View source for Engineering:Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)

{{ Infobox automobile
| name         = Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)
| image        = Mercedes GL 450 CDI 4MATIC (X164) Facelift front 20100926.jpg
| caption      = 
| manufacturer = [[Company:Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes-Benz]]
| aka          = 
| production   = 29 January 2006 – 15 July 2012
| model_years  = 2006 - 2012
| assembly     = United States: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
| designer     = Steve Mattin<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.just-auto.com/analysis/interview-with-steve-mattin-senior-designer-mercedes-benz_id86828.aspx |title=Interview with Steve Mattin, Senior Designer, Mercedes – Benz |publisher=just-auto.com}}</ref>
| class        = [[Engineering:Full-size car|Full-size]] luxury crossover SUV<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-2021-mercedes-benz-gls-was-held-back-by-a-confusing-feature/|title=The 2021 Mercedes Benz GLS was held back by a confusing feature}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.mbofmodesto.com/manufacturer-information/mercedes-benz-gls-meaning/|title=Mercedes-Benz GLS Meaning and History|publisher=Mercedes-Benz of Modesto}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://consumerguide.com/mercedes-benz/gls-class/|publisher=Consumer Guide|title=Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class}}</ref>
| body_style   = 5-door [[Engineering:SUV|SUV]]
| platform     = 
| related      = [[Engineering:Mercedes-Benz M-Class|Mercedes-Benz M-Class]]
| layout       = [[Engineering:Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, four-wheel-drive]] (4matic)
| engine       = {{ ubl
  | '''Petrol:'''
  | 4.7-5.5 L ''M273'' V8
  | '''Diesel:'''
  | 3.0 L ''[[Engineering:Mercedes-Benz OM642 engine|OM642]]'' V6 [[Engineering:Turbocharger|turbo]]
  | 4.0 L ''[[Engineering:Mercedes-Benz OM629 engine|OM629]]'' V8 [[Engineering:Turbocharger|twin-turbo]]
}}
| transmission = 7-speed ''[[Engineering:Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic transmission|7G-Tronic]]'' [[Engineering:Automatic transmission|automatic]]
| wheelbase    = {{convert|3075|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length       = {{ubl
  |{{convert|5088|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
  |{{convert|5099|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (facelift)
  }}
| width        = {{convert|1920|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height       = {{convert|1840|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight       = {{convert|2355|-|2475|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| predecessor  = 
| successor    = [[Engineering:Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166)|Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166)]]
| sp           = uk
}}

The '''X164''' '''GL-Class''' is a full-sized luxury crossover SUV produced by [[Company:Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes-Benz]], from 2006 to 2012.

== Development and launch ==
The X164 GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/auto-shows/2006-detroit-auto-show|title=2006 Detroit Auto Show {{!}} New Debuts and Future Cars {{!}} Car and Driver|website=Car and Driver|language=en|access-date=2018-09-29}}</ref> and deliveries commenced on September in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mercedes-benz/gl-class-2006-2012/first-drives/mercedes-benz-gl-450|title=Mercedes-Benz GL 450 review {{!}} Autocar|website=www.autocar.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2018-09-29}}</ref> Around US$600,000,000 was invested in the Mercedes Alabama plant in preparation for the production of vehicles including the X164 GL-Class.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20070716/SUB/70713023/alabama-factory-at-the-center-of-daimler-chrysler-cooperation|title=Alabama factory at the center of Daimler, Chrysler cooperation|date=2007-07-16|website=Automotive News|access-date=2018-09-29}}</ref>

Unlike most three-row luxury SUVs at the time, the GL-Class is based on an elongated and widened version of the [[Engineering:Mercedes-Benz M-Class|M-Class]] platform, instead of the [[Engineering:Body-on-frame|body-on-frame]] construction found on vehicles such as the [[Engineering:Lexus LX|Lexus LX]] and [[Engineering:Cadillac Escalade|Cadillac Escalade]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jdpower.com/cars/Mercedes-Benz/GL-Class/2011|title=2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class|last=rayadmin|date=2015-07-27|work=J.D. Power Cars|access-date=2018-09-29|language=en}}</ref> ''{{wipe|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".<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2006/nov/11/motoring |title= Merc truck |work= {{wipe|The Guardian}} |date= 11 November 2006 |access-date= 26 March 2023 |last= Smith |first= Giles}}</ref> GL500 models are badged as GL550 in the United States.

