The X164 GL-Class is a full-sized luxury crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz from 2006 to 2012. It is the first generation model in the GL-Class range.
Development and launch The X164 GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, and deliveries commenced on September in Europe. Around US$600,000,000 was invested in the Mercedes Alabama plant in preparation for the production of vehicles including the X164 GL-Class.
Unlike most three-row luxury SUVs at the time, the GL-Class is based on an elongated and widened version of the M-Class platform, instead of the body-on-frame construction found on vehicles such as the Lexus LX and Cadillac Escalade. The Guardian said in their review of the GL that "even in places where SUVs are rife, it appears comically out of scale" and described the suspension as "caramel-smooth at pace, but bouncy as a Kiddie Castle on speed bumps" before going on to say "the chrome Mercedes badge on the GL's grille is frying pan-sized and, cutely, right at the height where the head would generally be on a standing four-year-old". GL 500 models are badged as GL 550 in the United States.
Equipment All models feature leather electric seats, an automatic climate control system, 19-inch alloy wheels, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, air suspension (adjustable by up to 307 mm), and a 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. GL-Class models are also optionally available with a tyre pressure monitoring system, DAB digital radio, reversing camera, and rear seat infotainment screens. Grand Edition models were also offered from 2011, and feature a redesigned front bumper, taller grille with three slats, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, and a two-tone interior.
Models Petrol engines ModelYearsEnginePowerTorque0–100 km/h (0-62 mph)GL 4502006–2012M273 E47 4.7 L V8 @ 6,000 rpm @ 2,700–5,000 rpm7.2 sGL 500 / GL 5502006–2012M273 E55 5.5 L V8 @ 6,000 rpm @ 2,800–4,800 rpm6.6 s
Diesel engines ModelYearsEnginePowerTorque0–100 km/h (0-62 mph)GL 320 CDI2006–2009OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo @ 3,800 rpm @ 1,600–2,800 rpm9.5 sGL 350 CDI2009 @ 5,000–6,250 rpm @ 1,750–2,000 rpm2010–2012OM642 LS DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo @ 3,800 rpm @ 1,600–2,400 rpm7.9 sGL 350 BlueTEC2009–2012OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo @ 3,400 rpm @ 1,600–2,400 rpm10.7 sGL 420 CDI2006–2009OM629 DE40 4.0 L V8 twin-turbo @ 3,600 rpm @ 2,000–2,600 rpm7.6 sGL 450 CDI2009–2010
Model year changes
2009 facelift The following changes apply for models produced since June 2009:
Exterior design changes including: redesigned radiator grille, foglights, bumpers, wing-mirrors, Standard LED tail-lights, Optional LED DRL/Fogs with Xenon Package Interior design changes including: redesigned seats and steering wheel Addition of Tenorite Grey and Palladium Silver exterior colour options All diesel models now receive urea-injection in exhaust system (BlueTEC), to meet 50-state emissions requirement Introduction of GL 350 CDI BlueTec, GL 320 CDI model rebadged as GL 350 CDI, and GL 420 CDI rebadged as GL 450 CDI
2010 GL 350 CDI engine updated and GL 450 CDI ends production
2011 Wing mirrors changed again Introduction of Grand Edition model for GL 450 and GL 350 CDI BlueTec
Sales figures The following are the sales figures for the X164 GL-Class: Note: 2012 sales figures include the next generation model. YearEU salesUS sales20063,00718,77620078,02726,39620084,22723,32820092,87115,01220102,24919,94320112,50825,13920121,57326,042Total:24,462154,636
Awards 2007 MotorTrend “SUV of the Year” 2008 Car and Driver "10 Best Trucks and SUVs" award 2011 AutoPacific "Motorist Choice Award" in the SUV category
References