By KBB Editors
Updated December 23, 2019
Buyers seeking refinement, luxury and style will find plenty to admire in the 2012 GL-Class, especially with its excellent passenger and cargo space. Those looking for fuel economy in the full-size SUV class would do well to give the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC a serious look, rather than immediately seek out a hybrid alternative.
Unless three rows of seats are a requirement, the GL-Class has a hard time making an argument against the popular midsize ML-Class SUV. The GL’s exterior styling can also come off a bit subdued, if not downright awkward, from certain angles.
For 2012, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class carries over largely unchanged. The interior has received minor tweaks and adjustments, including directional lines for the rearview camera. All GL-Class models now feature LED daytime running lights as standard equipment.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a full-size SUV that provides seating for seven. It offers elegant style, solid performance, technology and safety. The 2012 GL-Class is fairly comparable in size with other vehicles in its class. Under the 2012 GL’s hood, engines range from the 210-horsepower, 3.0-liter diesel in the GL350 BlueTEC SUV to the 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 of the Mercedes-Benz GL550. A host of standard features and accessory packages give the 2012 GL-Class broad appeal and makes tough competition for full-size SUV’s such as the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX 570, Land Rover Range Rover and Infiniti QX56.
Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class pricing starts at $8,457 for the GL-Class GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Sport Utility 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $63,565 when new. The range-topping 2012 GL-Class GL 550 4MATIC Sport Utility 4D starts at $9,769 today, originally priced from $86,495.
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
$63,565 | $8,457 | |||
$64,895 | $9,538 | |||
$86,495 | $9,769 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.
When tested through variable real-world environments, including some seriously sharp curves and an aggressive off-road path, the 2012 GL450 handled itself quite well. This is partially due to the Adaptive Damping System, which helps to keep the wheels planted where they should be. Despite its hefty 5,300-pound curb weight, the GL450’s nimble handling belies its size. Behind the wheel we felt as if we were driving a smaller, lighter SUV. The 7-speed automatic’s gear ratios are spaced close enough to each other to make the most of the GL450’s 4.6-liter V8. While the large SUV may not have the off-road pedigree of some of its competition, we liked the overall balance of practicality and capability it offered. Owners who aren’t afraid to test the off-road abilities of 2012 GL450 without treating it as a pure rock-climber will find nothing lacking.
Behind the multifunction steering wheel, which can be had with premium leather or burled walnut accents, drivers have practically unlimited ways to stay comfortable, thanks to the GL’s 8-way power front seats with 4-way adjustable lumbar support. The third-row seats are easy to access and can fold down at the touch of a button. Stowing the second row creates just over 83 cubic feet of cargo room. While it’s not revolutionary to be able to fit seven adults in a vehicle, the manner in which Mercedes made every seating position equally comfortable and enjoyable is certainly impressive. There is no "bad" seat in the 2012 GL-Class.
The exterior of the GL-Class enters 2012 unchanged from the previous year, aside from the addition of standard LED daytime running lights. Mercedes has done a good job holding its own in the modern full-size SUV category, smartly balancing the practical needs of the segment buyer with the quality expectations common for the luxury marque. At once elegant, assertive, powerful and subtle, the GL-Class is pleasant to observe and stands out without crossing a line into being gauche. While the lower front fascia and flared wheel wells plant the GL-Class firmly in SUV design territory, the grille and sloping windshield would be at home in practically any modern Mercedes Benz vehicle. Good sight lines along with the optional Blind Spot Assist built into the exterior mirrors, bi-xenon headlamps and optional parking assist make the design of the 2012 GL-Class functional as well as stylish.
Adaptive Damping System
The Adaptive Damping System in the 2012 GL-Class constantly monitors and reacts to road surface changes and can alter shock absorber settings an astounding 20 times per second. Adaptive Damping makes the ride smoother or firmer as needed, giving the driver comfort on a smooth highway or the confidence of control as conditions worsen.
BlueTEC V6 Diesel Engine
The BlueTEC clean diesel engine clears every emissions requirement in the U.S. while allowing the driver to cruise nearly 600 miles on a single full tank of ultra-low-sulfur diesel. With fuel prices in flux, the BlueTEC is a very attractive prospect, especially in a family-friendly SUV.
