“We love this family SUV. Just beware it is a diesel engine, you might hit some issues (DPF) down the road but other than that it is rock-solid, comfortable and provides the best ride quality you can find for the money. Oh, and fuel economy too!”
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important 2014 change is that automatic emergency braking became standard on the GL 350, GL 450, and GL 550. Otherwise, this is a light update to the second-generation GL-Class, with a few technology and GL 550 styling changes but no redesign or new engines.
About the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Second-generation GL-Class (X166), introduced for 2013; 2014 is the second model year of that generation, before the 2016 rename and refresh to GLS.
Mercedes-Benz positions the GL-Class as a full-size luxury family SUV that does not ask buyers to give up comfort, safety, or road manners just because they need three rows. The core pitch is room for seven adults, a quieter and more polished drive than truck-based rivals, and a broad powertrain range that runs from long-range diesel efficiency to AMG performance. It is the brand’s big road-trip SUV first, with real cargo flexibility and advanced safety tech as major selling points.
For 2014, the GL 350 BlueTEC serves as the long-distance diesel model, while the GL 450 is the mainstream gas V8 version. The GL 550 adds navigation, leather, ventilated multicontour front seats, and a surround-view camera; the GL 63 AMG pairs seven-seat utility with a handcrafted 550-hp V8 and AMG-tuned air suspension.
What changed, by category
Safety
Automatic emergency braking changed from optional to standard on the GL 350 BlueTEC, GL 450, and GL 550.
Tech
The GL 550’s 360-degree surround-view camera changed from optional to standard. An optional split-view infotainment display also arrived, and the Premium 1 package gained heated and cooled cupholders.
Styling
The GL 550 received a more aggressive exterior treatment with flared wheel-arch surfacing, deeper front and rear bumper styling, and exposed exhaust outlets.
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto 7-Spd AMG SpdShft | Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode | Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode | Auto, 7-Spd Manual Mode |
| 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 | 516 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 | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| 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
What changed on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class compared with 2013?
Automatic emergency braking became standard on the GL 350 BlueTEC, GL 450, and GL 550 for 2014. The GL 550 also gained a standard surround-view camera and revised exterior details, while a split-view display and heated and cooled cupholders joined the options list.
Was the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class redesigned?
No, the 2014 GL-Class was not redesigned. It remained the second model year of the X166 generation introduced for 2013, with the same basic body, air-suspension design, three-row layout, and standard all-wheel drive.
Did the 2014 GL-Class get new engines?
No, the 2014 GL-Class carried over its existing engines and seven-speed automatic transmissions. The range continued with the GL 350 BlueTEC diesel, the GL 450 and GL 550 gas V8 models, and the high-performance GL 63 AMG V8.
What changed on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL 550?
The 2014 GL 550 gained a standard 360-degree surround-view camera and revised exterior styling. Its new visual details included flared wheel-arch surfacing, deeper front and rear bumpers, and exposed exhaust outlets; automatic emergency braking also became standard.
Is the 2014 GL-Class meaningfully different from the 2013 model?
Only slightly. The 2014 model added useful safety and technology equipment and gave the GL 550 a modest visual update, but its engines, basic structure, air suspension, all-wheel drive, and seven-seat layout carried over.
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
3.7
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
(6 reviews)
“The GL 450 is exactly what my family needed. Plenty of room for people and pets. The ride is wonderful and the vehicle is quite powerful. We took it skiing a few weeks ago and it handled snow and ice really well. Definitely a step up from my older ML350. Loving the car so far.”