Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)
Motor vehicle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
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- DaimlerChrysler (2006–2007)
- Daimler AG (2007–2012)
2007–2012 (North America)
| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
|
| Production | January 2006 – July 2012 |
| Model years | 2006–2012 (Europe) 2007–2012 (North America) |
| Assembly | United States: Tuscaloosa, Alabama (MBUSI) |
| 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) |
| Platform | W164/V251/W166[5] |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164) Mercedes-Benz R-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) |
Development and launch
The X164 GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show,[6] and deliveries commenced on September in Europe.[7] Around US$600,000,000 was invested in the Mercedes Alabama plant in preparation for the production of vehicles including the X164 GL-Class.[8]
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.[9] 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".[10] 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.[11] GL-Class models are also optionally available with a tyre pressure monitoring system, DAB digital radio, reversing camera, and rear seat infotainment screens.[12] 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.[13]
Models
Petrol engines
Diesel engines
| 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
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2009 facelift
The following changes apply for models produced since June 2009:[14]
- Exterior design changes including: redesigned radiator grille, foglights, bumpers, wing-mirrors, Standard LED tail-lights, Optional LED DRL/Fogs with Xenon Package[15]
- Interior design changes including: redesigned seats and steering wheel[16]
- Addition of Tenorite Grey and Palladium Silver exterior colour options[17]
- All diesel models now receive urea-injection in exhaust system (BlueTEC), to meet 50-state emissions requirement[18]
- Introduction of GL 350 CDI BlueTec, GL 320 CDI model rebadged as GL 350 CDI, and GL 420 CDI rebadged as GL 450 CDI[19]
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[20]
Sales figures
Awards
- 2007 MotorTrend “SUV of the Year”[23]
- 2008 Car and Driver "10 Best Trucks and SUVs" award[24]
- 2011 AutoPacific "Motorist Choice Award" in the SUV category[25]