== Equipment ==
All models feature leather electric seats, an automatic [[Biology:HVAC|climate control system]], 19-inch alloy wheels, 4MATIC [[Engineering:All-wheel drive|all-wheel drive]], [[Engineering:Air suspension|air suspension]] (adjustable by up to 307&nbsp;mm), and a 7-speed [[Engineering:Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic transmission|7G-Tronic automatic transmission]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/mercedes-benz_gl-class_2011|title=2011 Mercedes-Benz GL Class Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos|website=The Car Connection|language=en|access-date=2018-09-29}}</ref> GL-Class models are also optionally available with a [[Tire-pressure monitoring system|tyre pressure monitoring system]], DAB digital radio, reversing camera, and rear seat infotainment screens.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.parkers.co.uk/mercedes-benz/gl-class/estate-2006/review/features-safety-and-equipment/|title=Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Estate (2006 - 2012) Features, Equipment and Accessories {{!}} Parkers|website=www.parkers.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2018-09-29}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/mercedes/2011-mercedes-benz-gl-class-grand-edition-ar110075.html|title=2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Grand Edition @ Top Speed|work=Top Speed|access-date=2018-09-29|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Models ==
=== Petrol engines ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;"
!Model
!Years
!Engine
!Power
!Torque
!0–100&nbsp;km/h (0-62&nbsp;mph)
|-
|GL450
|2006–2012
|M273 E47 <br /> 4.7&nbsp;L V8
|{{convert|250|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 6,000 rpm
|{{convert|460|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 2,700–5,000 rpm
|7.2 s
|-
|GL500
|2006–2012
|M273 E55 <br /> 5.5 L V8
|{{convert|285|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 6,000 rpm
|{{convert|530|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 2,800–4,800 rpm
|6.6 s
|}

=== Diesel engines ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;"
!Model
!Years
!Engine
!Power
!Torque
!0–100&nbsp;km/h (0-62&nbsp;mph)
|-
|GL320 CDI
|2006–2009
| rowspan="2" |[[Engineering:Mercedes-Benz OM642 engine|OM642 DE30]] <br /> 3.0 L V6 [[Engineering:Turbocharger|turbo]]
|{{convert|165|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 3,800 rpm
|{{convert|510|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 1,600–2,800 rpm
| rowspan="2" |9.5 s
|-
| rowspan="2" |GL350 CDI
|2009
|{{convert|135|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 5,000–6,250 rpm
|{{convert|320|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 1,750–2,000 rpm
|-
|2010–2012
|[[Engineering:Mercedes-Benz OM642 engine|OM642 LS DE30]] <br /> 3.0 L V6 [[Engineering:Turbocharger|turbo]]
|{{convert|195|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 3,800 rpm
|{{convert|620|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 1,600–2,400 rpm
|7.9 s
|-
|GL350 BlueTEC
|2009–2012
|[[Engineering:Mercedes-Benz OM642 engine|OM642 DE30]] <br /> 3.0 L V6 [[Engineering:Turbocharger|turbo]]
|{{convert|155|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 3,400 rpm
|{{convert|540|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 1,600–2,400 rpm
|10.7 s
|-
|GL420 CDI
|2006–2009
| rowspan="2" |[[Engineering:Mercedes-Benz OM629 engine|OM629 DE40]] <br /> 4.0 L V8 twin-turbo
| rowspan="2" |{{convert|225|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 3,600 rpm
| rowspan="2" |{{convert|700|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} <br /> @ 2,000–2,600 rpm
| rowspan="2" |7.6 s
|-
|GL450 CDI
|2009–2010
|}

