BrandWikiReturn

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)

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,[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

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

Petrol engines

Diesel engines

Model year changes

2009 facelift

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

  • 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[19]

Sales figures

The following are the sales figures for the X164 GL-Class:[20][21] Note: 2012 sales figures include the next generation model.

Awards

  • 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

  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 Car and Driver, retrieved 2018-09-29^
  6. Mercedes-Benz GL 450 review 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class J.D. Power Cars, 2015-07-27, retrieved 2018-09-29^
  9. Giles Smith. Merc truck The Guardian, 11 November 2006, 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 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 www.autotrader.ca, retrieved 2018-09-29^
  16. rayadmin. New for 2010-Mercedes-Benz J.D. Power Cars, 2009-12-31, 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. Fields Motorcars. Fields Motorcars www.fieldsmotorcars.com, retrieved 2018-09-29^