Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)

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Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)
Mercedes GL 450 CDI 4MATIC (X164) Facelift front 20100926.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
Production29 January 2006 – 15 July 2012
Model years 2006 - 2012
AssemblyUnited States: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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)
Related Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 3,075 mm (121.1 in)
Length
  • 5,088 mm (200.3 in)
  • 5,099 mm (200.7 in) (facelift)
Width1,920 mm (75.6 in)
Height1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Kerb weight 2,355–2,475 kg (5,192–5,456 lb)
Chronology
Successor Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166)

The X164GL-Class is a full-sized luxury crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz, from 2006 to 2012.

Contents

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

ModelYearsEnginePowerTorque0–100 km/h (0-62 mph)
GL 4502006–2012 M273 E47
4.7 L V8
250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp)
@ 6,000 rpm
460 N⋅m (339 lb⋅ft)
@ 2,700–5,000 rpm
7.2 s
GL 500 / GL 5502006–2012 M273 E55
5.5 L V8
285 kW (387 PS; 382 hp)
@ 6,000 rpm
530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft)
@ 2,800–4,800 rpm
6.6 s

Diesel engines

ModelYearsEnginePowerTorque0–100 km/h (0-62 mph)
GL 320 CDI2006–2009 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 CDI2009135 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 BlueTEC2009–2012 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 CDI2006–2009 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 CDI2009–2010

Model year changes

Mercedes GL 320 CDI 4-Matic 20090611 front.JPG
Pre-Facelift GL 320 CDI
Mercedes GL 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC (X164) Facelift front 20100710.jpg
Facelift GL 350 CDI

2009 facelift

The following changes apply for models produced since June 2009: [13]

2010

2011

Sales figures

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

YearEU salesUS sales
20063,00718,776
20078,02726,396
20084,22723,328
20092,87115,012
20102,24919,943
20112,50825,139
20121,57326,042
Total:24,462154,636

Awards

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