== Model year changes ==
{{Multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| width = 
| image1 = Mercedes GL 320 CDI 4-Matic 20090611 front.JPG
| caption1 = Pre-facelift GL320 CDI
| image2 = Mercedes GL 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC (X164) Facelift front 20100710.jpg
| caption2 = Facelift GL350 CDI
}}

=== 2009 facelift ===
The following changes apply for models produced since June 2009:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newcartestdrive.com/reviews/2009-mercedes-benz-gl-class/|title=2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review|website=www.newcartestdrive.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-09-29}}</ref>

* Exterior design changes including: redesigned radiator grille, foglights, bumpers, wing-mirrors,Standard LED tail-lights,Optional LED DRL/Fogs with Xenon Package<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.motor1.com/news/15401/mercedes-gl-class-soft-facelift-released/|title=Mercedes GL-Class Soft Facelift Released|work=Motor1.com|access-date=2018-09-29|language=en}}</ref>
* Interior design changes including: redesigned seats and steering wheel<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.autotrader.ca/research/mercedes-benz/gl-class/2010/|title=2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Price, Trims, Options, Specs, Photos, Reviews {{!}} autoTRADER.ca|website=www.autotrader.ca|access-date=2018-09-29}}</ref>
* Addition of Tenorite Grey and Palladium Silver exterior colour options<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.jdpower.com/cars/articles/car-buyers-guides/new-2010-mercedes-benz|title=New for 2010-Mercedes-Benz|last=rayadmin|date=2009-12-31|work=J.D. Power Cars|access-date=2018-09-29|language=en}}</ref>
* All diesel models now receive urea-injection in exhaust system (BlueTEC), to meet 50-state emissions requirement<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2008/04/how-mercedes-bluetec-works-and-the-2009-clean-diesel-suvs-to-come/index.htm|title=How Mercedes' BlueTec works, and the 2009 clean-diesel SUVs to come|access-date=2018-09-29}}</ref>
* Introduction of GL350 CDI BlueTec, GL320 CDI model rebadged as GL350 CDI, and GL420 CDI rebadged as GL450 CDI<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/mercedes-benz-gl-class-drive-2011-mercedes-gl350-test|title=2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec 4MATIC|work=Car and Driver|access-date=2018-09-29|language=en}}</ref>

=== 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<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/mercedes-benz-creates-crushingly-expensive-grand-edition-gl-class-suv-for-wealthy-rock-crushers|title=Mercedes-Benz Creates Crushingly Expensive Grand Edition GL-class SUV For Wealthy Rock Crushers|work=Car and Driver|access-date=2018-09-29|language=en}}</ref>

== Sales figures ==
The following are the sales figures for the X164 GL-Class:<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://carsalesbase.com/european-car-sales-data/mercedes-benz/mercedes-benz-gl/|title=Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS European sales figures|work=carsalesbase.com|access-date=2018-08-01|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/mercedes-benz/mercedes-benz-gl/|title=Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS US car sales figures|work=carsalesbase.com|access-date=2018-08-01|language=en-US}}</ref>
Note: 2012 sales figures include the next generation model.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;"
!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”<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/news061024-sport-utility-of-the-year/|title=Motor Trend Names Names 2007 Sport/Utility Of The Year - Motor Trend|date=2006-10-24|work=Motor Trend|access-date=2018-09-29|language=en-US}}</ref>
* 2008 Car and Driver "10 Best Trucks and SUVs" award<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/features/2008-5best-trucks-feature-2008-mercedes-benz-gl-class-page-4|title=2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-class|work=Car and Driver|access-date=2018-09-29|language=en}}</ref>
* 2011 AutoPacific "Motorist Choice Award" in the SUV category<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fieldsmotorcars.com/blog/2011/october/31/in-New-Tampa-Mercedes-GLK-drivers-proud-of-latest-award.htm|title=Fields Motorcars {{!}} GL-Class and GLK-Class SUVs honored at Motorist Choice Awards|last=Motorcars|first=Fields|website=www.fieldsmotorcars.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-09-29}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Mercedes-Benz vehicles}}

[[Category:Luxury sport utility vehicles]]
[[Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles]]

{{Sourceattribution|Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)}}