Mercedes GL-Class 2016 Road Test: Ultimate Performance

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class delivers ultimate performance with powerful V6 and V8 engines, robust 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and luxurious comfort. It excels in both spirited driving and family hauling, offering a truly premium experience for those seeking capability and refinement.

When it comes to SUVs that blend robust capability with uncompromised luxury, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has long been a benchmark. For 2016, this full-size luxury SUV continued its legacy, offering a compelling package for discerning drivers. Many enthusiasts wonder how this substantial vehicle handles, particularly when pushed a little. Is it a lumbering giant, or does it possess a hidden agility?

We embarked on a comprehensive road test of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class to answer these questions. Our goal was to dive deep into its performance characteristics, exploring everything from its powertrain and handling dynamics to its off-road prowess and overall driving experience. We wanted to see if the GL-Class truly delivers on its promise of ultimate performance, even for a vehicle of its size.

This deep dive will cover what makes the 2016 GL-Class a standout, from its engine options and transmission to how it feels on the open road and even when venturing off the beaten path. Prepare to understand the full scope of its capabilities.

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2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: A Snapshot of Performance

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is designed for those who demand space, luxury, and performance. It’s built on a foundation that offers both a commanding presence and surprising agility for its size. This model year saw the GL-Class positioned as a top-tier choice in the large luxury SUV segment.

At its heart, the GL-Class is about delivering a premium experience that doesn’t shy away from demanding tasks. Whether it’s a long road trip, hauling a full complement of passengers and gear, or navigating challenging weather conditions, the GL-Class aims to do it with effortless grace and authority.

Key Performance Pillars:

Powertrain Options: The GL-Class offered engines that provided ample power for its substantial weight.
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive: Standard across the lineup, this system is crucial for confidence in various driving conditions.
AIRMATIC Suspension: This adaptive air suspension system plays a vital role in ride comfort and handling.
Towing and Hauling: While not its primary focus for many, its capabilities are significant.

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Engine Lineup: Powering the 2016 GL-Class

The heart of any performance vehicle is its engine, and the 2016 GL-Class offered compelling options that catered to different tastes and needs. Each engine was designed to provide smooth, authoritative power delivery, befitting a luxury SUV.

GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC: The Efficient Powerhouse

The entry into the GL-Class range for 2016 was the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC. This model featured a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine. While “diesel” might conjure images of rugged trucks, Mercedes-Benz engineered this unit for refined power and impressive torque.

Engine: 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel
Horsepower: 240 hp
Torque: 455 lb-ft
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Towing Capacity: Up to 7,500 lbs

The significant torque output from the diesel engine made it exceptionally strong for acceleration from a standstill and for effortless highway cruising, requiring fewer downshifts from the transmission. This engine provided a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, especially for a vehicle of its size.

GL 450 4MATIC: The Balanced Performer

Stepping up, the GL 450 4MATIC featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine. This provided a more traditional gasoline-powered experience with brisk acceleration and a smooth, refined power band.

Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
Horsepower: 362 hp
Torque: 406 lb-ft
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Towing Capacity: Up to 7,500 lbs

This engine offered a noticeable increase in horsepower over the diesel, making the GL 450 feel more responsive and sprightly. It was an excellent choice for those who preferred the immediate engagement of a gasoline engine.

GL 550 4MATIC: Unleashing V8 Power

For those seeking outright power and a more visceral driving experience, the GL 550 4MATIC was equipped with a potent twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 engine. This was where “ultimate performance” started to truly shine within the standard GL range.

Engine: 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8
Horsepower: 429 hp
Torque: 489 lb-ft
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Towing Capacity: Up to 7,500 lbs

The V8 in the GL 550 provided substantial acceleration, making highway merging and overtaking a breeze. The torque was immense, allowing for effortless forward momentum at any speed. This engine transformed the GL-Class from a capable cruiser into a genuinely quick luxury SUV.

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Drivetrain and Handling: The 2016 GL-Class on the Road

A powerful engine is only part of the performance equation. How the 2016 GL-Class translated that power to the pavement, and how it handled corners and varying road surfaces, was a critical aspect of our road test.

