2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is the addition of Blind Spot Assist. This is otherwise a light update, with the engines, suspension, and seven-seat layout carrying over.
About the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
1st generation GL-Class (X164, 2007-2012); 2011 is a late-cycle year after the 2010 refresh and before the lightly updated 2012 final year.
Mercedes-Benz positions the GL-Class as more than a full-size SUV: a seven-passenger luxury family vehicle with genuine towing strength and all-weather confidence. Its core appeal is the mix of roomy three-row seating, a smoother ride than truck-based SUVs, strong safety engineering, and standard 4MATIC traction. Against rivals, the GL aims to feel more polished on pavement while still offering useful towing capacity and enough off-pavement hardware for snow, dirt roads, and family road-trip duty.
The GL350 BlueTEC is the diesel model, pairing long-range efficiency with standard all-wheel drive, air suspension, and seven seats. The GL450 is the middle model with a 4.6-liter V8, while the GL550 combines the strongest V8 with navigation, premium audio, ventilated leather front seats, and parking sensors. All three have a power-folding third row.
What changed, by category
2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.6 Liter | V8, 5.5 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 7-Spd Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Diesel |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 12 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 382 hp | 210 hp |
| Torque | 339 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7500 lb | 7500 lb | 7500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 83.3 cu-ft | 83.3 cu-ft | 83.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.2 in | 34.2 in | 34.2 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Hill Descent Control | |||
| Hill Start Assist | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Side Steps | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Front Seats | |||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Blind Spot Assist is the biggest change for 2011. It warns the driver when another vehicle is in an adjacent blind spot.
Which 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class trims have Blind Spot Assist?
Blind Spot Assist is standard on the 2011 GL550 and optional on the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450.
Did the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class engine lineup change?
No, the 2011 engine lineup carries over. It consists of a 3.0-liter diesel V6 in the GL350 BlueTEC, a 4.6-liter V8 in the GL450, and a 5.5-liter V8 in the GL550, all paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class meaningfully different from the 2010 model?
The differences are modest. The 2011 model adds Blind Spot Assist, revised rear head restraints, an inside-mirror compass, and a revised GL550 front bumper, but its engines, suspension, and seating layout remain essentially unchanged.
Did the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class trim names change for 2011?
Yes. Mercedes added the 4MATIC suffix to all three trim names, creating GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, GL450 4MATIC, and GL550 4MATIC. This was a naming change; all-wheel drive already continued across the lineup.