2013 Mercedes-Benz GL First Drive & Review

( www.TFLcar.com ) The new second generation of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL will be at your local dealership in the fall of this year. For 2013 Mercedes-Benz has completely revamped the model line including the V8 Mercedes-Benz GL 450, 550 and the diesel BlueTec 350. We recently had a chance to drive all three version of the GL in New Mexico both on and off-road and came away impressed by the list of luxury and safety items that are now both standard and available on the biggest 7 passenger luxury SUV in the Mercedes Benz lineup of new cars. Check out this first drive reviews we pul all three to the test.

[@TFLcar]

Yup, it never fails. Uniformed viewers who don't understand what high altitude does to horsepower always say we can't drive.

[@Irondiesel]

You should also add the test drivers don't get it either.

[@DrInQTel]

The issue of the V6 diesel is that it is a small turbocharged engine and he is running it at altitude in the mountains. The turbo should help compensate for thinner air but it needs to spin at a lot higher revolution before doing so. Thus the low end of the torque and power curve is skewed at altitude which shows as the engine lacking here while accelerating to 60. At sea level it ought to get to 60 mph in 8.5 not 11-12 seconds.

[@doubletapproductions]

Lucky! I hate how car companies keep cars from us!

[@blakkOpss]

THATS ACTUALLY AN ML

[@grimtiko]

in brazil it costs over $200k, thats very cheap!

[@mountainhobo]

You tested acceleration at 7000 feet elevation? Wow, I am surprised anyone takes you seriously.

[@nasirabdullatif]

U sound like a nerd/virgin (involuntary)

[@TFLcar]

We didn't have a chance to drive the GL 450 on a straight road that we could do a 0-60 MPH.

[@chinkyeyes86]

Great review as always guys!!! In regards to Mercedes, when a customer is paying $35k+ for any of their cars, things like HID headlights, premium heated/cooled leather seats, Nav and premium audio system should be standard equipment!!

[@chartedtravel]

not if you want the RELIABLITY of a MERCYDEATH

[@CarTestr]

How can this be a competitor to an Escalade (that is a re-badged Chevrolet)? The GL is a real car, not a car from a Xerox machine.

[@ianbenicio1035]

I guess it is kind of off topic but do anyone know a good place to watch newly released movies online ?

[@eggmantheegg2]

Honestly i like the 2012 GL350 Avantgard better then the 2013's. i like the front end on the 2012's much better, and i'm not quite sold on the rear of the 2013's either. 2012's are quite a bit cheaper too. saw a fully loaded GL350 in the MB showroom for 80K (in Canada), so like 76K US. And that was fully loaded...

[@MrTrainFrog]

The GL350d is for pulling, offroading and economy. The 450 and 550 is for 0-60 times and a faster accelration with alot of weight IN the car.

[@kenbina]

I prefer the bolder look of the previous model (2006-2012), but I think this newer model may be a better product overall.

[@kevinmsft]

I don't think you can completely disregard his comment. Your review could be equally misleading to the "un-informed" viewers you so seem to contempt. You claimed in the review that the car is "crazy slow" because you are on "uneven road, and air conditioner is on", but without mentioning the most important factor, the high altitude. I don't agree with shadimoney that you can't drive, but I think you could be a better reviewer.

[@Calimustang86]

this car isnt meant to sell for 20k. this is meant to be a LUXURY SUV. it isnt cheap because it isnt suppost to be. every single person who says that mercedes, and this car is a POS must have a shitty income. just because you cant afford one it doesnt mean ur 7 year old honda pilot is better. i cant wait for the GL63. mercedes benz is one of the best car companies on this planet, and have been for 126 years.

[@Illmatic662]

I've always said its not worth getting the V6 in these huge SUV's and it looks like I was right. If I buy one of these it must be a GL550.

[@arashn89]

I think you are referring to what Mercedes is saying regarding 0-60 times, those numbers are not acurate and no one on youtube has done proper testing to figure out 0-60, quarter mile, figure 8, braking etc etc... Iam sure motor trend will have a video out in the next 3-4 monts with real testing.

[@DrInQTel]

The biggest American SUV, well the GM suburban is a piece of junk and the Expedition isn't sold anymore. Had two GM suburbans and both died around 50K miles. GM V8 engines are pushrod junk. A DOHC rocks. A lot of the GL is available in a Durango. Mercedes engineered that and the GL/M class together.

[@bmwmsport11]

What is wrong with German cars now. The ML and GL has the same identical front end. The BMW 3,5,7 look very similar. The Audi a4's front end looks like a more expensive A6. What are the auto makers doing? Are they making a lower model look like their flagship? I liked how acouple years ago you can tell a GL from a ML. I thought the title was wrong for this vid it looked like a ML-class. Good video

[@OneOfOne]

leather is NOT standard. nor are most of the features you want in this vehicle. and its NOT much bigger if it is bigger at all than a JX. so stop lying and posting bullshit when youve likely never even seen either of these in person.