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive: The Foundation of Grip

Standard on all 2016 GL-Class models was Mercedes-Benz’s renowned 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. This intelligent system permanently distributes drive torque between the front and rear axles. This ensures optimal traction under all driving conditions.

Benefits of 4MATIC:
Enhanced Traction: Especially in wet, snowy, or icy conditions.
Improved Stability: During acceleration and cornering.
Confident Handling: Reduces the likelihood of wheel slip.

During our testing, the 4MATIC system proved its worth. Whether accelerating from a stop on slick pavement or navigating winding roads, the system worked subtly to maintain grip, instilling a sense of confidence. It’s a key component in making this large SUV feel secure and capable.

AIRMATIC Air Suspension: Comfort Meets Control

The 2016 GL-Class came equipped with AIRMATIC air suspension, a significant contributor to its dual nature of luxury comfort and athletic capability. This system allows the vehicle’s ride height and damping characteristics to be automatically adjusted.

How AIRMATIC Works: Sensors monitor road conditions and vehicle load, adjusting the air springs and dampers accordingly.
Key Features:
Variable Ride Height: The vehicle can be lowered for easier entry/exit and loading, or raised for increased ground clearance when off-road.
Adaptive Damping: The suspension stiffens or softens based on driving conditions and selected drive mode.
Comfort Orientation: It provides a plush, isolated ride that the Mercedes-Benz brand is known for.

On the highway, the AIRMATIC suspension soaked up imperfections with remarkable ease, creating a serene cabin environment. On twisty roads, when pushing the GL-Class, the system adapted to keep the body roll in check, lending a surprising degree of composure. While it’s not a sports car, the AIRMATIC system made the GL-Class far more engaging to drive than its size might suggest.

Steering and Braking: Precise Control

The GL-Class featured speed-sensitive power steering, which offered lighter effort at low speeds for easy maneuvering and a more substantial, connected feel at higher speeds. This balance is crucial for a vehicle of this stature.

The braking system on the GL-Class consisted of large, power-assisted disc brakes, providing ample stopping power for the vehicle’s weight. During our tests, the brakes felt strong and progressive, offering confidence during both everyday driving and more demanding situations.

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On-Road Performance Characteristics

Our road test focused on how the 2016 GL-Class performed across various common driving scenarios, highlighting its blend of luxury and capability.

Highway Cruising: Effortless Domination

The GL-Class truly shines on the open highway. The combination of the powerful engines, the smooth-shifting 7-speed transmission, the quiet cabin, and the adaptive AIRMATIC suspension creates an experience of effortless cruising.

Quiet Cabin: Wind and road noise are exceptionally well-managed, thanks to aerodynamic design and sound insulation.
Stable Ride: The long wheelbase and sophisticated suspension ensure a stable, planted feel, even at high speeds or in crosswinds.
Effortless Overtakes: The ample torque, particularly from the V8 and diesel engines, means passing slower traffic is a quick and confident maneuver.

The 7-speed automatic transmission deserves praise for its seamless shifts, often imperceptible. This contributes significantly to the luxurious feel. Drivers can select different modes (e.g., Comfort, Sport) via the COMAND system, which alters throttle response and transmission shift points to suit the desired driving style.

City Driving: Agile for its Class

Given its substantial dimensions, one might expect the GL-Class to feel cumbersome in urban environments. However, several factors make it surprisingly manageable.

Maneuverability: The speed-sensitive steering lightens up at lower speeds, making parking and navigating tight streets less of a chore.
Visibility: The elevated driving position provides an excellent command of the road and surrounding traffic.
Parking Aids: Features like the rearview camera and optional surround-view camera system are invaluable for precision parking.

The GL 550, with its V8, offers brisk acceleration for stop-and-gol traffic, while the GL 350’s diesel torque provides smooth, easy pull-offs. The AIRMATIC suspension also does a commendable job of smoothing out the uneven surfaces often found in city driving.

Spirited Driving: Surprising Composure

While not designed as a track-day vehicle, the 2016 GL-Class can handle enthusiastic driving with impressive competence.

