Against 277 other V8 cars rated 2014–2016, the GL-Class sits right on their 17.2 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2007, the 3L 6-cyl (2007–2016), does 19.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.6L 8-cyl (2007–2009), 15: $591 a year apart.
Every Mercedes-Benz GL-Class engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | 17.5 / 22.3 | 2007–2016 | $1,969 | |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 13.3 / 18.1 | 2010–2016 | $2,543 | |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 13 / 17.7 | 2007–2009 | $2,560 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2016) | $0.188 |
| Fuel per year | $2,259 |
| Fuel over five years | $11,295 |
| Against other V8 cars, 2014–2016 | +$26 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,789 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class gives up 4.5 mpg in town: 19.5 on the highway against 15 in the city, $591 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2016) | 15 mpg | $2,560 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 19.5 mpg | $1,969 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4.5 mpg (30%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the GL-Class changed over the years
The GL-Class peaked in 2008 at 17.5 mpg (15.5 city, 21 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2010 at 14 — 3.5 mpg apart, or $549 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2016 car does 17.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 15 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,259 | |
| 2015 | 15 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,259 | |
| 2014 | 14 / 19 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2013 | 14 / 19 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2012 | 13 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2011 | 13 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2010 | 13 / 17 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 2009 | 13 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2008 | 15.5 / 21 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 2007 | 15.5 / 20 | 2 | $2,194 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 14 EPA ratings of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class — 3 engines across 2007–2016. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $4,789. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class get?
17 mpg combined, 15 city and 19.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 15 to 19. Across every year since 2007 the GL-Class has averaged 16.4 mpg.
Is the 2016 GL-Class more efficient than the 2015?
About the same: 17 against 17 mpg combined.
Which GL-Class year has the best gas mileage?
The 2008, at 17.5 mpg combined (15.5 city, 21 highway).
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