[@Calimustang86]

and that's just fine , wat u like is wat you shall have. I just don't think its fair to call a vehicle that's so brilliantly engineered a POS. People who go around driving highlanders and used Pt cruisers are usually at fault. Its hatership.

[@94navin]

a escalade is just a dressed up chevy tahoe that you pay over 30,000 extra and can't get push start or intelligent keyless entry also the benz will last a lifetime the escalade is beautiful but lease it b/c it is a trouble maker

[@Calimustang86]

I don't understand how it is a piece ofshit ? Its a perfectly nice well built vehiicle. Yes there are other nice ones like it for the same price. I'm not saying its the absolute best, I just don't see how its a POS?

[@ponypowertrucking]

I have a GL550 and I love my american made german beast

[@Moital1]

today diesel engines are almost as powerful as gasoline engines nbut diesel has more torque, in europe 60 or 70 percent of the cars are diesel. Do you fink that america will have more diesel cars ?

[@fordfool420]

Even more ironic turbo diesels are hardly affected by altitude because of forced induction and ur sitting the still trying to save face either way u should be promoting diesels

[@LachupacabraRO]

News for you...nobody buys this car for 0-60 time. Looks, comfort, technology, safety, value, space, brand, so on. Where is the review? A 12 year kid could do it better.

[@tbok75]

So why didn't we see this 11 inches of wheel travel? I can see someone trying to use this "offroading", and stretching the bags to failure tho... costly fix.

[@venom5809]

The 550 is the only one I would buy. It actually looks kind of mean and decent looking. If the new Range Rover comes with a 3rd row finally, this thing is dead.

[@Irondiesel]

The diesel in this SUV Blows. Stick to the gas engine. Test drove both, not even close.

[@vpkeremedchiev]

Q7 over the new GL? LOL Please man don't do the stupidest think anyone has ever done :DDD Get the GL! even the GL350 IT's amazing

[@ineway1121]

That's a good looking SUV, but just like any german manufacturer, it has to optioned like crazy to get anything you want.

[@dubx21]

The car looks great but I think I'll pass... But if I'm paying that much for options...then why not have a that car?

[@jackh5489]

Before flooring them, how about configuring the managment systems first?!

[@Egaknows]

well 1.5 sec for the bi-turbo seems a bit 2 much; for a turbo the altitude shouldn't make that big a diff....

[@Zikolondon]

I have GL 2015 just love it it's full specs very smooth and relax to drive doesn't fell big at all feels like salon car like S class

[@johnkironde]

Thanks for the review. Is it the diesel or petrol? Any complaints?

[@Zikolondon]

@@johnkironde petrol new engine 3.0L v6 biturbo 2014 had a different engine v8 4.7l i have done 750 miles per tank on motorway locally 450miles combined 550 miles

[@amaster97]

@soyntgo4it I'm not saying that this is a bargain but some people aspire for more than a Toyota Camry

[@Stilini03]

hmmm 12... my last gen does the advertised 8.. these guys must be at really high elevation.

[@DanteGonxhja]

It can't be 12 seconds, you guys did something wrong. Even the old GL350 isn't that slow.

[@tvreala8650]

🔥

[@smoshfan47]

WHAT, 62k to 97k r u kidding me, you can get a sclass or a ml63 for that money

[@chitown4life926]

Have the same car, it's really nice

[@nlsnestevez]

previous model looked better... now the back part looks more like a van.

[@afacantveglence2901]

alican abi bmw cekiminizi çok izliyorum ben antepliyim oraya gelsem bana yardımcı olurmusunuz

[@kcirreb94]

steering feel is like a mercedes because it is a mercedes..lol

[@priyagoldbrand266]

Reference : several interactions over phone with M/s T&T Motors Ltd., Okhla and our mail addressed to Mr.George Reuben on 11th March,2015 followed by your mails dated 12th March'2015,13th March'2015& 20th March'2015 Subject : this is regarding our several complaints and our plea for replacing the following defective piece with a new car :- Mercedes Benz Variant :CKD X166GL350CDI, Model No. GL350CDI BE Chassis no. WDC166A236M002348 Engine No. 64282641489209 Invoice Date : 30/11/2013 Order confirmation date : 14/11/2013 Registration No. UP16AS 2526 Summary of series of our bad experiences & pathetic customer care just after 1 year : Twice the car has gone to T& Motors, Okhla, Delhi for turbo problem within a span of 1-2 months. 2nd time we got the car back on 4th March'15. After a gap of 5 days i.e. on 9th Mar'15, the car again went for repair to T&T Motors, Okhla for oil leakage and coolant leakage for the 3rd time and car came back to us on 13th March'15. Just after 1 month, we noticed on 29th April'15 that there is no Mobil oil left in the car. We took the car to T&T Motors, Okhla on 30th April'15 and is still under diagnosis. We have been told that the car will be visited by technical team from Mercedes. The kind of customer care that we expect from Mercedes-Benz : The kind of ordeal we have been through is more than enough for us. Our car is spending more time in workshop than it is coming to any of our use. Like we have been requesting you over phone and e-mail, kindly replace this defective piece and provide us a new car so that we can use it to our satisfaction. Or else, you can also suggest us ways how our expectations from you can be met. With warm regards, SURYA FOOD & AGRO LTD., NOIDA

