Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class lineup starts with the GL 320 BlueTEC and GL 350 BlueTEC, the diesel models built around long-distance range and strong low-speed pulling power. The GL 450 is the all-around gasoline model, balancing confident power with seven-seat family comfort. The GL 550 moves into V8 luxury with a richer cabin and more comfort equipment. The GL 63 AMG is the performance branch, combining three-row usefulness with much stronger acceleration, sportier handling, and a louder exhaust note.
The Diesel trim level—GL 320 BLUETEC, GL 350 BLUETEC, and GL 350 BLUETEC 4MATIC—is the long-range GL, pairing seven-seat luxury with relaxed, torque-rich diesel power.
Best for: Long-distance drivers, road-tripping families, and buyers who value pulling power over quick acceleration.
Highlights
The Core Model trim level—GL 450 and GL 450 4MATIC—is the mainstream gasoline GL, known for smooth power, a quiet ride, and well-rounded family luxury.
Best for: Families wanting the familiar GL-Class experience without the diesel focus or the richer V8 equipment.
Highlights
Compared with the Diesel level, the GL 450 trades some fuel economy and low-speed pulling power for quicker, more responsive gasoline performance.
6 in stock
The Premium Luxury trim level—GL 550 and GL 550 4MATIC—is the richer V8 GL, adding effortless power and more comfort-focused equipment to the same three-row layout.
Best for: Buyers who want a more powerful, more richly equipped GL without the sportier AMG personality.
Highlights
Over the Core Model, the GL 550 adds V8 power, adaptive suspension damping, richer front-seat comfort, and upscale convenience features; later versions also brought blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist.
3 in stock
The Performance trim level—GL 63 AMG—is the muscle SUV of the lineup, keeping seven-passenger usefulness while adding serious AMG power, sound, and handling hardware.
Best for: Drivers who need three rows but still want forceful acceleration, a sportier feel, and a more aggressive character.
Highlights
Over the Premium Luxury level, the GL 63 AMG adds a 550-hp engine, rear-biased all-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspension, stronger brakes, a sport exhaust, and more supportive front seats.
2 in stock| Feature | Diesel | Core Model | Performance | Premium Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | GL 320 BLUETEC, GL 350 BLUETEC, GL 350 BLUETEC 4MATIC0 in stock | GL 450, GL 450 4MATIC6 in stock | GL 63 AMG2 in stock | GL 550, GL 550 4MATIC3 in stock |
| Powertrain across the years | 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 | Gas V8 earlier; twin-turbo V6 later | 5.5L twin-turbo AMG V8 | Gas V8; twin-turbo V8 later |
| End-of-run output | 240 hp; 455 lb-ft | 362 hp; 369 lb-ft | 550 hp; 560 lb-ft | 429 hp; 516 lb-ft |
| End-of-run city/highway MPG | 19 / 26 mpg | 17 / 21 mpg | 13 / 17 mpg | 13 / 18 mpg |
| Suspension character | Self-leveling air suspension | Self-leveling air suspension | Sport-tuned air suspension with curve control | Air suspension with adaptive dampers |
| Front-seat emphasis | Heated power seats | Heated power seats | Bolstered sport seats | Extra comfort; later multicontour seats |
Across the used GL-Class years covered here, the main versions are the diesel GL 320 or GL 350 BlueTEC, the core gasoline GL 450, the richer V8-powered GL 550, and the performance-focused GL 63 AMG. The AMG joined the lineup with the 2013 redesign.
BlueTEC identifies the diesel GL-Class. These models use a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 and focus on longer highway range, lower fuel use, and strong pulling power. They retain the same seven-seat layout, all-wheel drive, and air suspension as the gasoline models.
4MATIC is Mercedes-Benz’s name for all-wheel drive. It is not a separate luxury or performance level. GL-Class models in the years covered here use all-wheel drive to provide added traction in poor weather and on loose surfaces.
They are diesel versions from different eras. The GL 320 BlueTEC replaced the earlier GL 320 CDI for 2009. It was renamed GL 350 BlueTEC for 2010 and received a small torque increase, while keeping the same basic three-row diesel role.
The GL 350 BlueTEC prioritizes range, lower fuel use, and strong low-speed pulling with a diesel V6. The GL 450 uses gasoline power and feels quicker and smoother. Both retain seven seats, all-wheel drive, air suspension, and a power-folding third row.
No. Earlier GL 450 models use a gasoline V8, while later models from 2015 use a 362-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. The trim’s place in the range stays similar: it is the all-around gasoline model between the diesel and the more lavish GL 550.
The GL 550 is the stronger and more richly equipped luxury version. On later X166 models, it has a 429-hp twin-turbo V8, while the later GL 450 uses a 362-hp twin-turbo V6. The GL 550 also adds more comfort and driver-assistance equipment as standard.
The GL 550 emphasizes effortless V8 power and luxury, while the GL 63 AMG is tuned for speed and a sportier feel. The AMG uses a 550-hp V8, firmer performance suspension tuning, stronger brakes, a sport exhaust, and all-wheel drive that sends more power toward the rear.
On later X166 models, the GL 550 adds massage-capable front seats with adjustable side supports, soft-close doors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and suspension dampers that adjust their firmness. Equipment varies by era, so the individual vehicle still matters.
Since its 2013 introduction, the GL 63 AMG adds a 550-hp twin-turbo V8, performance-focused all-wheel drive, sport-tuned air suspension, a louder AMG exhaust, upgraded brakes, more supportive front seats, and AMG-specific cabin and exterior details.
The GL 450 is the all-around gasoline choice. It keeps the seven-seat cabin, all-wheel drive, air suspension, power-folding third row, and power liftgate, while avoiding the diesel focus of the GL 350 and the more aggressive character of the V8 models.
Pick the GL 320 or GL 350 BlueTEC for long highway trips, lower fuel use, and relaxed towing pull. Pick the GL 450 for smoother gasoline performance. The GL 550 and GL 63 AMG make more sense when strong V8 acceleration matters more than fuel use.
The GL 350 BlueTEC is the range-focused road-trip and towing choice. Its turbo-diesel V6 delivers strong low-speed pull and uses less fuel than the gasoline versions, while retaining the GL’s seven seats, all-wheel drive, air suspension, and family-friendly cargo space.