The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 stands as a testament to luxury and versatility in the SUV market. While sharing its foundational design with the GL350 Bluetec, the GL450 distinguishes itself with a more potent engine and a comprehensive array of standard features. This article delves into the specifics of the 2013 GL450, outlining its standard equipment, available packages, and standalone options that cater to discerning drivers.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 comes equipped with a robust set of standard features designed for comfort, convenience, and safety. Exterior highlights include 19-inch wheels, a self-leveling air suspension for a smooth ride, and automatic headlights complemented by distinctive LED running lamps. Automatic wipers and a power liftgate add to the convenience, while a sunroof, rearview camera, and power rear quarter windows enhance visibility and ambiance. Rear privacy glass ensures passenger comfort and discretion.
Inside the cabin of the GL450, cruise control and dual-zone automatic climate control ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants. Heated eight-way power front seats, including four-way lumbar adjustment, along with a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, offer personalized comfort for the driver and front passenger. The power-folding third-row seat adds versatility to passenger and cargo configurations. MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery provides a durable and luxurious feel, and a cargo cover keeps belongings secure and out of sight.
For in-car technology, the 2013 GL450 features the COMAND interface for managing vehicle functions, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity for seamless smartphone integration, and Mercedes mbrace2 emergency communications for added safety and security. Entertainment is provided by a premium sound system with a six-CD/DVD changer, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack, and a USB port.
To further enhance the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450, several optional packages were available. The Premium 1 package elevates the GL450 with power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, a power-adjustable steering wheel for optimal driving position, and a 10-way power driver seat with memory functions to recall preferred settings. Multicolor ambient lighting adds a touch of personalization to the interior, while a navigation system, voice controls, satellite radio, and an iPod interface expand infotainment options.
Stepping up, the Premium 2 package encompasses all features of the Premium 1 package and adds further luxury and convenience. Keyless ignition/entry simplifies vehicle access and operation, soft-close power doors provide a refined touch, and a lockable rear storage compartment offers added security for valuables. Audio experience is significantly enhanced with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system.
For enhanced visibility, the Lighting package includes adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers for optimal illumination and adaptive high beams for improved nighttime driving. Maneuvering in tight spaces is made easier with the Parking Assistance package, featuring a multi-view parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, and an automatic parallel parking system.
Beyond packages, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 offered stand-alone options to personalize the vehicle further. These included three-zone climate control for tailored passenger comfort, ventilated front seats for cooling comfort in warmer climates, and multicontour front seats with adjustable bolsters, massage function, and enhanced lumbar adjustment for ultimate seating luxury. A wood-trimmed steering wheel added a touch of classic elegance to the interior.
For those seeking enhanced capability, the GL450 could be equipped with an On-/Off-Road package. This package included adaptive suspension dampers for varied terrain, a six-mode terrain selector to optimize vehicle settings for different driving conditions, and front underbody protection for added durability.
Further driver assistance technologies were available through the Driver Assistance package, incorporating enhanced adaptive cruise control to maintain a set distance from vehicles ahead, blind spot warning to alert drivers to vehicles in adjacent lanes, and lane-departure warning systems to help prevent unintentional lane drifts. Stand-alone options also included a multi-view parking camera, a panoramic sunroof for an expansive view, illuminated running boards for easier entry and exit, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats for cold weather comfort, a power “easy-entry” second-row seat for simplified third-row access, and a dual-screen rear entertainment system to keep rear passengers entertained on long journeys.
For the most discerning buyers, special order options were available, including a night vision pedestrian warning camera for enhanced safety, a heated windshield washer reservoir for cold climates, rear sunshades for passenger comfort, a second-row pass-through for added cargo flexibility, an MB-Tex-wrapped lower dashboard for a more luxurious interior ambiance, a Bang & Olufsen high-end sound system for audiophiles, and a wide array of special Mercedes “designo” exterior and interior colors to personalize the vehicle to an exceptional degree.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 offered a compelling blend of standard luxury, performance, and a wide spectrum of available options, making it a highly desirable SUV for those seeking refinement and versatility.