[@videowsatcher]

hows the third row. Any good for adults or just for children?

[@DanieruShidebuteru]

A GL500 (1st-Generation) in Indonesia costs 2 billion Rupiah, which is about US$202,000. I would imagine this new generation would be priced around the same.A bit pricier at your country it seems, and it's not exactly cheap in my country either!

[@PaSeFl]

From 4:20 to 4:27 that is not a GL. It is a ML. Who agrees?

[@matthewsnicholas123]

extremeriga98 The GLK is sort of a mini SUV (5 seater), the GL are the models in the video, and the M Class falls in between the GL and GLK, but it is a 5 seater. Hope that helps a little. :) Check them out on the Mercedes Benz website.

[@SirPrem8]

Great job with the video.

[@engelcrona]

Whatcha yall think of one of these used in spring 2020 for $18 to $22k USD?

[@rebantabanerjee9]

do some homework

[@dharavshukla9298]

I’m pissed that almost none of these have the bang and olufsen sound system. I found some but they were highly enjoyed with over 50K miles. Even the GLS63

[@DrInQTel]

FYI, you're asking about apples to oranges. The Audi Q7 TDI is a diesel, the GL450 a gas engine. If mileage is no issue, go with the GL450. If you're not going to use the rear seats (its bad, its It feels like you're sitting on the floor) and want to save money on fuel and dont mind the really slow acceleration go with the Q7.

[@adyyy22]

Tons of technology makes life easier. It also means tons more stuff to break down. Average Joe, regular, looser, whatever else rich people calls us, will never be able to afford this. Perhaps family that makes over 200,000$ can do it. It is nice.

[@xavier0237]

HIGH ALTITUDE. How about you go back to science class to learn about air density. Then learn how an automobile's engine works. Maybe you'll finally understand why the high altitude affects performance.

[@sleektruck22]

Shadimoney should note that Ryan never torque loaded which considerably effects the time. Roman also stated that they were doing a real world test, the chances of finding a flat & straight piece of road, with low humidity, no fuel, low temperatures, sea level, and having a driver that actually knows how to properly execute this test like a pro test driver as Mercedes uses to establish these numbers is slim. Regardless, the GL550 is a monster, but at $120,000 loaded it's absurdly overpriced.

[@person6420]

there running in New Mexico.. its a higher elevation up there there for your not going to get the same air and they will run slower.. I've raced up there.

[@Modestasgailius]

I Was watching this in 1080p and i really want this...THE BEST SUV IN THE WORLD, Its not the biggest like most american SUV's but in engineering it surpasess and technology.

[@AB-80X]

So, you read the brochure did ya? Do you also think the milage will be spot on? It's called controlled testing and mostly tells you how to compare it to other cars that has been tested in the same way. Most real world performance figures, don't bear much resemblence to the brochure. Tyres, altitude, weight, road surface ect. ect. ect. You say they can't drive. Please use your wast amount of knowledge and point out to us, where they got it wrong. Nimrod.

[@AB-80X]

Ha, I like how they compare it to the Crappylac Pimp-mobile. The GL is so much more of a car, both in terms of build quality, design, features and performance. The Crappylac might be bigger, but big does not = luxury. Great quality, class and style does and the Crappylac Escalade does not come with any of those things. Just look at who buys them. Rappers, basketball players, drug dealers and pimps. Nice bunch to be compared to.

[@DrInQTel]

Wow did that turbo-diesel at altitude (nearly 7,000 feet) really did go slow off the line. At lower altitude it ought to have more punch and get below 9 seconds with the thicker air. A turbo charged engine like that really doesn't help the engine get going with its low displacement at altitude.

[@cervacio]

I have 2011 Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV HSE for my family. I was comparing GL with Discovery 4 at the time but GL price is ridiculous! Cmon, IMO 7-seater, big SUVs are built for family car, doing errands, pick up kids, etc. I'd spend 70K plus on a car for my own enjoyment :).

[@dimekoza]

@scruffynerfherder90 Yes it HAS low gearing and locking diffs, yes it's a lot longer that a Wrangler, but you'll be surprised what it can do off road. Browse the youtube for the old model in off road driving and you'll see.

