Mercedes GL-Class (2012)

The 2012 Mercedes GL-Class is a full-size luxury SUV with 7 seats, offered with powerful diesel (2987 cc) and petrol (5461 cc) engine options. Featuring all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, it combines high ground clearance with a spacious, opulent cabin equipped with premium features like multiple climate zones, heated seats, sunroof, rear entertainment, and ambient lighting. Its air suspension system helps manage ride comfort, though it remains a large and heavy vehicle challenging for city driving in India. Mercedes positioned it as the flagship SUV, prioritizing luxury, passenger comfort, and strong road presence. Despite being discontinued in India due to evolving safety and emission regulations, it still holds appeal for buyers seeking a commanding, prestigious SUV with versatile seven-seat utility.

The 2012 Mercedes GL-Class is Mercedes-Benz's flagship large SUV that combines luxury, space, and rugged capability. Powered mainly by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine producing about 224 bhp and 510 Nm torque, it features an automatic transmission and an advanced 4x4 system with electronic traction. It comfortably seats seven occupants with three rows of spacious leather-trimmed seating and offers premium features such as heated and ventilated seats, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and an advanced rear entertainment system. Its adjustable air suspension enhances ride quality and handling balance, especially on highways, while the interior quality and quiet cabin make it suited for both family and executive use. Though large and imposing, it struggles somewhat with maneuverability in tight Indian city driving. Discontinued after the 2012 model due to evolving safety regulations, it remains a sought-after choice for those wanting uncompromising luxury and presence in the Indian full-size SUV segment.

The 2012 Mercedes GL-Class impresses with its sheer size, luxurious interior, and strong diesel engine, making it a formidable full-size SUV for Indian roads. Its 7-seater capacity and spacious cabin are perfect for family use or executive transport. The smooth automatic transmission and robust 4x4 system provide confident handling despite the vehicle’s massive 2.5-ton weight. While the adjustable air suspension enhances ride comfort and stability, the ride could still be more plush over rough Indian roads, and the driving experience lacks some engagement compared to rivals. Maneuvering in tight city spaces can be challenging due to its bulk, but the serene cabin and straight-line stability provide excellent cruising comfort. Overall, the GL-Class balances capability and luxury well, though slight improvements in ride refinement and more agile dynamics would have lifted the experience further.

The 2012 Mercedes GL-Class is a commanding full-size luxury SUV that impresses with its strong 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, delivering smooth performance and effortless highway cruising. It comfortably seats seven, making it ideal for large families or executives demanding space and luxury. Its advanced 4x4 system and air suspension provide confident handling and good ride control, although the ride comfort could feel a bit firm on rough Indian roads. The cabin manages to stay hushed and well-insulated, with quality leather and a range of convenience features such as heated seats and a rear entertainment system, which enhance the premium feel. However, its large size can make city driving and parking challenging in India’s urban environments. Though it’s not the sportiest SUV in its category, the GL-Class excels in refinement, stability, and road presence, offering a value proposition for buyers wanting a rugged yet posh SUV. Overall, it blends luxury and capability effectively but demands acceptance of its bulk and firm ride in exchange for its versatility and status appeal.

In April 2024, Mercedes-Benz announced a recall affecting 15,604 vehicles, including some 2012 GL-Class models, due to a risk of reduced brake performance or brake failure. The recall involves removing a rubber sleeve and inspecting the brake booster, with replacements if necessary. I believe this proactive measure by Mercedes-Benz is a step in the right direction for maintaining vehicle safety.

Mercedes-Benz has issued a critical recall for certain 2006-2012 GL-Class vehicles due to a potential brake failure caused by moisture accumulation and corrosion in the brake booster housing. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair is completed. This is the third recall for this issue, with previous recalls in May and June 2022. I think its crucial for owners to take this seriously to ensure their safety on the road.

In May 2022, Mercedes-Benz recalled certain 2006-2012 GL-Class vehicles due to potential corrosion in the brake booster housing, which could lead to reduced brake performance or failure. Owners were notified to avoid driving their vehicles until the necessary repairs were made. This recall highlighted the importance of regular vehicle inspections.

For the 2012 model year, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class saw minimal changes, including the addition of standard LED daytime running lights and some minor interior tweaks. The vehicle continued to offer a range of engine options, including the diesel GL350 Bluetec and the gas-powered GL450 and GL550. I think these subtle updates helped maintain the GL-Classs appeal in the luxury SUV market.

The GL-Class for 2012 comes with a self-leveling air suspension, automatic headlights, LED running lamps, and power third-row quarter-windows. The interior features heated 10-way power front seats, MB Tex premium vinyl upholstery, and the Mercedes COMAND electronics interface. I think these features contributed to the vehicles luxurious and comfortable driving experience.

In India, the 2012 Mercedes GL-Class was priced ex-showroom between approximately Rs. 70.67 lakh and Rs. 81.70 lakh depending on variant and engine choice, with diesel variants ranging around Rs. 70.80 lakh to Rs. 75.39 lakh and petrol topping around Rs. 81.70 lakh. On-road prices vary by city and include taxes, insurance, and registration, typically adding 10-15% over ex-showroom. Given that the model is discontinued, only used or imported units are available now, which can influence pricing due to condition, mileage, and import duties. For its price, the GL-Class offers a rare combination of size, luxury, and power from Mercedes, but buyers must factor in the premium maintenance and running costs typical for luxury SUVs in India.

In India, the 2012 Mercedes GL-Class was launched with an ex-showroom price ranging approximately between Rs. 70.7 lakh and Rs. 81 lakh, depending on the variant — diesel versions around Rs. 70.7 to Rs. 75.4 lakh and the petrol V8 variant near Rs. 81.7 lakh. On-road prices including taxes, insurance, and registration typically pushed the cost close to Rs. 82-90 lakh, depending on the city. Being a discontinued model, used prices vary widely based on condition and ownership history but can still command a premium due to the SUV’s size, luxury, and brand cachet. For buyers considering this model, it remains an exclusive choice given the limited availability and the prestige associated with owning a Mercedes-Benz full-size SUV. However, prospective owners should factor in depreciation, maintenance costs, and availability of parts when budgeting beyond purchase price.

The official ARAI-rated mileage for the 2012 Mercedes GL-Class diesel variant is about 10.1 kmpl on Indian roads. Given its size, weight, and powerful engine, this is reasonable but not exceptional. Buyers should be prepared for higher fuel costs and regular maintenance expenses. Mileage should be a secondary concern here, as the GL-Class excels more in comfort and capability than fuel economy.

The GL-Class 350 CDI offers a claimed mileage of around 10-12 km/l under Indian conditions. For a large luxury SUV with a powerful diesel engine and AWD drivetrain, this is acceptable but not exceptionally economical. Running costs will be higher than smaller SUVs or sedans due to fuel consumption, insurance, and service expenses. Buyers prioritizing mileage must consider if the performance, space, and luxury justify the fuel cost over other premium, more efficient SUVs in the market.