The GL models for 2016 are available in four trims: GL350 Bluetec, GL 450, GL 550, and GL 63 AMG.

The 2017 trims include the GLS 350d, GLS 450 4MATIC, GLS 550 4MATIC, and GLS 63 AMG. A few changes to the 2017 lineup include improved handling, the addition of a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic, improved Airmatic air suspension, an upgraded Dynamic Select system, tweaks to the bumpers, headlights, and grille, and a redesigned instrument layout.

For 2018, the trims include the GLS 550, GLS 450, and the GLS AMG 63. There were no interior, exterior, or cargo area changes to the 2018 trims.

Expect an energetic ride in the 2016 GL 550 fitted with a 4.7-liter turbocharged eight-cylinder engine with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission. The GL 550 produces 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

The GL 450 is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 direct injection engine and a 7-speed automatic transmission. This model produces 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Like the GL 550 and GL 450, the four-door GL350 Bluetec has plenty of room for seven passengers. It's powered by a 3.0-liter turbo diesel V-6 engine capable of 240 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque.

The GL 63 AMG is a high-performance SUV equipped with a powerful twin-turbo V-8 engine with 550 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque.

GL models provide excellent performance with features such as four-wheel disc brakes, a four-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), electric power-assist speed-sensing steering, multi-link rear suspension, Hill Hold Control, Brake Assist, front and rear vented discs, and hill descent control.

Handling is supported by a variety of performance-enhancing features such as Driver Selectable Mode and Sequential Shift Control, full-time 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD), front and rear anti-roll bars, double wishbone front suspension with air springs, permanent locking hubs, four-corner auto-leveling suspension, and gas-pressurized shock absorbers.

The estimated fuel economy for the city and highway is 13/18 mpg for the GL 550, 17/21 mpg for the GL 450, 19/26 mpg for the GL 350 Bluetec, and 13/17 mpg for the GL 63 AMG.

Depending on the trim, features include heated and ventilated front seats, a power driver's seat, a steering column with memory and tilt/telescoping capability, driver footrest, leather steering wheel, eight-way power front seats, four-way driver lumbar support, heated front bucket seats, and rear HVAC with separate controls.

GL trims may include SiriusXM radio, iPod/MP3 media interface, wireless streaming, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity, multiple speakers, CD/DVD audio/video disc player, LCD monitor, surround sound system, and the COMAND System with Hard Drive Navigation.

The GL supports safety with dual-stage front air bags, driver knee air bag, curtain air bags, lap and shoulder safety belts in the front, air bag occupancy sensor, first aid kit, child seat sensor, and rear child safety locks.

Available safety equipment also includes a backup camera, perimeter alarm, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist Sensor, Parktronic, Collision Prevention Assist, side impact beams, mbrace2 Emergency S.O.S., Roll Stability Control (RSC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Driveline Traction Control.