The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 marked a significant year for luxury SUVs, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and advanced technology. This model year presented a comprehensive suite of standard features and a wide array of optional packages and standalone upgrades, allowing buyers to tailor the vehicle to their specific needs and preferences. Let’s delve into a detailed exploration of what the 2013 GL450 had to offer in terms of standard and optional equipment.
Standard Equipment: Comfort, Convenience, Performance, and Safety
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 came generously equipped right from the base model. Mercedes-Benz prioritized both occupant comfort and vehicle performance, ensuring a luxurious and capable driving experience.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Inside the cabin, the 2013 GL450 boasted a range of comfort and convenience features designed to enhance every journey. Occupants enjoyed a power tilt/sliding glass sunroof, complete with a sunshade and express open/close functionality, along with power windows featuring express up/down for all. Power rear quarter windows added to the airy feel of the cabin. Dual-zone automatic climate control, coupled with a dust filter, maintained a comfortable atmosphere for both front and rear passengers.
Alt text: Open power tilt/sliding sunroof of a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450, showcasing comfort and convenience features.
Heated 8-way power front seats, including 4-way power driver lumbar support, ensured optimal driving and passenger comfort. The multifunction premium leather steering wheel offered tactile luxury, while the COMAND system with a central controller provided access to vehicle functions and entertainment. A rearview camera enhanced safety and convenience during parking maneuvers. For in-car entertainment, the GL450 featured an in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer and HD Radio, along with Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling. Integrated convenience features included a 3-button garage door opener and privacy glass for rear occupants. Power folding third-row seats added versatility to the vehicle’s configuration, and a power liftgate provided effortless access to the cargo area. A retractable luggage compartment cover helped keep items organized and out of sight. Practicality was further enhanced by six cupholders and two bottle holders located in the doors. Standard cruise control, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, and automatic headlamps with a twilight sensor and programmable locator lighting added to the ease of driving. LED Daytime Running Lamps and tail lamps provided enhanced visibility and a modern aesthetic. A 115V AC power outlet offered convenient power for devices, and eucalyptus wood trim added a touch of natural elegance to the interior.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the 2013 GL450 delivered robust performance. Its engine produced 362 horsepower at 5,000-6,000 RPM and 406 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 – 4,000 RPM. This power was channeled through a 7-speed automatic transmission featuring DIRECT SELECT shift lever and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for a more engaging driving experience. The GL450 rode on 19″ twin 5-spoke alloy wheels fitted with 275/55 R19 all-season tires. AIRMATIC self-leveling air suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes provided a comfortable and controlled ride. Electromechanical steering contributed to precise handling and responsiveness.
Alt text: Close-up of 19-inch twin 5-spoke alloy wheels on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450, highlighting performance and handling features.
Safety and Security Systems
Safety was a paramount concern in the design of the 2013 GL450. Standard safety features included ATTENTION ASSIST, designed to detect driver drowsiness, and Collision Prevention Assist. Crosswind stabilization helped maintain vehicle stability in challenging conditions. The vehicle’s structure incorporated a steel-reinforced cabin with front and rear crumple zones to enhance occupant protection. Front and rear outboard seatbelts were equipped with pre-tensioners and force limiters. Dual two-stage front airbags, rear side airbags, window curtain airbags, and a driver’s side knee airbag provided comprehensive occupant protection. PRE-SAFE® and POST-SAFE systems further enhanced safety before and after a collision. Mercedes-Benz mbrace2™ offered connectivity and safety services. 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with Brake Assist System, Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) with ESP trailer stabilization system, and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) contributed to confident and controlled braking and handling. For child safety, LATCH-lower anchors and tethers for children were included, along with rear door child safety locks. An antitheft alarm with an engine immobilizer and SmartKey with a panic button provided security features. An advanced tire pressure monitoring system and a minispare tire were also standard. The 2013 GL450 was backed by a new vehicle 4-year/50,000 mile warranty and a 24-hour roadside assistance program.
Optional Packages and Standalone Upgrades
For buyers seeking an even more customized and luxurious experience, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 offered a range of optional packages and standalone options.
Premium Packages
The Premium 1 Package added features like an iPod/MP3 media interface, COMAND system with hard-drive navigation and voice control, SiriusXM Radio, auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, power folding mirrors, multi-color ambient lighting, and heated 10-way power memory front seats with 4-way power lumbar support.
The Premium 2 Package included all features of the Premium 1 Package, and further added a harman/kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1, KEYLESS-GO, a lockable rear storage compartment, and soft-close doors.
Lighting and Parking Assistance
The Lighting Package enhanced visibility with a headlamp cleaning system, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and Bi-xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination and corner illuminating lamps. The Parking Assist Package included PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist and Surround View for enhanced parking convenience and safety.
Driver Assistance and Lane Tracking
The Driver Assistance Package incorporated advanced driving aids such as DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE® Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. For those prioritizing lane safety, the Lane Tracking Package offered Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.
Appearance and Off-Road Capabilities
The Appearance Package enhanced the exterior aesthetics with 20″ 10-spoke wheels, illuminated running boards, and dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets. For drivers seeking enhanced capability, the On- and Off-Road Package provided an Adaptive Damping System, a two-stage transfer case with reduction gear, a longitudinal differential lock, six transmission settings, and underride protection.
Standalone Options
Standalone options allowed for further customization. These included KEYLESS-GO, 20″ 10-spoke wheels (also in Appearance Package), a wood/leather multifunction steering wheel, a heated multifunction steering wheel, Active Curve System, heated/active ventilated front seats, a power tilt/sliding panorama sunroof, a trailer hitch (7,500 lbs capacity), 3-zone automatic climate control and rear air conditioning, illuminated brushed aluminum running boards with rubber studs, a Rear Seat Entertainment System (with pre-wiring option), easy-entry power 2nd-row release, driver and passenger multicontour seats with massage, heated rear seats, and various wood trim options including Burl Walnut Wood Trim, designo Black Piano Lacquer Wood Trim, and designo Wood/leather multifunction steering wheel. designo Upholstery with DINAMICA headliner was also available.
Special Order and Customization Options
Special order options allowed for a high degree of personalization, including Auburn Brown/Black Leather, Almond Beige/Black Leather, Grey/Black Leather upholstery, Aluminum Trim, Anthracite Poplar Wood Trim, Brown Satin Ash wood trim, a heated windshield washer reservoir, black headliner, Adaptive Damping System (ADSII), 2nd-row seat pass-through, lower dashboard in MB-Tex, rear side window sunshades, Nightview Assist Plus, and a Bang & Olufsen Sound System.
Paint and Upholstery Choices
The 2013 GL450 offered a range of paint colors including Black, Cinnabar Red, Obsidian Black, Arctic White, Steel Grey, Iridium Silver, Pearl Beige, Dakota Brown, Diamond White, and Lunar Blue. Upholstery options included Black MB-Tex, Almond Beige MB-Tex, Grey MB-Tex, Black Leather, Almond Beige Leather, and Grey Leather.
Conclusion
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 stood out as a versatile luxury SUV, offering a comprehensive list of standard features and a vast selection of optional packages and standalone upgrades. Whether prioritizing comfort, performance, advanced technology, or personalized style, the GL450 provided a solid foundation that could be tailored to meet a wide range of discerning customer needs, solidifying its position in the luxury SUV market.