Body Control: The AIRMATIC suspension, especially in Sport mode, significantly reduces body roll during cornering.
Grip: The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system provides tenacious grip, allowing drivers to carry speed through turns with confidence.
Responsive Steering: The steering provides good feedback and precise turn-in for a vehicle of this size.

It’s important to remember the GL-Class’s weight; pushing too hard will inevitably reveal its mass. However, for a large luxury SUV, its ability to feel stable and controlled when being driven more assertively is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s engineering.

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Off-Road Capability: Beyond the Pavement

While most GL-Class models will spend their lives on asphalt, their robust construction and advanced systems equip them for moderate off-road excursions.

Standard 4MATIC and AIRMATIC

The foundation of the GL-Class’s off-road potential lies in its standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system coupled with the AIRMATIC suspension.

Traction: 4MATIC’s ability to distribute power to the wheels with the most grip is crucial when traversing uneven or slippery terrain.
Ground Clearance: The AIRMATIC suspension can be raised to increase ground clearance, helping to clear obstacles. This is a significant advantage over SUVs with fixed suspensions.

Optional Off-Road Engineering Package

For those who intended to venture further off the beaten path, an optional Off-Road Engineering package was available on some GL-Class models. This package typically included:

Low-Range Gearbox: Essential for controlling descent on steep grades and providing extra torque for crawling over tough terrain.
Locking Differentials: Enhanced capability for distributing power to wheels that maintain traction.
Underbody Protection: Shielding vital components from damage.

While the standard GL Class is more than capable of handling dirt roads, snow, and light trails, the optional package transforms it into a more formidable off-road machine, capable of tackling more challenging environments. For reference, Mercedes-Benz’s own owner’s manual provides detailed guidance on vehicle operation and maintenance for various conditions.

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Fuel Efficiency and Towing

While performance is a key focus, practical considerations like fuel economy and towing capacity are also important for this class of vehicle.

Fuel Economy Ratings

Fuel efficiency varies significantly based on engine choice and driving conditions. The EPA estimates for the 2016 model year provide a good benchmark:

| Model | Engine | City (MPG) | Highway (MPG) | Combined (MPG) |
| :———— | :————————– | :——— | :———— | :————- |
| GL 350 BlueTEC | 3.0L V6 Turbodiesel | 19 | 26 | 21 |
| GL 450 | 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Gasoline | 17 | 21 | 19 |
| GL 550 | 4.6L Twin-Turbo V8 Gasoline | 13 | 18 | 15 |

Note: Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle maintenance.

As expected, the diesel GL 350 BlueTEC offered the best fuel economy, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing efficiency during long journeys. The V8-powered GL 550, while offering the most performance, naturally consumed the most fuel.

Towing Capacity

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, when properly equipped with the available trailer hitch, boasts a robust towing capacity. All engine variants can tow up to 7,500 pounds. This class-leading capacity makes it suitable for towing large trailers, horse trailers, or smaller boats.

The ample torque, combined with the stable chassis and 4MATIC system, ensures safe and controlled towing. The trailer stability assist system, often integrated with the electronic stability program, further enhances confidence when pulling a load.

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Interior and Technology

While this article focuses on performance, it’s impossible to discuss the GL-Class without acknowledging its luxurious interior and advanced technology, which complement the driving experience.

The cabin is a sanctuary of premium materials, comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, and meticulous build quality. Soft-touch surfaces, fine leather, and tasteful wood or aluminum accents abound. The design is ergonomic and intuitive, with primary controls falling easily to hand.

Key technological features that contribute to the driving experience and overall luxury include:

COMAND Infotainment System: A central display controlling navigation, audio, climate, and vehicle settings.
Premium Sound System: High-quality audio from brands like Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen (depending on package).
Advanced Safety Features: Available adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more, enhancing both safety and driver comfort on long journeys.
Multi-Zone Climate Control: Ensuring all occupants remain comfortable.

These elements combine to create an environment where performance can be enjoyed in supreme comfort and with peace of mind.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)