontal collision and can apply partial or full braking if the driver fails to react.
• ATTENTION ASSIST^®: This system monitors driving behavior and can detect signs of driver drowsiness, alerting the driver with visual and audible cues.
• 360° Surround View Camera: An available system that uses exterior cameras to create a virtual bird’s-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings, significantly aiding parking and low-speed maneuvers.
• Active Lane Keeping Assist: If the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane, this system can warn the driver and even gently apply the brakes on one side to help steer the vehicle back into its lane.
• Active Blind Spot Assist: Warns the driver if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot and can selectively apply brakes to help prevent a lane change if a collision is imminent.
• PRE-SAFE^®: This innovative system can detect the initial signs of a potential collision and proactively prepare the vehicle and occupants by tightening seatbelts, adjusting seats, and closing windows and the sunroof.
• Adaptive High-Beam Assist: Automatically adjusts the high beams based on traffic and oncoming headlights, providing optimal nighttime visibility without dazzling other drivers.

These advanced technologies are a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pioneering safety innovations, making the GL-Class not just a luxury vehicle, but a secure and reassuring one.

Handling and Ride Quality: The Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is engineered to deliver a ride experience that is both refined and composed, living up to the brand’s reputation for comfort and capability. The standard AIRMATIC^® air suspension system plays a crucial role in achieving this. This advanced system automatically adjusts ride height and damping based on driving conditions and vehicle load.

On the open road, the GL-Class offers a remarkably smooth and quiet ride, effortlessly gliding over imperfections in the pavement. This makes it an ideal companion for long road trips, where passenger comfort is paramount. Despite its substantial size, the steering is precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback without being overly heavy. This allows for confident maneuvering in urban environments and stable cruising on the highway.

The 4MATIC^® all-wheel-drive system further enhances stability and grip, especially in less-than-ideal weather conditions like rain or light snow. It ensures that power is distributed effectively, contributing to a secure and predictable driving experience. While it’s not a sports car, the GL-Class balances its luxurious attributes with a sense of assuredness and control that instills confidence in the driver.

Practicality and Versatility: Space for Every Need

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class excels in practicality, offering abundant space and remarkable versatility for families, adventurers, and anyone who needs to transport people or cargo with ease. Its three-row seating configuration is a key highlight, allowing it to comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers.

The second-row seats can slide forward and backward, providing flexibility in balancing legroom between the second and third rows. Access to the third row is also made easier with the Easy-Entry function for the second-row seats.

Cargo capacity is equally impressive. With all seats in use, there’s still a respectable amount of space for groceries or luggage. However, when the need arises for more hauling capability, the GL-Class truly shines.

• Behind the third row: Approximately 38.2 cubic feet.
• With third row folded: Approximately 71.3 cubic feet.
• With second and third rows folded: A cavernous 93.8 cubic feet.

This expansive cargo area, combined with the low load floor provided by the air suspension, makes it easy to load and unload bulky items, from strollers and sporting equipment to luggage for a family vacation. The power liftgate further simplifies this process, offering hands-free operation.

Maintaining Your 2016 GL-Class: Tips for Longevity

To ensure your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class continues to provide its signature luxury and performance for years to come, consistent and proper maintenance is essential. Adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is the most crucial step. This typically involves regular oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks.

Key Maintenance Considerations:

• Regular Oil Changes: Follow the service interval indicators on your dashboard or consult your owner’s manual. Using the correct, high-quality synthetic oil is vital for these advanced engines.
• Tire Rotation and Alignment: Regularly rotating and checking the alignment of your tires will ensure even wear and optimal handling.
• Brake System Inspection: Ensure brake pads, rotors, and fluid are inspected regularly, especially given the vehicle’s weight.
• Fluid Levels: Regularly check and maintain levels for coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid (if applicable), and windshield washer fluid.
• AIRMATIC^® Suspension: While generally reliable, the AIRMATIC^® system requires periodic inspection by a qualified technician to ensure seals and components are in good condition.
• Software Updates: Mercedes-Benz vehicles often receive software updates for various control modules. Stay informed about recommended updates, which can improve performance, safety, and infotainment functionality.

For DIY enthusiasts, performing basic checks like fluid levels and tire pressure can be very rewarding. However, for more complex tasks, especially those involving the sophisticated AIRMATIC^® suspension, engine diagnostics, or the advanced electronics, it is highly recommended to consult a certified Mercedes-Benz technician or a reputable independent mechanic specializing in European vehicles. Seeking expert advice can help prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs. Resources like the RepairPal website can provide estimated costs for common repairs, helping you budget for maintenance and understand potential expense ranges.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the 2016 GL-Class

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class remains a compelling choice for those who prioritize spaciousness, sophisticated comfort, and cutting-edge technology without compromise. Its powerful yet efficient powertrains, combined with the sure-footed confidence of 4MATIC^® all-wheel drive, provide a driving experience that is both exhilarating and reassuring. Inside, the meticulously crafted cabin offers a sanctuary of luxury, designed to pamper occupants on every journey.

From its advanced safety systems that offer peace of mind to its versatile cargo space that adapts to your needs, the GL-Class is more than just an SUV; it’s a statement of intelligent design and enduring quality. Whether you’re a growing family seeking a safe and comfortable hauler or an individual who appreciates the finer things in life, the 2016 GL-Class delivers an ultimate luxury experience that continues to impress. It stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment