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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is the full-size, seven-seat SUV that Mercedes built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama — an American-made luxury three-row that sold in huge numbers across the United States.
Model profile
The GL-Class arrived as the first-generation X164 for the 2007 model year, Mercedes' answer to the full-size luxury SUV, built on the M-Class platform with a proper third row. The second generation, X166, launched for 2013 with cleaner styling, more efficient engines and a more refined cabin.
Powertrain and equipment
US GL-Class SUVs came with a strong spread of engines. Petrol buyers chose the GL450 and GL550, powered by 4.6- and 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8s (M278) on the X166, or earlier naturally aspirated and turbo V8s on the X164.
The GL-Class exists only as a full-size, three-row SUV, so the choice is engine and equipment rather than body style.
Vehicle selection
The GL-Class sold strongly in the US, so used supply is broad across 2007–2016 model years and all engine choices.
A used GL-Class import suits a buyer who needs genuine seven-seat space and full-size luxury, and who values the American V8 or diesel options and the depth of the US market.
Vehicle data
| Body style | Detail (varies by trim/year): Full-size 7-seat SUV (3 rows) |
|---|---|
| Length (X166) | Detail (varies by trim/year): ~5,120 mm |
| Width | Detail (varies by trim/year): ~1,980 mm |
| Wheelbase | Detail (varies by trim/year): ~3,075 mm |
| Seating | Detail (varies by trim/year): 7 |
| GL350 BlueTEC | Detail (varies by trim/year): 3.0 L OM642 V6 turbodiesel, ~240 hp |
|---|---|
| GL450 (X166) | Detail (varies by trim/year): 4.6 L M278 twin-turbo V8, ~362 hp |
| GL550 (X166) | Detail (varies by trim/year): 4.7 L M278 twin-turbo V8, ~429 hp |
| GL63 AMG | Detail (varies by trim/year): 5.5 L M157 twin-turbo V8, ~550 hp |
| Transmission | Detail (varies by trim/year): 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic |
| Drivetrain | Detail (varies by trim/year): 4MATIC all-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Detail (varies by trim/year): Petrol or diesel |
| Generations | Detail (varies by trim/year): X164 (2007–2012), X166 (2013–2016) |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Detail (varies by trim/year): Airmatic air suspension (widely fitted) |
| Build plant | Detail (varies by trim/year): Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
The GL-Class is capable and comfortable, but it is a complex vehicle and the known weak points cluster around a few systems. The Airmatic air suspension is the classic concern: compressors, air struts and lines wear over time and repairs are not cheap, so test that the car sits level and rises correctly.
Germany and Europe
US-market GL-Class SUVs run mph clusters, US lighting and DRL settings, and North American navigation and radio.
USCar Trader coordinates these stages as your broker so the process stays organised.
Typical approval work includes fitting a rear fog lamp, adapting or replacing headlights for EU photometric requirements, confirming a km/h speed readout, and verifying tyre and emissions compliance (including the diesel's emissions equipment where fitted).
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
The import process for a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is planned around the specific listing, location, documents and commissioned service scope.
Questions and answers
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
Import VAT and other taxes or costs are assessed separately under the applicable rules and the circumstances of the individual case. A blanket answer for every vehicle would not be reliable.
They are the same lineage. "GL-Class" refers to the 2007–2016 cars (X164, X166); Mercedes renamed the line GLS from 2017 onward.
The GL350 BlueTEC diesel offers strong touring range; the GL450 twin-turbo V8 balances performance and refinement. The GL63 AMG is the performance choice.
Airmatic is a known wear item on high-mileage cars. Test that it holds level and rises correctly, and budget for eventual component replacement.
Yes, all US GL-Class SUVs are left-hand drive.
Typically several weeks from purchase to registration, depending on freight schedules and TUEV availability.
No. USCar Trader is an independent broker; you purchase the vehicle and we handle sourcing, verification, shipping and registration.
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