2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is an SUV offered with 2 engines (4.7L 8-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 18 mpg (UK) / 15 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 17–18 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 18 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 4.7L 8-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 4.7L 8-cyl · 5.5L 8-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 7-spd |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | 4-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 18 combined / 16 urban / 22 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 15 combined / 13 city / 18 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 368 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $5,500 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class across 2 engines (4.7L 8-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 14 to 15 mpg (US), or 17 to 18 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 15 (13/18) | 368 | $5,500 |
| 5.5L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 14 (12/17) | 394 | $5,850 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Running Costs: 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class at 18 mpg combined, expect roughly 2,020 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $5,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 78 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The most-reported areas are Air bags (41), Service brakes (11), Suspension (7). Complaints include 4 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 5 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 52 complaints across the 7 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (41 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Brakes (11 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Suspension (7 owner complaints) — Listen for knocks over bumps and check tyre wear for signs of alignment problems.
- Transmission & drivetrain (5 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 18 mpg figure is 9 mpg below that average. Its 368 g/km CO₂ figure is 115 g/km higher than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Mercedes-Benz models in our database average about 26 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class's 18 mpg is 8 mpg below that make average. Its 368 g/km CO₂ figure is 100 g/km higher than the 268 g/km Mercedes-Benz average.
Of the 7 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 4th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (18 mpg UK combined, against a high of 23 mpg). See every Mercedes-Benz GL-Class year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: 4.7L 8-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 4.7L 8-cyl with a automatic 7-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
The most efficient configuration returns around 18 mpg (UK) combined, or 15 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 17 to 18 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $5,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Among the 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (41 complaints), Service brakes (11 complaints), Suspension (7 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 18 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.