In the GL 450, a V8 petrol engine waits for your command. It functions with a four-valve-per-cylinder design. The result: 250 kW (340 hp) and maximum torque of 460 Nm make every stretch of road a pleasure to drive.

An engine of exceptional calibre lies in wait in the GL 500: a combination of four-valve-per-cylinder technology, optimisation of all air-ducting components and enlargement of the engine's displacement has resulted in a 26 per cent increase in power output compared to the outgoing model – with virtually no impact on the fuel consumption figures. Put simply, you have 285 kW (388 hp) at the mercy of your right foot which will whisk the GL 500 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. And with torque delivery peaking at 530 Nm at just 2800 rpm, this engine is one of the most powerful, yet, at the same time, most economical drive units in its displacement category. The cutting-edge aluminium and forged steel lightweight construction operates with special shifting camshafts which optimise the gas cycles in the engine. The discernible results are improved smoothness and quietness, along with higher torque, particularly in the mid engine speed range. And with two close-coupled catalytic converters, the GL 500 fulfils all current exhaust emission regulations.


(GL 450: fuel consumption combined: 13.1–13.3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 312–317 g/km; GL 500: fuel consumption combined: 13.3–13.5 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 317–322 g/km)[1]