Engineering: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
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz
Production29 January 2006 – 15 July 2012
Model years2006 - 2012
AssemblyUnited States: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
DesignerSteve Mattin[1]
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury crossover SUV[2][3][4]
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, four-wheel-drive (4matic)
RelatedMercedes-Benz M-Class
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,075 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)
uk|uk|Kerb|Curb}} weight2,355–2,475 kg (5,192–5,456 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorMercedes-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

Pre-facelift GL320 CDI
Facelift GL350 CDI

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

  1. "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. 
  2. "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/. 
  3. "Mercedes-Benz GLS Meaning and History". Mercedes-Benz of Modesto. https://www.mbofmodesto.com/manufacturer-information/mercedes-benz-gls-meaning/. 
  4. "Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class". Consumer Guide. https://consumerguide.com/mercedes-benz/gls-class/. 
  5. "2006 Detroit Auto Show | New Debuts and Future Cars | Car and Driver" (in en). https://www.caranddriver.com/auto-shows/2006-detroit-auto-show. 
  6. "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. 
  7. "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. 
  8. 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. 
  9. Smith, Giles (11 November 2006). "Merc truck". The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2006/nov/11/motoring. 
  10. "2011 Mercedes-Benz GL Class Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos" (in en). https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/mercedes-benz_gl-class_2011. 
  11. "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/. 
  12. "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. 
  13. "2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review" (in en-US). https://www.newcartestdrive.com/reviews/2009-mercedes-benz-gl-class/. 
  14. "Mercedes GL-Class Soft Facelift Released" (in en). Motor1.com. https://www.motor1.com/news/15401/mercedes-gl-class-soft-facelift-released/. 
  15. "2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Price, Trims, Options, Specs, Photos, Reviews | autoTRADER.ca". http://www.autotrader.ca/research/mercedes-benz/gl-class/2010/. 
  16. 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. 
  17. "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. 
  18. "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. 
  19. "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. 
  20. "Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS European sales figures" (in en-US). carsalesbase.com. http://carsalesbase.com/european-car-sales-data/mercedes-benz/mercedes-benz-gl/. 
  21. "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/. 
  22. "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/. 
  23. "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. 
  24. 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.