2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is an all-new second-generation model, making this a major change year. The redesign brings a roomier cabin, revised engines, more standard safety and convenience features, and the first GL63 AMG.
About the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
2nd generation (X166), first year
Mercedes-Benz positions the GL-Class as a full-size, seven-passenger luxury SUV that delivers sedan-like comfort without giving up real family usefulness. The big selling points are an adult-friendly third row, strong towing ability, standard all-wheel drive, air suspension, and a quieter, more polished driving experience than truck-based luxury SUVs. In plain terms, this is the GL for shoppers who want S-Class-style comfort and safety themes in a three-row SUV body.
The GL350 BlueTEC is the long-distance diesel model, while the GL450 serves as the core V8 family SUV. The GL550 adds features such as navigation, premium audio, and adaptive suspension, and the new seven-seat GL63 AMG tops the range with a 550-hp twin-turbo V8 and performance-focused suspension and brakes.
What changed, by category
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5L | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6L | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6L | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic | Auto, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 14 mpg | 13 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 17 mpg | 19 mpg | 18 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 550 hp | 362 hp | 429 hp | 240 hp |
| Torque | 560 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 455 lb-ft | |
| Max Towing | 7500 lb | 7500 lb | 7500 lb | 7500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 93.8 cu-ft | 93.8 cu-ft | 93.8 cu-ft | 93.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in | 35 in | 35 in | 35 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||
| 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
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class a redesign?
Yes. The 2013 GL-Class begins the second generation with a larger body, more passenger and cargo room, revised engines, and additional standard safety and convenience features.
Did the 2013 GL-Class add a GL63 AMG model?
Yes. The GL63 AMG joins the lineup for 2013 with seven seats, a 550-hp twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, rear-biased all-wheel drive, performance-focused air suspension, active anti-roll bars, and upgraded brakes.
How did the 2013 GL-Class engines change from 2012?
All three returning models gain stronger engines. The GL350 BlueTEC diesel rises to 240 hp, the GL450 gets a 362-hp twin-turbo V8, and the GL550 receives a 429-hp twin-turbo V8 in place of its previous 5.5-liter engine.
Is the 2013 GL-Class roomier than the 2012 model?
Yes. The 2013 redesign increases rear legroom from 34.2 to 35 inches and maximum cargo capacity from 83.3 to 93.8 cubic feet. It also adds a standard power-folding third row and easier third-row access.
What safety features became standard on the 2013 GL-Class?
The 2013 GL-Class gains standard Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist, Crosswind Stabilization, and a rearview camera with active parking guidelines. The camera had previously been optional on the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450.