| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164) | |
| Manufacturer: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Production: | 29 January 2006 – 15 July 2012 |
| Model Years: | 2006 - 2012 |
| Assembly: | United States: Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
| Designer: | Steve Mattin[1] |
| Class: | Full-size luxury crossover SUV[2] [3] [4] |
| Body Style: | 5-door SUV |
| Related: | Mercedes-Benz M-Class |
| Layout: | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (4matic) |
| Transmission: | 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic |
| Wheelbase: | 30751NaN1 |
| Width: | 19201NaN1 |
| Height: | 18401NaN1 |
| Weight: | 2355- |
| Successor: | Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166) |
| Sp: | uk |
The X164 GL-Class is a full-sized luxury crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz, from 2006 to 2012.
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.
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]
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL450 | 2006–2012 | M273 E47 4.7 L V8 | 2500NaN0 @ 6,000 rpm | 4600NaN0 @ 2,700–5,000 rpm | 7.2 s | |
| GL550 | 2006–2012 | M273 E55 5.5 L V8 | 2850NaN0 @ 6,000 rpm | 5300NaN0 @ 2,800–4,800 rpm | 6.6 s |
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL320 CDI | 2006–2009 | OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo | 1650NaN0 @ 3,800 rpm | 5100NaN0 @ 1,600–2,800 rpm | 9.5 s |
| GL350 CDI | 2009 | 1350NaN0 @ 5,000–6,250 rpm | 3200NaN0 @ 1,750–2,000 rpm | ||
| 2010–2012 | OM642 LS DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo | 1950NaN0 @ 3,800 rpm | 6200NaN0 @ 1,600–2,400 rpm | 7.9 s | |
| GL350 BlueTEC | 2009–2012 | OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo | 1550NaN0 @ 3,400 rpm | 5400NaN0 @ 1,600–2,400 rpm | 10.7 s |
| GL420 CDI | 2006–2009 | OM629 DE40 4.0 L V8 twin-turbo | 2250NaN0 @ 3,600 rpm | 7000NaN0 @ 2,000–2,600 rpm | 7.6 s |
| GL450 CDI | 2009–2010 |
The following changes apply for models produced since June 2009:[13]
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 |