Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)
| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164) | |
|---|---|
_Facelift_front_20100926.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Production | 29 January 2006 – 15 July 2012 |
| Model years | 2006 - 2012 |
| Assembly | United States: Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
| Designer | Steve Mattin[1] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size luxury crossover SUV[2][3][4] |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (4matic) |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz M-Class |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,075 mm (121.1 in) |
| Length |
|
| Width | 1,920 mm (75.6 in) |
| Height | 1,840 mm (72.4 in) |
| Kerb weight | 2,355–2,475 kg (5,192–5,456 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166) |
The X164 GL-Class is a full-sized luxury crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz, from 2006 to 2012.
Development and launch
[edit]The X164 GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show,[5] and deliveries commenced on September in Europe.[6] Around US$600,000,000 was invested in the Mercedes Alabama plant in preparation for the production of vehicles including the X164 GL-Class.[7]
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.[8] 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".[9] GL 500 models are badged as GL 550 in the United States.
Equipment
[edit]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.[10] GL-Class models are also optionally available with a tyre pressure monitoring system, DAB digital radio, reversing camera, and rear seat infotainment screens.[11] 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.[12]
Models
[edit]Petrol engines
[edit]| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL 450 | 2006–2012 | M273 E47 4.7 L V8 |
250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp) @ 6,000 rpm |
460 N⋅m (339 lb⋅ft) @ 2,700–5,000 rpm |
7.2 s |
| GL 500 / GL 550 | 2006–2012 | M273 E55 5.5 L V8 |
285 kW (387 PS; 382 hp) @ 6,000 rpm |
530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft) @ 2,800–4,800 rpm |
6.6 s |
Diesel engines
[edit]| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL 320 CDI | 2006–2009 | OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo |
165 kW (224 PS; 221 hp) @ 3,800 rpm |
510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600–2,800 rpm |
9.5 s |
| GL 350 CDI | 2009 | 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp) @ 5,000–6,250 rpm |
320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) @ 1,750–2,000 rpm | ||
| 2010–2012 | OM642 LS DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo |
195 kW (265 PS; 261 hp) @ 3,800 rpm |
620 N⋅m (457 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600–2,400 rpm |
7.9 s | |
| GL 350 BlueTEC | 2009–2012 | OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo |
155 kW (211 PS; 208 hp) @ 3,400 rpm |
540 N⋅m (398 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600–2,400 rpm |
10.7 s |
| GL 420 CDI | 2006–2009 | OM629 DE40 4.0 L V8 twin-turbo |
225 kW (306 PS; 302 hp) @ 3,600 rpm |
700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) @ 2,000–2,600 rpm |
7.6 s |
| GL 450 CDI | 2009–2010 |
Model year changes
[edit]
_Facelift_front_20100710.jpg)
2009 facelift
[edit]The following changes apply for models produced since June 2009:[13]
- Exterior design changes including: redesigned radiator grille, foglights, bumpers, wing-mirrors,Standard LED tail-lights,Optional LED DRL/Fogs with Xenon Package[14]
- Interior design changes including: redesigned seats and steering wheel[15]
- Addition of Tenorite Grey and Palladium Silver exterior colour options[16]
- All diesel models now receive urea-injection in exhaust system (BlueTEC), to meet 50-state emissions requirement[17]
- Introduction of GL 350 CDI BlueTec, GL 320 CDI model rebadged as GL 350 CDI, and GL 420 CDI rebadged as GL 450 CDI[18]
2010
[edit]- GL 350 CDI engine updated and GL 450 CDI ends production
2011
[edit]- Wing mirrors changed again
- Introduction of Grand Edition model for GL 450 and GL 350 CDI BlueTec[19]
Sales figures
[edit]The following are the sales figures for the X164 GL-Class:[20][21] Note: 2012 sales figures include the next generation model.
| Year | EU sales | US sales |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 3,007 | 18,776 |
| 2007 | 8,027 | 26,396 |
| 2008 | 4,227 | 23,328 |
| 2009 | 2,871 | 15,012 |
| 2010 | 2,249 | 19,943 |
| 2011 | 2,508 | 25,139 |
| 2012 | 1,573 | 26,042 |
| Total: | 24,462 | 154,636 |
Awards
[edit]- 2007 MotorTrend “SUV of the Year”[22]
- 2008 Car and Driver "10 Best Trucks and SUVs" award[23]
- 2011 AutoPacific "Motorist Choice Award" in the SUV category[24]
References
[edit]- ^ "Interview with Steve Mattin, Senior Designer, Mercedes – Benz". just-auto.com.
- ^ "The 2021 Mercedes Benz GLS was held back by a confusing feature".
- ^ "Mercedes-Benz GLS Meaning and History". Mercedes-Benz of Modesto.
- ^ "Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class". Consumer Guide.
- ^ "2006 Detroit Auto Show | New Debuts and Future Cars | Car and Driver". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ "Mercedes-Benz GL 450 review | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ "Alabama factory at the center of Daimler, Chrysler cooperation". Automotive News. 2007-07-16. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ rayadmin (2015-07-27). "2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class". J.D. Power Cars. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ Smith, Giles (11 November 2006). "Merc truck". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ "2011 Mercedes-Benz GL Class Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos". The Car Connection. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ "Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Estate (2006 - 2012) Features, Equipment and Accessories | Parkers". www.parkers.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ "2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Grand Edition @ Top Speed". Top Speed. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ "2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review". www.newcartestdrive.com. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ "Mercedes GL-Class Soft Facelift Released". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ "2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Price, Trims, Options, Specs, Photos, Reviews | autoTRADER.ca". www.autotrader.ca. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ rayadmin (2009-12-31). "New for 2010-Mercedes-Benz". J.D. Power Cars. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ "How Mercedes' BlueTec works, and the 2009 clean-diesel SUVs to come". Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ "2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec 4MATIC". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ "Mercedes-Benz Creates Crushingly Expensive Grand Edition GL-class SUV For Wealthy Rock Crushers". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ "Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS European sales figures". carsalesbase.com. Retrieved 2018-08-01.
- ^ "Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS US car sales figures". carsalesbase.com. Retrieved 2018-08-01.
- ^ "Motor Trend Names Names 2007 Sport/Utility Of The Year - Motor Trend". Motor Trend. 2006-10-24. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ "2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-class". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
- ^ Motorcars, Fields. "Fields Motorcars | GL-Class and GLK-Class SUVs honored at Motorist Choice Awards". www.fieldsmotorcars.com. Retrieved 2018-09-29.