The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 blends full-size luxury SUV comfort with the long-distance confidence expected from a diesel-powered 4Matic vehicle. Buyers looking at one today are often balancing everyday road use, replacement practicality, and preserving the composed ride quality that helped define this model’s appeal. Tire selection starts with two radial fitments, 275/55R19 and 275/50R20, both built around a similar overall diameter but different wheel diameters. That means the real choice is not just tire brand or tread style, but confirming which wheel setup is on the vehicle first. Once that is settled, the focus shifts to maintaining proper fitment, handling balance, and road-ready condition.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends first on the wheel diameter currently on the vehicle. Both fitments are radial tires with closely related overall proportions, but one is built for a 19-inch rim and the other for a 20-inch rim, so confirming the exact wheel setup is the key first step before comparing tire choices.
275/50R20 is a metric radial size in which 275 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 20 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350, this size suits vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels and keeps the fitment in a modern radial format appropriate to the vehicle’s design and road-use character. Its overall profile remains close to the alternate GL350 fitment, but the wheel diameter is different. This size should be chosen only after confirming that the vehicle is actually running the 20-inch wheel package.
275/55R19 is a metric radial size where 275 denotes nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 19 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. For the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350, this size belongs on vehicles fitted with 19-inch wheels and reflects the same modern radial sizing system as the alternate fitment. Although its overall diameter is very close to the 20-inch option, it is not a 20-inch-wheel tire. This fitment makes sense only after verifying that the SUV has the 19-inch wheel setup now installed.
The covered GL350 sub-model uses two possible radial tire sizes, so fitment is less about trim differences and more about confirming the wheel package on the vehicle. Checking the actual rim diameter matters before selecting tires, even within the same Bluetec 4Matic designation.
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2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 Bluetec 4Matic
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 Bluetec 4Matic uses either 275/55R19 or 275/50R20, both in radial construction. Tire selection starts by confirming whether the vehicle has 19-inch or 20-inch wheels, then comparing replacement options that preserve proper dimensions and clearance for that setup.
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
Common GL350 tire questions usually come down to the difference between the 19-inch and 20-inch fitments, how metric tire sizing works, and what should be checked before replacing tires on a luxury SUV that may have seen wheel changes or low annual mileage.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350?
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 uses either 275/55R19 or 275/50R20, and both are radial tire sizes. The correct fitment depends on the wheel package currently on the vehicle, since one size is built for a 19-inch rim and the other is built for a 20-inch rim.
The next step is to confirm the actual wheel diameter before ordering tires, because these two sizes are not interchangeable across different rim sizes. Checking the sidewall on the existing tires and verifying the wheel itself helps avoid a mismatch, especially if the GL350 has had replacement wheels installed at some point.
What size rim does a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 use?
A 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 uses either a 19-inch rim with 275/55R19 tires or a 20-inch rim with 275/50R20 tires. Both fitments are radial, and both belong to the same model year and sub-model coverage, so wheel diameter is the deciding factor.
Rim size should be verified directly on the vehicle rather than assumed from model name alone. A GL350 wearing 19-inch wheels needs the 19-inch tire size, while one wearing 20-inch wheels needs the 20-inch size, and that simple check prevents choosing a tire that cannot be mounted correctly.
Why does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 have more than one tire size?
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 has more than one tire size because it was fitted with different wheel diameters. The two tire sizes, 275/55R19 and 275/50R20, are both radial fitments, but each is matched to a different rim size rather than serving as a universal choice for every wheel setup.
That means the buyer’s first decision is not choosing between two similar-looking sizes, but identifying which wheel package is actually on the SUV. Even with close overall tire dimensions, the wrong rim diameter stops the tire from being a usable fit, so wheel confirmation comes before any comparison of replacement options.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350?
Start with the correct primary size for the wheel package on the vehicle: 275/55R19 for 19-inch rims or 275/50R20 for 20-inch rims. Since both GL350 fitments are radial, the main decision is not construction type, but selecting a tire that matches the installed wheel diameter and intended road use.
After size confirmation, compare overall tire character based on how the SUV is used, whether for regular highway driving, family use, or lower-mileage ownership. It also helps to inspect for past wheel changes, confirm even clearance at full steering lock, and replace tires in matched sets when ride balance is a priority.
How do I choose between the available GL350 tire sizes on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350?
The choice between 275/55R19 and 275/50R20 is determined by the wheel diameter already on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350. A 19-inch wheel takes the 275/55R19 size, while a 20-inch wheel takes the 275/50R20 size, so this is a fitment decision rather than a style preference.
Once the wheel size is confirmed, the buyer can focus on finding a replacement tire that maintains the vehicle’s intended proportions and road manners. It is wise to check all four wheels, since some used SUVs may not match what a buyer expects from trim alone, especially after prior owner modifications.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 tires?
The most important rim-fitment detail is diameter, because the GL350 uses either a 19-inch or 20-inch wheel depending on setup. Tire size must match that diameter exactly, with 275/55R19 paired to a 19-inch rim and 275/50R20 paired to a 20-inch rim.
Beyond diameter, it is helpful to confirm that the wheels on the vehicle are the intended set and not a later aftermarket change. Matching the tire to the actual wheel package supports proper mounting, and checking wheel condition at the same time can prevent fitment problems or vibration after installation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350, especially when they involve aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or altered ride height. Even though the primary tire sizes are 275/55R19 and 275/50R20, changes to wheel diameter or wheel design can alter what the vehicle actually needs.
A modified GL350 should be checked for actual wheel size, inner clearance, and steering clearance before tires are replaced. Looking at the current sidewall size is useful, but it also helps to inspect wheel width and suspension condition so the next tire matches the vehicle as it sits today.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 on new tires?
Before driving a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the correct tire size for the installed rim diameter, and make sure valve stems and mounting surfaces are in sound condition. Tire pressure should also be set correctly before the vehicle goes back into regular service.
A short follow-up inspection after initial road use is also worthwhile, especially on a heavier luxury SUV. Watching for vibration, checking that the tires clear at full steering lock, and rechecking inflation can catch issues early, particularly if the GL350 has replacement wheels or has been parked for extended periods.
How often should tires on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Trucks GL350 should be inspected regularly, not just when tread appears low. A visual check for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and air loss is sensible throughout the year, especially on an SUV that may alternate between long trips and long periods of limited use.
Routine inspections become even more important when a vehicle is older or newly purchased, because age and storage conditions may matter as much as mileage. Looking over all four tires and the spare, verifying consistent pressure, and checking for wear that suggests alignment or suspension issues helps keep the GL350 road-ready.
