Mercedes-Benz GL 2009–2012 car dimensions: 5099 mm long, 1920 mm wide and 1840 mm high. Unladen weight is 2,430 kg. Braked towing is 3,500 kg.
The cabin seats seven with dual-zone climate control standard and multi-zone available on higher grades. Cruise control is standard. COMAND provides a 6.5-inch colour display for audio and optional navigation. PARKTRONIC front and rear sensors plus a reversing camera are optional or standard on top grades. Blind Spot Assist is optional or standard on GL 550. Pre-Safe collision preparation is standard.
Boot space starts at 620 litres behind the third row and expands to 2300 litres with second and third rows folded flat. Power-folding third-row seats aid loading.
Braked towing capacity reaches 3500 kg with unbraked at 750 kg. Payload sits near 750 kg depending on specification. AIRMATIC air suspension is standard and self-levels under load.
Trailer Stability Assist is standard to help control sway. An optional Class IV hitch supports the rated capacity for work or leisure trailers.
The cabin seats seven with three rows of roomy accommodations and power-folding third-row seats. Front seats are 8-way power adjustable with heated surfaces standard and driver lumbar support. Multicontour seats with adjustable bolsters come on higher grades or as options. Dual sunroofs give an open view including to the third row, while dual-zone climate control (3-zone optional) and available ventilated fronts plus heated rears keep passengers comfortable. AIRMATIC air suspension smooths the ride and the interior uses wood trim with leather or MB-Tex upholstery for a quiet, supportive feel on long trips.
Diesel BlueTEC models offer higher highway range than gas V8s on a full tank.
Standard safety includes nine airbags covering all three rows plus PRE-SAFE.
ESP, Brake Assist, NECK-PRO active head restraints and 4MATIC are standard.
AIRMATIC air suspension is standard across the range.
New-vehicle warranty covers 4 years/50,000 miles with roadside assistance.
Fuel use varies by engine. The clean-diesel BlueTEC V6 is rated for better highway efficiency and longer range per tank than the gasoline V8s, which need premium fuel. BlueTEC models support B5 biodiesel and use AdBlue for emissions control.
Servicing follows the ASSYST system with oil and filter changes typically around the 10,000-15,000 mile or annual mark depending on conditions and engine. Brake fluid is renewed on a time basis. Air suspension, 7-speed automatic and 4MATIC need regular checks to stay reliable.
Safety kit centers on nine airbags with curtain coverage for every row, PRE-SAFE that pre-tensions belts and closes windows when a crash is likely, plus ESP, traction control, Brake Assist and active front head restraints.
Living with the GL means watching AIRMATIC components, transmission fluid and diesel-specific items like injectors or AdBlue on higher-mileage examples. Keep up with the service indicator and address common wear items early for continued comfort and capability.
Length 5099 mm, Width 1920 mm, Height 1840 mm, Wheelbase 3075 mm (GL 2009–2012)
Sources: manufacturer data, Mercedes-Benz X164 Owner's Manual 2009, auto-data.net and vehiclesizes.com/automoli, 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class brochure.