The newly developed V8 engine of the GL 450 promises pleasurable driving with its 340 hp. And a very special engine is hidden inside the GL 500. With 388 hp it is one of the most powerful yet economical engines in its displacement class. The advanced lightweight design uses special shifting camshafts to optimize the engine's gas cycle. What do you get out of it? Improved smoothness and higher torque, particularly in the intermediate engine speed range.

(GL 450: fuel consumption combined 13.3–13.5 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 317–322 g/km; GL 500: fuel consumption combined 13.9–14.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 331–336 g/km)[1]