- Newest year: 2012
- Gas
- Standard SUVs
2010-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class MPG & Fuel Cost
3 model years · 14–15 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Among the costliest standard SUV configurations to fuel, MY2012. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2010-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class at a glance
The 2010-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class covers 3 model years in the EPA database (6 configurations in all), rated 14–15 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2012, costs about $5,500 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the GL450 4matic 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD (15 MPG), at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2011 and 2012. The best combined rating in the generation, 15 MPG, was reached in 2011 and 2012.
2010-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class by model year
What the 2012 GL450 4matic 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD costs to drive
Per month
$458
$5,500 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$9.17
Per 100 miles
$36.67
Five years
$27,500
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the standard SUV median
$2,050more a year
Class median $3,450 a year, MY2012
Based on 15,000 miles a year and premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class MPG
Versus 2011: The most efficient configuration stays at 15 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $5,500.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL450 4matic (Most efficient) | 4.7L 8-cyl | 4WD | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,500 |
| GL550 4matic | 5.5L 8-cyl | 4WD | 12 | 17 | 14 | $5,670 |
2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class MPG
14–15 MPG · $5,500–$5,670/yr
Versus 2010: The most efficient configuration moves from 14 to 15 MPG, up 1. Its annual cost goes from $5,740 to $5,500, $240 less.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL450 4matic (Most efficient) | 4.7L 8-cyl | 4WD | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,500 |
| GL550 4matic | 5.5L 8-cyl | 4WD | 13 | 17 | 14 | $5,670 |
2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class MPG
14 MPG · $5,740/yr
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL450 4matic (Most efficient) | 4.7L 8-cyl | 4WD | 13 | 17 | 14 | $5,740 |
| GL550 4matic | 5.5L 8-cyl | 4WD | 12 | 17 | 14 | $5,740 |
2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the GL450 4matic 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD: $6,560 in California and $4,770 in Texas, a $1,790 difference.
- California $6,560
- Washington $6,170
- New York $5,430
- Florida $5,020
- Texas $4,770
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2012 standard SUV models.
Generations
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2010-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class get?
EPA rates the 2010-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class at 14–15 MPG combined across 6 configurations and 3 model years. The most efficient version, the 2012 GL450 4matic 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD, is rated 15 MPG (13 city, 18 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2010-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
The GL450 4matic 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD reached the generation's best combined rating, 15 MPG, in 2011 and 2012. The lowest top rating, 14 MPG, was in 2010.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2010-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2011 and 2012.
How does the 2010-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class compare with the previous generation?
The previous generation (2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class) is rated 14–20 MPG combined and costs $4,720–$5,740 a year to fuel; the 2010-2012 model is rated 14–15 MPG and costs $5,500–$5,740 a year.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the GL450 4matic 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD costs about $5,500 a year. Across all 2 configurations the cost runs $5,500–$5,670 a year. That is a $170 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 100 miles?
About $36.67 per 100 miles for the GL450 4matic 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $36.67 and $37.80 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The GL450 4matic 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD is rated 13 city and 18 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 5 MPG.
How does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class compare with other standard SUV configurations?
The GL450 4matic 4.7L 8-cyl 4WD costs about $5,500 a year to fuel, $2,050 more than the class median of $3,450, and less than 0 of 10 standard SUV configurations. The comparison covers all 273 rated standard SUV configurations for MY2012, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class different from the 2011 model?
The most efficient configuration stays at 15 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $5,500. EPA lists 2 configurations for 2012 against 2 configurations for 2011. See the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class for that year.