[@doubletapproductions]

I hate how car compaines are putting those chrome rectangular exhaust tips to look good, and they would, if they were real!!! There not even attached, its just the regular exhaust pipe surrounded by a good looking cover! My moms 2013 $120,000 S400 Hybrid has the same exact thing! Really all the money and there fake! I guess you don't get what you pay for anymore!

[@jburnes41]

the fords eco boost are beating this thing

[@IKhanNot]

Mercedes Benz needs to get back to designing beautiful vehicles. I don't like their new designs although I'm sure all of the vehicles in the lineup drive amazingly as usual.

[@Kenji744]

In Indonesia $62,000 we only get a camry like you always make a joke out of it

[@arashn89]

@romanicagearguy the last generation GL has an automatic closing rear door as well as power folding rear seats, I know cause I had a 2008 Gl320

[@G55STEYR]

Come on guys, you have to press the brake, then floor-it, wait about 1 sec and release the brake, for a faster start with a turbodiesel.

[@MrTheMiguelox]

The effect of lower oxygen levels isn't that big unless you are at a very high altitude, besides turbocharged engines are much less affected by it.

[@StangBang35]

Mercedes new design language seems very awkward i feel like their designs arent cohesive the gl seems very awkward looking compared to the previous gen

[@yenb86]

Thanks for the review. Do the GL or ML come with air suspension on their Bluetec versions? They do not include the off-road package as an option, probably due to the AdBlue container under the chassis. So is AIRMATIC unavailable for these models? Nice review.

[@jimjim8282]

well.. i dont really care about the speed, i just care if the car is quiet enough from the inside and comfortable...

[@OneOfOne]

and if you got an infiniti jx 35 with the same tech and more and the same cargo capacity you sayve 42k over the diesel

[@MrBDima]

L119508 not really, my sister got this one GL550 2013 I drove it around and later that day i drove my 2006 S class, comes out S Class is more quiet and comfortable ride.

[@ChoopyDroops]

rather get a escalade hybrid platinum.

[@suyoungjang9461]

thanks for reviewing this, but how about 2013 Land Rover LR4? I am thinking to getting it LR4, but I like to see your review to compare with GL450/X5/Q7/LR4. Especially LR4. thank you

[@Goregch]

I would have loved to hear your opinion on whether or not the GL had a better value for money in comparison to its competitors and also, if you would choose it over them because at 97k (as tested) i'm pretty sure there are better options out there.

[@chrisrpet]

you talk for taxis? come to live in greece to see what meens taxis they steal you if you just think to get a car more then 1.300 litre

[@arashn89]

manufacturer times and reality are two different things, the GL550 does 0-60 in 5.1 while the GL350 is closer to 9.0

[@MechAdventures]

Great car Great video Thumbs Up

[@RockstarGameHD]

You think thats a lot? A Honda CRV costs just about $100,000 USD here in Nepal (with over 300% tax on cars)

[@MrClint1957]

This is the second "childish" review that I have forced myself to watch--strictly for information on a vehicle my wife wants. These fools talk as- if their selling to under-educated teenagers!

[@onoff314]

Wrong actually jeep have awful reliability. No point buying a grand cherokee as no one will think better of you.

[@ratingdotcom]

wtf this looks like toyota highlander

[@cervacio]

Meanwhile in Range Rover factory.....

[@sjorseleveld9212]

It starts at $62.000? That's cheap, in my country this car starts at $127.400... :( Nevertheless, an impressive car!

[@FrenchVries]

It's hidious on the front, the back is beautiful. Looks like a BMW :D

[@Lerppunen]

This car costs about $200k upwards in Finland, so please do not complain about the price :/. We have fucking huge taxes in cars..

[@tommyd447]

we used to have a gl450 fully loaded my dad paied like $85 grand for it

[@rayamanelly]

I don't know about you guys but, I always get faster sprints when I gradually press the accelerator as the car gets moving.

[@AB-80X]

Not trying to be rude here. But did you actually visit Mercedes Benz USA's website before asking that question?

[@carlover345]

I just want to know who is going to take their $100K Mercedes off road. Even if it is capable.

[@venom5809]

Also, you forgot to give the pricing on the 550..I think unless you mixed up the $97,000 as the Bluetec's price instead of the 550s?

[@izuaff04]

German knows how to make cars.....

[@44excalibur]

*raises hand* How would you compare the Mercedes GL to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit and SRT?

[@DancinRandy54]

ohhh thats ok but my neighbor has the gl450 and it sounds great and takes off like a rocket!!

[@MauniVilla88]

its actually very similar to Costa Rica, in here it is exactly $137,000 the new land cruiser...

[@bhagen117]

Where was this filmed in Santa Fe? I am a fan of you guys and I live there. Just curious.