2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is standard LED daytime running lamps across the lineup. Minor cabin tweaks aside, this is a light update in the final year before the fully redesigned 2013 model.
About the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
First generation, final year before the all-new 2013 redesign.
The GL-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s full-size three-row luxury SUV for families who need real passenger space, strong towing ability, and all-weather confidence without giving up a polished road feel. Mercedes markets it as a roomy seven-seat SUV with safety leadership, useful technology, and unusually calm manners for something this large. Versus truck-based rivals, its big draw is that it feels more like a luxury vehicle on pavement while still offering serious utility.
The 2012 GL-Class is a seven-seat luxury SUV offered in three distinct versions. The GL 350 BlueTEC emphasizes diesel efficiency and long-distance driving, the GL 450 pairs family-friendly utility with V8 power, and the GL 550 adds the strongest V8, leather, navigation, premium audio, and a sport setting for its air suspension.
What changed, by category
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.6 Liter | V8, 5.5 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter |
| 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 | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| 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 Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Standard LED daytime running lamps are the biggest change for 2012. The rest of the GL-Class received only minor cabin tweaks, with no major redesign or powertrain overhaul.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class a redesigned model?
No, the 2012 GL-Class is not a redesign. It is the final model year of the first generation, followed by a fully redesigned GL-Class for 2013.
Did the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class get new engines?
No, the 2012 GL-Class had no lineup-wide powertrain change. It continued with a turbo-diesel V6 in the GL 350 BlueTEC and V8 engines in the GL 450 and GL 550.
Was the GL 350 diesel discontinued for 2012?
No, the diesel GL 350 continued for 2012. Its trim name changed from GL 350 BLUETEC 4MATIC to GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, but this was a rename rather than a different model replacing it.
Is the 2012 GL-Class meaningfully different from the 2011 model?
No, the differences are small. The 2012 model adds standard LED daytime running lamps and minor cabin tweaks, but its engines, basic structure, and overall design largely carry over.