Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166)

The X166 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a full-size luxury crossover SUV produced from 2012 to 2019. It is the second generation model in the GL-Class range, and was renamed GLS as of the 2016 facelift.[6]

Development and launch

The X166 GL-Class debuted at the 2012 New York International Auto Show and later went on sale in September 2012.[7] Compared to its predecessor, the GL-Class is 10 mm taller, 14 mm wider, 21 mm longer,[8] and up to 100 kg lighter.[9]

Equipment

Standard equipment includes the COMAND system with a 5.8-inch display, LED headlights,[10] and an adaptive air suspension for up to 285 mm of ground clearance.[11] Options include soft close doors, rear-seat infotainment displays, 20 and 21-inch wheel options, and an off-road package that adds an increased ride height, a skid plate, and a low-range gearbox.[12] The GL-Class is also available with driver assistance systems such as active cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring systems.[13]

Models

GL 63 AMG version

The GL63 AMG was introduced at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.[14] It features a hand-built twin-turbocharged 5.5 L V8 that produces 410 kW and 760 Nm. It is mated to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS semi-automatic transmission, with Efficiency, Sport, and Manual modes.[15] Additional features include upgraded brakes, a sports exhaust, AMG exterior and interior styling, 21-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, and an air suspension system that automatically lowers the car at higher speeds.[16] The engine was updated in 2016 and now produces 430 kW and 760 Nm.[17]

2016 facelift

The facelift was unveiled in November 2015 with production beginning from January 2016.[18] The GL-Class model range was renamed to GLS to correspond with the new Mercedes naming scheme.[19] The exterior now featured full LED tail-lights and a revised front fascia with updated LED headlights, grille, and bumpers.[20] The Guardian described it as "a laughably outsized car" and went on to say "it's amazing, but sooner or later, we'll all end up paying for this sort of unfettered excess. The car is epic in dimension and ability, but it's stunted in terms of its awareness of its place in our world."[21] New exterior paint colours and alloy-wheel designs were also introduced.

Interior changes include a revised instrument panel and new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel,[22] as well as an upgraded free-standing 8-inch COMAND system display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.[23] GL500 and GL63 AMG models received performance improvements, and the 7-speed automatic was replaced by the 9-speed 9G-Tronic transmission.[24]

Sales figures

The following are the sales figures for the X166 GL-Class:[25][26]

Note: 2012 sales figures include the previous generation model.

Awards

• 2013 MotorTrend "SUV of the Year"[27]
• 2017 Car and Driver "10Best Award" in the large SUV category[28]

External links