The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 sits in the modern luxury SUV world, blending full-size utility with the strong road presence and high-speed touring character expected from a V8-powered Mercedes-Benz. On a vehicle like this, tire fitment is less about decoding multiple vintage sizes and more about getting one exact modern specification right. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 uses a 295/40R21 radial tire, a low-profile metric size on a 21-inch wheel. That makes the main decision one of selecting the right tire within the correct size and confirming that the wheel setup still matches stock dimensions. For original-style road manners, appearance, and proper clearance, exact size discipline matters.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 uses one primary tire size: 295/40R21. It is a radial tire size built for a 21-inch rim, and the fitment remains consistent for the covered GL550 4Matic configuration. That means the key decision is not choosing between multiple factory sizes, but making sure the vehicle still has the correct wheel setup and then selecting the right tire in that exact specification.
A 295/40R21 size uses a 295-millimeter nominal section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 21-inch rim diameter. On the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550, that modern metric radial format matches the vehicle’s large-wheel luxury SUV fitment and keeps the tire selection focused on exact sizing rather than vintage interpretation. Because this is a low-profile fitment, small deviations in wheel diameter or tire size can have a noticeable effect on appearance and clearance. Staying with 295/40R21 is the practical starting point for preserving proper proportions and confirming compatibility with the vehicle’s existing wheel package.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 sub-model. The GL550 4Matic uses the same primary size, so the focus stays on verifying wheel setup and choosing the right tire within that exact specification.
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2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 4Matic
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 4Matic uses the 295/40R21 radial fitment. For tire selection, that keeps the process centered on confirming the 21-inch wheel package is still in place and then choosing a tire that matches the intended road-use and appearance goals.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owners of a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 usually need clear answers on exact tire size, 21-inch rim fitment, replacement selection, and what to inspect before putting a full-size luxury SUV back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550?
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 uses a 295/40R21 tire size. That is a modern metric radial size, and it is the primary fitment for this model. The covered GL550 4Matic configuration uses that same size, so the fitment question centers on matching the exact specification rather than sorting through multiple factory tire sizes.
Using the correct size matters on a low-profile 21-inch fitment because even small changes can affect clearance, stance, and wheel protection. A GL550 that has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or a non-stock tire package should be checked carefully before replacement so the new tires match the actual wheel diameter and overall setup now on the vehicle.
What size rim does a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 use?
The primary tire fitment for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 is built around a 21-inch rim. The 295/40R21 size makes that clear, and the tire dimensions for this fitment also correspond to a 21.0-inch rim diameter. For the covered GL550 4Matic version, that keeps rim diameter identification simple.
Rim diameter is the first measurement to confirm before buying replacement tires. A tire marked for a 21-inch wheel cannot be mounted on a different diameter rim, even if the width looks similar at a glance. It is also worth checking that the wheels currently on the SUV are the intended ones, especially if the vehicle has changed hands or been modified.
Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 4Matic use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 4Matic uses the same 295/40R21 radial tire size as the core GL550 fitment shown here. That means there is no alternate primary size to sort through within this covered configuration, which simplifies the replacement process compared with vehicles that vary by trim or package.
The practical next step is confirming that the SUV still has the expected 21-inch wheel setup. A previous owner may have changed wheels or tires for appearance or seasonal use, and that can alter what is currently on the vehicle. Reading the sidewall and verifying wheel diameter before purchase helps avoid buying the right tire size for the model but the wrong one for the wheels installed now.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 295/40R21 tire for a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550?
Start with the exact size: 295/40R21. On the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550, that keeps the tire matched to the vehicle’s 21-inch wheel diameter and intended low-profile fitment. Since there is one primary size here, the selection process is more about choosing the right replacement tire within that size than deciding between multiple fitments.
Wheel condition, actual wheel width, and the vehicle’s current setup all deserve a quick check before purchase. A GL550 used mainly for everyday road driving may call for different priorities than one kept for occasional fair-weather use. It also helps to inspect the old tires for uneven wear, which can reveal alignment or suspension issues that should be corrected before new tires go into service.
How do I choose between available 295/40R21 tires for a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550?
Choosing between 295/40R21 tires for a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 starts with correct fitment, then moves to the character of the tire you want on the vehicle. Since the size itself is fixed, the comparison usually comes down to how each available tire suits the SUV’s appearance, intended road use, and the wheel package currently installed.
It helps to compare construction details and the overall purpose of each tire rather than focusing only on the sidewall label. A GL550 with stock-style wheels and suspension may call for a straightforward replacement in the correct size, while one with altered ride height or different wheels should be measured more carefully. Matching all four tires as a set is also important for a consistent look and driving feel.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing tires for a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550?
The most important rim-fitment detail is wheel diameter, and for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 that means a 21-inch wheel to match the 295/40R21 tire size. Beyond diameter, the owner should also confirm the actual wheel width and make sure the tire chosen is appropriate for the wheels currently on the vehicle.
That extra step matters because a used luxury SUV may no longer be on its original wheel setup. Wheels with different widths or offsets can change how the tire sits in the wheelhouse and how much clearance is available at full steering lock. Verifying the wheel dimensions before replacement helps keep the tire choice aligned with the vehicle’s present configuration instead of assumptions about how it left the factory.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 even when the intended replacement size remains 295/40R21. Aftermarket wheels, suspension lowering or raising, spacer changes, and body alterations can all affect how much room the tire has at the fender, the inner wheelhouse, and during steering movement.
That means a GL550 should be checked as it sits today, not only by the original model specification. Looking at wheel diameter, wheel width, and overall clearance before ordering replacement tires is especially important on a low-profile 21-inch setup. Any sign of rubbing on the existing tires or liners should be resolved first so the next set is not exposed to the same problem.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 on new tires?
Before driving a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tires are the correct 295/40R21 size, and make sure inflation is set properly for the application. It is also smart to check alignment-related wear patterns on the old tires so any suspension or steering issue is addressed before the replacement set begins accumulating miles.
A short road test should be used to watch for vibration, pulling, rubbing, or unexpected steering feel. Large luxury SUVs place significant demands on tires, so it also helps to inspect brake and suspension condition if the previous tires showed uneven wear. Catching those issues early protects the new tires and helps the vehicle settle into normal road manners more quickly.
How often should tires on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL550 should be inspected regularly, not only when replacement time arrives. Pressure, tread wear, cuts, punctures, bulges, and sidewall damage all deserve routine attention, especially on a 295/40R21 fitment where the shorter sidewall leaves less visual cushion than a taller-profile tire.
Monthly checks are a sensible habit, and an extra inspection before a longer drive is worthwhile. A GL550 that sits for stretches should also be examined for flat spotting, age-related cracking, or slow air loss before heading back onto the road. Consistent inspection helps catch small problems early and keeps the tire size, wheel setup, and vehicle behavior working together as intended.
