Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)

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Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)
Overview
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz
Production29 January 2006 – 15 July 2012
Model years2006 - 2012
AssemblyUnited States: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
DesignerSteve Mattin[1]
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury crossover SUV[2][3][4]
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, four-wheel-drive (4matic)
RelatedMercedes-Benz M-Class
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,075 mm (121.1 in)
Length
  • 5,088 mm (200.3 in)
  • 5,099 mm (200.7 in) (facelift)
Width1,920 mm (75.6 in)
Height1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Kerb weight2,355–2,475 kg (5,192–5,456 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorMercedes-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] GL500 models are badged as GL550 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)
GL450 2006–2012 M273 E47
4.7 L V8 		250 kW (335 hp)
@ 6,000 rpm 		460 N⋅m (339 lb⋅ft)
@ 2,700–5,000 rpm 		7.2 s
GL500 2006–2012 M273 E55
5.5 L V8 		285 kW (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)
GL320 CDI 2006–2009 OM642 DE30
3.0 L V6 turbo 		165 kW (221 hp)
@ 3,800 rpm 		510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft)
@ 1,600–2,800 rpm 		9.5 s
GL350 CDI 2009 135 kW (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 (261 hp)
@ 3,800 rpm 		620 N⋅m (457 lb⋅ft)
@ 1,600–2,400 rpm 		7.9 s
GL350 BlueTEC 2009–2012 OM642 DE30
3.0 L V6 turbo 		155 kW (208 hp)
@ 3,400 rpm 		540 N⋅m (398 lb⋅ft)
@ 1,600–2,400 rpm 		10.7 s
GL420 CDI 2006–2009 OM629 DE40
4.0 L V8 twin-turbo 		225 kW (302 hp)
@ 3,600 rpm 		700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft)
@ 2,000–2,600 rpm 		7.6 s
GL450 CDI 2009–2010

Model year changes[edit]

Pre-facelift GL320 CDI
Facelift GL350 CDI

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 GL350 CDI BlueTec, GL320 CDI model rebadged as GL350 CDI, and GL420 CDI rebadged as GL450 CDI[18]

2010[edit]

  • GL350 CDI engine updated and GL450 CDI ends production

2011[edit]

  • Wing mirrors changed again
  • Introduction of Grand Edition model for GL450 and GL350 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]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Interview with Steve Mattin, Senior Designer, Mercedes – Benz". just-auto.com.
  2. ^ "The 2021 Mercedes Benz GLS was held back by a confusing feature".
  3. ^ "Mercedes-Benz GLS Meaning and History". Mercedes-Benz of Modesto.
  4. ^ "Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class". Consumer Guide.
  5. ^ "2006 Detroit Auto Show | New Debuts and Future Cars | Car and Driver". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  6. ^ "Mercedes-Benz GL 450 review | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  7. ^ "Alabama factory at the center of Daimler, Chrysler cooperation". Automotive News. 2007-07-16. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  8. ^ rayadmin (2015-07-27). "2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class". J.D. Power Cars. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  9. ^ Smith, Giles (11 November 2006). "Merc truck". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  10. ^ "2011 Mercedes-Benz GL Class Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos". The Car Connection. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  11. ^ "Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Estate (2006 - 2012) Features, Equipment and Accessories | Parkers". www.parkers.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  12. ^ "2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Grand Edition @ Top Speed". Top Speed. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  13. ^ "2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review". www.newcartestdrive.com. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  14. ^ "Mercedes GL-Class Soft Facelift Released". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  15. ^ "2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Price, Trims, Options, Specs, Photos, Reviews | autoTRADER.ca". www.autotrader.ca. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  16. ^ rayadmin (2009-12-31). "New for 2010-Mercedes-Benz". J.D. Power Cars. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  17. ^ "How Mercedes' BlueTec works, and the 2009 clean-diesel SUVs to come". Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  18. ^ "2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec 4MATIC". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  19. ^ "Mercedes-Benz Creates Crushingly Expensive Grand Edition GL-class SUV For Wealthy Rock Crushers". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  20. ^ "Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS European sales figures". carsalesbase.com. Retrieved 2018-08-01.
  21. ^ "Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS US car sales figures". carsalesbase.com. Retrieved 2018-08-01.
  22. ^ "Motor Trend Names Names 2007 Sport/Utility Of The Year - Motor Trend". Motor Trend. 2006-10-24. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  23. ^ "2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-class". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
  24. ^ Motorcars, Fields. "Fields Motorcars | GL-Class and GLK-Class SUVs honored at Motorist Choice Awards". www.fieldsmotorcars.com. Retrieved 2018-09-29.
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