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2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is largely a carryover, with only minor equipment changes on the GL 350 and GL 450. Steering-wheel tilt adjustment became standard on those trims, while their smartphone-integration feature moved from standard to optional.
About the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
2nd generation X166 GL-Class (2013-2016), final GL-Class model year before the 2017 rename and light refresh to GLS.
Mercedes-Benz positioned the GL-Class as a full-size luxury SUV that gives genuine three-row space, first-class comfort for all seven passengers, and more carlike road manners than truck-based rivals. Its appeal is breadth rather than one headline gimmick: air-suspension ride comfort, strong towing ability, a polished cabin, and a wide engine spread from a torque-rich diesel to AMG V8 power. For most shoppers, the GL is the family-sized Mercedes SUV built to do road trips, towing, and daily duty without giving up premium feel.
The 2016 GL-Class is a seven-seat luxury SUV ranging from the long-distance-focused GL 350 diesel and all-around GL 450 to the more richly equipped GL 550. The GL 63 AMG is the performance model, pairing a 550-hp twin-turbo V8 with sport-tuned air suspension while retaining three-row seating.
What changed, by category
Tech
On the GL 350 BlueTEC and GL 450, steering-wheel tilt adjustment changed from optional to standard, while the smartphone-integration feature changed from standard to optional. There were no broader infotainment or hardware updates.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5L | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0L | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.7L | V6, Turbo Dsl, 3.0L |
| Transmission | Auto 7Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT+ | 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 | 17 mpg | 13 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 17 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 550 hp | 362 hp | 429 hp | 240 hp |
| Torque | 560 lb-ft | 369 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 | ||||
| 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
Did the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class change much from 2015?
No. The 2016 GL-Class is mostly unchanged from 2015, aside from minor equipment packaging changes on the GL 350 BlueTEC and GL 450. The engines, styling, structure, and major cabin technology carried over.
What equipment changed on the 2016 GL 350 BlueTEC and GL 450?
Steering-wheel tilt adjustment became standard on the 2016 GL 350 BlueTEC and GL 450, while their smartphone-integration feature moved from standard equipment to an option.
Did the 2016 GL-Class get new engines or transmissions?
No. The 2016 GL-Class retained the prior year’s diesel V6, gas V6, V8, and AMG V8 lineup, all paired with seven-speed automatic transmissions.
Is the 2016 GL-Class the same vehicle as the 2017 GLS?
The 2016 GL-Class is the final model year before Mercedes-Benz renamed the model GLS for 2017. The 2017 GLS also received refreshed styling, interface updates, and transmission changes, so the switch involved more than a new badge.
Did the 2016 GL-Class receive a styling refresh?
No. The 2016 GL-Class kept the same basic exterior styling as 2015. The visible front- and rear-end refresh arrived for 2017 with the GLS name.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
4.4
2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
(65 reviews)
“Satisfied with the GL450. I do think traditional shifter re transmission will result in lower maintenance costs over time.”
“This vehicle was purchased to meet a particular need - to provide necessary cargo space for family outings and driving sheepdogs about town. Am very happy with preformance to date and am looking forward to extended trips using this vehicle.”