The X164 GL-Class is a full-sized luxury crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz, from 2006 to 2012.

Development and launch

The X164 GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, and deliveries commenced on September in Europe. Around US$600,000,000 was invested in the Mercedes Alabama plant in preparation for the production of vehicles including the X164 GL-Class.

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. 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". 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. GL-Class models are also optionally available with a tyre pressure monitoring system, DAB digital radio, reversing camera, and rear seat infotainment screens. 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.

Models

Petrol engines

Diesel engines

Model year changes

2009 facelift

The following changes apply for models produced since June 2009:

• Exterior design changes including: redesigned radiator grille, foglights, bumpers, wing-mirrors,Standard LED tail-lights,Optional LED DRL/Fogs with Xenon Package
• Interior design changes including: redesigned seats and steering wheel
• Addition of Tenorite Grey and Palladium Silver exterior colour options
• All diesel models now receive urea-injection in exhaust system (BlueTEC), to meet 50-state emissions requirement
• Introduction of GL 350 CDI BlueTec, GL 320 CDI model rebadged as GL 350 CDI, and GL 420 CDI rebadged as GL 450 CDI

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

Sales figures

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

Awards

• 2007 MotorTrend “SUV of the Year”
• 2008 Car and Driver "10 Best Trucks and SUVs" award
• 2011 AutoPacific "Motorist Choice Award" in the SUV category

References