GL-Class models come with an impressive list of standard features, giving them a tremendous amount of value and setting them apart from other SUVs. With a strong emphasis on the safety of its occupants, the GL-Class boasts full-time 4-wheel drive, brake assist, hill-start assist, for high-angle takeoffs. As with all 2012 models, Electronic Stability Control and a host of airbags are required by the government. Side-curtain airbags stretch along all three seating rows. The in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD fills the cabin with sound and allows drivers to watch DVD movies when the vehicle is in Park. Front and rear sunroofs are a nice touch, bringing an untypical ambiance to rear-seat passengers. Opting for the top Mercedes-Benz GL550 model rewards owners with the company’s COMAND voice-control system as standard equipment, along with navigation and Bluetooth functionality.
Even with GL-Class’ long list of standard equipment, there is a litany of options to fit every driver’s needs or wants. Rear-seat occupants can enjoy quality entertainment, thanks to a pair of 8-inch LCD screens mounted on the back of the front-seat head restraints, enabling passengers to watch DVDs, play video games or even do both simultaneously. Many options, including hard-drive navigation, satellite radio, iPod/mp3 interface, power rear liftgate and rearview camera, can be had via packages or separately. Also notable is the availability of Parktronic parking assist, Blind Spot Assist, a Class-IV trailer hitch and full leather seats.
The 2012 GL-Class has three engine choices. The GL350’s BlueTEC 3.0-liter diesel V6 stands out above its gasoline-fueled siblings, thanks to its gobs of low-end torque, which provides quick acceleration while returning 21 miles per gallon highway. The wonderful 4.6-liter V8 in the 2012 GL450 is all about performance, delivering 335 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier GL550 packs a powerhouse 5.5-liter V8, churning out 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All 2012 GL-Class models send their power to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.
3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel
210 horsepower @ 3,400 rpm
400 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-2,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/21
4.6-liter V8
335 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
339 lb-ft of torque @ 2,700-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18
5.5-liter V8
382 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
391 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/17
Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings.
We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.
Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.
Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
Curb Weight | 5512 lbs. | ||
---|---|---|---|
Fuel Capacity | 26.4 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 40.1 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 40.3 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 7 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 7.9 inches | ||
Overall Length | 200.6 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 58.3 inches | ||
Towing Capacity, Maximum | 7500 lbs. | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 83.3 cu.ft. | ||
Turning Diameter | 39.7 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 121.1 inches | ||
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 6945 lbs. | ||
Width with mirrors | 85.5 inches |
Adaptive Headlights | Available | ||
---|---|---|---|
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
HID Headlights | Available | ||
Moon Roof/Sun Roof | Available | ||
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
Panorama Moon Roof | Available | ||
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | Available | ||
Privacy Glass | Available | ||
Roof Rails | Available |
City | 17 mpg | ||
---|---|---|---|
Highway | 21 mpg | ||
Combined | 19 mpg |
Drivetrain | AWD | ||
---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
7 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Diesel | ||
Hill Descent Control | Available | ||
Hill Start Assist | Available |
Horsepower | 210 @ 3800 RPM | ||
---|---|---|---|
Torque | 400 @ 1600 rpm | ||
Engine | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | ||
0 to 60 | 9.4 seconds | ||
Top Speed | 130 mph |
Basic | 4 years / 50000 miles | ||
---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 4 years / 50000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 4 years / 50000 miles |
Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | Used 2012 Buick Enclave | Used 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Used 2012 Volvo XC90 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $9,057 | $8,154 | $8,247 | $8,156 | |
KBB.com Rating | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.6 | |
Consumer Rating | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.1 | |
Fuel Economy | City 17/Hwy 21/Comb 19 MPG | City 17/Hwy 24/Comb 19 MPG | City 16/Hwy 23/Comb 19 MPG | City 16/Hwy 23/Comb 18 MPG | |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gas | Flexible Fuel | Gas | |
Safety Rating | N/A | 5.0 | 4.0 | N/A | |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 | 5 | 7 | |
Basic Warranty | 4 years or 50000 miles | 4 years or 50000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 5 years or 50000 miles | |
Horsepower | 210 @ 3800 RPM | 288 @ 6300 RPM | 290 @ 6400 RPM | 240 @ 6400 RPM | |
Engine | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, Flex Fuel, 3.6 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.2 Liter | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | 4WD | AWD |
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