In general, the materials quality and construction are top-notch. Though the standard MB-Tex vinyl upholstery on G元50 and GL450 models does seem a bit low-budget for a vehicle at this price, you'd probably be hard-pressed to tell it apart from the real leather of some other brands. One key to the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class's appeal is its cabin.

In Edmunds brake testing, all non-AMG GL-Class models came to a stop from 60 mph in around 115 feet, an exceptionally short distance for such a heavy vehicle with all-season tires. The optional Driver Assistance package (standard on GL 63) adds collision mitigation with automatic braking and 'active' blind spot and lane-keeping assist systems that can automatically guide the car back into its lane if the driver fails to heed their warnings. The available Lane Tracking package (standard on GL550, optional on G元50 and GL450) monitors blind spots and lane-drifting and alerts the driver by vibrating the wheel or emitting a beep. A five-year subscription to mbrace is standard on all GL-Class models, with optional subscription upgrades available that include perks like a 24-hour personal VIP service. Also standard are a rearview camera and the mbrace2 communications system that includes automatic collision notification, an SOS button, stolen vehicle location, geo-fencing, alarm notification and remote door lock/unlock. Standard safety features on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, automatic crosswind stabilization, trailer stability assist, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, active front head restraints, a forward collision warning system and a driver attention/drowsiness monitor. Properly equipped, all GL-Class models can tow a maximum of 7,500 pounds. According to Mercedes, this AMG variant will go from zero to 60 in an absurd 4.8 seconds. EPA fuel economy numbers are dismal at 14 mpg combined (13 city/17 highway). It has an AMG-tuned seven-speed automatic. Last, but certainly not least, is the GL 63 AMG, which features a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 rated at 550 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy checks in at just 15 mpg combined (13 city/18 highway). In Edmunds testing, it hit 60 mph in a blazing 5.4 seconds. The GL550 is propelled by a twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 that pumps out 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Like the GL's other gasoline engines, the V6 includes an automated stop-start system, but fuel economy is unremarkable at 19 mpg combined (17 city/21 highway). Mercedes estimates it will go from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, putting it mid-pack in terms of quickness. The GL450 gets a gasoline-fueled 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy is very good, though, at 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway). In Edmunds performance tests, the G元50 went from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, a slow time compared to other vehicles in this segment.

Like every other GL-Class model, it features a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz G元50 Bluetec is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 engine rated at 240 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. Notably, we picked the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class as one of Edmunds' Best Used Luxury SUVs for 2016. All of these competitors are classy and capable, but it's hard to beat the Edmunds 'A' rated 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class if you're looking for a large luxury SUV that does it all. There's also the aging Lexus LX 570, which remains a contender if off-road prowess is a high priority. You could also check out the Infiniti QX80 it has attitude to spare but falls a bit short on refinement and interior capacity. The Land Rover LR4 has serious off-road credentials and nearly matches the GL-Class for total space, while undercutting it on price. The GL-Class does face some competition at the top. Few vehicles at any price pack this much luxury and functionality into a single package. The available engines range from a fuel-efficient diesel V6 to a pair of muscular gasoline V8s. Materials quality, fit and finish, technology and safety features are all at the top of the class. All-wheel drive is standard on all GL-Class models, as is plenty of ground clearance for the occasional off-road adventure. But if you have the means, the GL-Class is a most tempting lifestyle choice. Of course, there are plenty of family-friendly options that are more affordable than the GL-Class. Ever since the current GL's latest redesign a few years back, its rivals have been scrambling to keep up. Mercedes has been getting the little things right for a long time, and this holds true for the company's largest and most versatile SUV, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. It's the solid click as the door closes, or the subtle heft to a button or a knob that lets you know corners weren't cut. It's the little things that make top-tier luxury vehicles special.

New mercedes models 2016