Engineering:Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)
| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164) | |
|---|---|
_Facelift_front_20100926.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Production | 29 January 2006 – 15 July 2012 |
| Model years | 2006 - 2012 |
| Assembly | United 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 |
|
| Width | 1,920 mm (75.6 in) |
| Height | 1,840 mm (72.4 in) |
| uk|uk|Kerb|Curb}} weight | 2,355–2,475 kg (5,192–5,456 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166) |
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,[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.
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
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL450 | 2006–2012 | M273 E47 4.7 L V8 |
250 kW (335 hp) @ 6,000 rpm |
460 N⋅m (339 lb⋅ft) @ 2,700–5,000 rpm |
7.2 s |
| GL500 | 2006–2012 | M273 E55 5.5 L V8 |
285 kW (382 hp) @ 6,000 rpm |
530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft) @ 2,800–4,800 rpm |
6.6 s |
Diesel engines
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL320 CDI | 2006–2009 | OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo |
165 kW (221 hp) @ 3,800 rpm |
510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600–2,800 rpm |
9.5 s |
| GL350 CDI | 2009 | 135 kW (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 (261 hp) @ 3,800 rpm |
620 N⋅m (457 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600–2,400 rpm |
7.9 s | |
| GL350 BlueTEC | 2009–2012 | OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo |
155 kW (208 hp) @ 3,400 rpm |
540 N⋅m (398 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600–2,400 rpm |
10.7 s |
| GL420 CDI | 2006–2009 | OM629 DE40 4.0 L V8 twin-turbo |
225 kW (302 hp) @ 3,600 rpm |
700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) @ 2,000–2,600 rpm |
7.6 s |
| GL450 CDI | 2009–2010 |
Model year changes
_Facelift_front_20100710.jpg)
2009 facelift
The following changes apply for models produced since June 2009:[13]
- Exterior design changes including: redesigned radiator grille, foglights, bumpers, wing-mirrors,Standard LED tail-lights,Optional LED DRL/Fogs with Xenon Package[14]
- Interior design changes including: redesigned seats and steering wheel[15]
- Addition of Tenorite Grey and Palladium Silver exterior colour options[16]
- All diesel models now receive urea-injection in exhaust system (BlueTEC), to meet 50-state emissions requirement[17]
- Introduction of GL350 CDI BlueTec, GL320 CDI model rebadged as GL350 CDI, and GL420 CDI rebadged as GL450 CDI[18]
2010
- GL350 CDI engine updated and GL450 CDI ends production
2011
- Wing mirrors changed again
- Introduction of Grand Edition model for GL450 and GL350 CDI BlueTec[19]
Sales figures
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 |
Awards
- 2007 MotorTrend “SUV of the Year”[22]
- 2008 Car and Driver "10 Best Trucks and SUVs" award[23]
- 2011 AutoPacific "Motorist Choice Award" in the SUV category[24]
References
- ↑ "Interview with Steve Mattin, Senior Designer, Mercedes – Benz". just-auto.com. http://www.just-auto.com/analysis/interview-with-steve-mattin-senior-designer-mercedes-benz_id86828.aspx.
- ↑ "The 2021 Mercedes Benz GLS was held back by a confusing feature". https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-2021-mercedes-benz-gls-was-held-back-by-a-confusing-feature/.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz GLS Meaning and History". Mercedes-Benz of Modesto. https://www.mbofmodesto.com/manufacturer-information/mercedes-benz-gls-meaning/.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class". Consumer Guide. https://consumerguide.com/mercedes-benz/gls-class/.
- ↑ "2006 Detroit Auto Show | New Debuts and Future Cars | Car and Driver" (in en). https://www.caranddriver.com/auto-shows/2006-detroit-auto-show.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz GL 450 review | Autocar" (in en). https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mercedes-benz/gl-class-2006-2012/first-drives/mercedes-benz-gl-450.
- ↑ "Alabama factory at the center of Daimler, Chrysler cooperation". 2007-07-16. http://www.autonews.com/article/20070716/SUB/70713023/alabama-factory-at-the-center-of-daimler-chrysler-cooperation.
- ↑ rayadmin (2015-07-27). "2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class" (in en). J.D. Power Cars. http://www.jdpower.com/cars/Mercedes-Benz/GL-Class/2011.
- ↑ Smith, Giles (11 November 2006). "Merc truck". The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2006/nov/11/motoring.
- ↑ "2011 Mercedes-Benz GL Class Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos" (in en). https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/mercedes-benz_gl-class_2011.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Estate (2006 - 2012) Features, Equipment and Accessories | Parkers" (in en). https://www.parkers.co.uk/mercedes-benz/gl-class/estate-2006/review/features-safety-and-equipment/.
- ↑ "2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Grand Edition @ Top Speed" (in en-US). Top Speed. https://www.topspeed.com/cars/mercedes/2011-mercedes-benz-gl-class-grand-edition-ar110075.html.
- ↑ "2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review" (in en-US). https://www.newcartestdrive.com/reviews/2009-mercedes-benz-gl-class/.
- ↑ "Mercedes GL-Class Soft Facelift Released" (in en). Motor1.com. https://www.motor1.com/news/15401/mercedes-gl-class-soft-facelift-released/.
- ↑ "2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Price, Trims, Options, Specs, Photos, Reviews | autoTRADER.ca". http://www.autotrader.ca/research/mercedes-benz/gl-class/2010/.
- ↑ rayadmin (2009-12-31). "New for 2010-Mercedes-Benz" (in en). J.D. Power Cars. http://www.jdpower.com/cars/articles/car-buyers-guides/new-2010-mercedes-benz.
- ↑ "How Mercedes' BlueTec works, and the 2009 clean-diesel SUVs to come". https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2008/04/how-mercedes-bluetec-works-and-the-2009-clean-diesel-suvs-to-come/index.htm.
- ↑ "2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec 4MATIC" (in en). Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/mercedes-benz-gl-class-drive-2011-mercedes-gl350-test.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz Creates Crushingly Expensive Grand Edition GL-class SUV For Wealthy Rock Crushers" (in en). Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/mercedes-benz-creates-crushingly-expensive-grand-edition-gl-class-suv-for-wealthy-rock-crushers.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS European sales figures" (in en-US). carsalesbase.com. http://carsalesbase.com/european-car-sales-data/mercedes-benz/mercedes-benz-gl/.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS US car sales figures" (in en-US). carsalesbase.com. http://carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/mercedes-benz/mercedes-benz-gl/.
- ↑ "Motor Trend Names Names 2007 Sport/Utility Of The Year - Motor Trend" (in en-US). Motor Trend. 2006-10-24. https://www.motortrend.com/news/news061024-sport-utility-of-the-year/.
- ↑ "2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-class" (in en). Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/features/2008-5best-trucks-feature-2008-mercedes-benz-gl-class-page-4.
- ↑ Motorcars, Fields. "Fields Motorcars | GL-Class and GLK-Class SUVs honored at Motorist Choice Awards" (in en-US). https://www.fieldsmotorcars.com/blog/2011/october/31/in-New-Tampa-Mercedes-GLK-drivers-proud-of-latest-award.htm.
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