The 2016 Benz Gl, a luxury SUV that blends spaciousness with Mercedes-Benz’s renowned sophistication, offered a compelling package for families and individuals alike. This model year presented a range of options and features designed to cater to diverse needs and preferences, from fuel-efficient diesel variants to high-performance AMG models. Let’s explore the details that made the 2016 Benz GL a standout in its class.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Model Lineup
The 2016 GL-Class lineup provided several distinct models, each offering a unique powertrain and set of features. This allowed buyers to select a GL that precisely matched their requirements for performance, efficiency, and luxury.
GL350 Bluetec & GL450: Shared Features and Standard Equipment
The GL350 Bluetec, powered by a diesel turbocharged V6, and the GL450, equipped with a gasoline turbocharged V6, shared a significant amount of standard equipment and features. Both models rolled on 19-inch alloy wheels and incorporated a self-leveling air suspension for a smooth and comfortable ride. Exterior lighting was comprehensively addressed with automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights. Convenience features included a sunroof, automatic wipers, roof rails, rear privacy glass, power rear quarter-windows, and a power liftgate.
Inside, the cabin of both the GL350 and GL450 was appointed with dual-zone automatic climate control and “MB-Tex” premium vinyl upholstery. Heated eight-way power front seats, complete with four-way lumbar adjustment, ensured comfort for driver and passenger. A power-folding third-row seat added versatility, while a rear cargo area cover kept belongings concealed. The leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and genuine wood trim elevated the interior ambiance. Technologically, these models featured the COMAND interface controlled via a knob, a 7-inch central display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth for phone and audio, Mercedes mbrace2 emergency communications with smartphone app integration, a 115-volt household-style power outlet, and a sound system with CD/DVD player, HD radio, auxiliary audio jack, SD card reader, and a USB port.
GL550: Stepping Up in Luxury and Performance
Moving up to the GL550 brought a significant boost in power and additional luxury features as standard. It boasted a V8 engine and larger 21-inch alloy wheels. The suspension was enhanced with adaptive dampers for improved handling and ride control. Sporty exterior styling cues differentiated it visually, while soft-close doors added a touch of premium refinement. Inside, different wood trim and unique dashboard stitching further distinguished the GL550. Crucially, many features that were optional on the GL350 and GL450 were standard on the GL550, building upon the already well-equipped lower trims.
GL63 AMG: The High-Performance Pinnacle
For those seeking maximum performance, the GL63 AMG represented the pinnacle of the 2016 Benz GL range. It featured an even more potent V8 engine paired with a sport exhaust system. Exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels and a sport-tuned suspension emphasized its performance focus. Upgraded brakes provided enhanced stopping power, and adaptive stabilizer bars (Mercedes-Benz’s “Active Curve System”) further refined handling. AMG-specific styling elements both inside and out, enhanced bolstering for the front seats, upgraded “designo” leather upholstery, and a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel completed the transformation into a high-performance SUV.
Enhancing Your 2016 Benz GL: Optional Packages and Features
Beyond the standard equipment of each model, a range of optional packages and standalone features allowed buyers to personalize their 2016 Benz GL to an even greater degree.
The Premium package, available for the GL350 and GL450, added power-folding exterior mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming, keyless entry and ignition, power front head restraints, memory settings for the driver and front passenger seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, heated and cooled cupholders, illuminated door sills, multicolor ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system with real-time traffic, voice controls, 10GB of digital music storage, an iPod/media player interface, and satellite radio.
The Lighting package bundled adaptive bi-xenon headlights and automatic high beams for enhanced visibility. The Appearance package included 20-inch alloy wheels, lighted running boards, and chrome exhaust tips (GL450 only). For driver assistance features, the Lane Tracking package offered a blind-spot monitor and lane-keeping assist. The Parking Assist package added front and rear parking sensors, an automated parallel-parking system, and a surround-view camera system, simplifying parking maneuvers.
Further individual options included three-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a premium 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and “multicontour” front seats with massaging function and adjustable side bolsters and shoulder supports. Across the GL range (GL350, GL450, GL550), optional features extended to a panoramic sunroof, heated second-row seats, and the Driver Assistance package, encompassing adaptive cruise control and advanced safety technologies. The GL450 and GL550 could also be equipped with an On-/Off-Road package, which included a six-mode terrain selector, a two-speed transfer case, and front underbody protection; on the GL450, this package also added the GL550’s standard adaptive dampers.
Additionally, all 2016 Benz GL models could be optioned with a trailer hitch, an illuminated grille badge, a heated steering wheel, power-sliding second-row seats for easier third-row access, rear side window sunshades, a rear entertainment system, and a high-end 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system.
In conclusion, the 2016 Benz GL offered a comprehensive range of luxury SUVs, each with distinct characteristics and a wealth of available features and options. Whether prioritizing fuel efficiency, performance, or ultimate luxury, the 2016 GL-Class provided a compelling choice in the premium SUV segment.
