The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV represents the pinnacle of luxury and versatility in the full-size SUV category. Offering a range of models from the fuel-efficient GL350 Bluetec diesel to the high-performance GL63 AMG, the 2014 GL-Class catered to diverse needs and preferences while maintaining Mercedes-Benz’s hallmark of sophistication and engineering excellence. This overview delves into the key features, specifications, and available options for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, providing a comprehensive look at what made this SUV a standout choice.
Model Lineup and Standard Features
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class offered four distinct models, each with its own powertrain and standard equipment, yet sharing a common foundation of luxury and capability.
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GL350 Bluetec: This entry-level model prioritized fuel efficiency with its turbocharged diesel V6 engine. Standard features mirrored the GL450, including 19-inch wheels, roof rails, a self-leveling air suspension for a comfortable ride, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights for enhanced visibility, privacy glass, a power liftgate for ease of access, a sunroof to brighten the cabin, power rear quarter windows, a rearview camera for safer maneuvering, cruise control for relaxed highway driving, and dual-zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort. Inside, the GL350 Bluetec featured MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats with four-way lumbar support for optimal driver and passenger comfort, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, elegant wood interior trim, and a convenient power-folding third-row seat to maximize cargo space when needed. Technologically, it was equipped with the user-friendly knob-based COMAND interface managing a 7-inch central display, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity for seamless smartphone integration, Mercedes mbrace2 communications for connected services, and a sound system featuring HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack, and a USB port for various media options.
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GL450: Stepping up, the GL450 boasted a turbocharged gas V8 engine for increased power. Beyond the engine, its standard equipment largely mirrored the GL350 Bluetec, ensuring a consistent level of luxury and features.
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GL550: The GL550 elevated the experience further, starting with all the features and options available on the GL350 and GL450 when equipped with option packages like Premium 1, Lighting, Lane Tracking, and Parking Assist. It then added a more potent V8 engine, larger 21-inch wheels for a bolder stance, adaptive suspension dampers to refine ride quality, sporty exterior styling cues for a more aggressive look, keyless entry/ignition for added convenience, soft-close doors for a touch of luxury, unique dashboard stitching and different wood trim for interior distinction, and triple-zone automatic climate control for enhanced rear passenger comfort. The GL550 also featured luxurious leather upholstery, ventilated “multicontour” front seats offering adjustable bolsters, massage functions, and enhanced lumbar adjustment for ultimate comfort, a power-adjustable wood-and-leather steering wheel, and a premium 13-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with a six-CD changer and an SD card reader for audiophiles.
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GL63 AMG: At the top of the performance spectrum was the GL63 AMG. This model included all the equipment from the GL550 and then amplified performance and sportiness. It housed an even more powerful V8 engine tuned by AMG, a sport-tuned suspension for sharper handling, adaptive stabilizer bars (“Active Curve System”) to minimize body roll, exclusive 21-inch AMG wheels, distinctive AMG-specific styling elements both inside and out, and a microfiber-trimmed sport steering wheel for enhanced grip and feel. For the ultimate audio experience, the GL63 AMG offered an optional 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system.
Optional Packages and Standalone Options
To further personalize the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, a variety of option packages and standalone features were available across the model range (GL350, GL450, and GL550, unless specified).
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Premium 1 Package: For the GL350 and GL450, this popular package enhanced convenience and luxury with power-folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, illuminated front door sills, heated and cooled front cupholders, a rear 115-volt household-style power outlet, multicolor ambient lighting to customize the cabin atmosphere, a power-adjustable steering wheel for personalized comfort, a 10-way power driver seat, driver memory functions to save preferred seat and mirror positions, voice command functionality with a learning feature, a navigation system for integrated guidance, 10 GB of digital music storage, satellite radio for broader entertainment options, and an iPod interface for seamless Apple device connectivity.
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Lighting Package: Available for GL350 and GL450, this package improved nighttime visibility with adaptive bi-xenon headlights featuring adaptive high-beam control, automatically adjusting to optimize illumination without blinding oncoming traffic.
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Lane Tracking Package: Also for GL350 and GL450, this package enhanced safety with a blind-spot monitor to alert drivers of vehicles in their blind spots and lane-keeping assist to gently nudge the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift unintentionally.
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Parking Assist Package: Available on GL350 and GL450, this package simplified parking maneuvers with front and rear parking sensors to detect obstacles, an automated parallel-parking system to assist with hands-free parking, and a surround-view parking camera system providing a 360-degree view around the vehicle.
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On-/Off-Road Package: Specifically for the GL450 and GL550, this package broadened capability with adaptive suspension dampers for varied terrain, a six-mode terrain selector to optimize vehicle settings for different driving conditions, and front underbody protection for enhanced durability when venturing off-pavement.
Standalone options available across most models included a panoramic sunroof for an expansive view, heated second-row seats for rear passenger comfort in colder climates, the Driver Assistance package featuring adaptive cruise control and advanced driver warning systems for enhanced safety and convenience (refer to safety section for details), a trailer hitch for towing, various alternative interior trims to personalize the cabin aesthetics, power-sliding second-row seats improving access to the third row, rear side window sunshades for rear passenger comfort and privacy, a rear entertainment system to keep rear occupants entertained on long journeys, and a Splitview display for the COMAND system allowing different images to be projected to the driver and front passenger simultaneously.
Conclusion
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV stood as a testament to luxury, performance, and versatility. With its range of models, extensive standard features, and numerous customization options, it catered to a wide spectrum of buyers seeking a premium full-size SUV. Whether prioritizing fuel efficiency, performance, or the ultimate in luxury appointments, the 2014 GL-Class offered a compelling choice in its segment, solidifying its position as a benchmark for luxury SUVs.
