Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Overview
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	2006–present
Model years	2007-present
Assembly	Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States Pune, Maharashtra, India
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury crossover SUV[1]
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, four-wheel drive

X164
Overview
Production	2006-2012
Model years	2007-2012
Designer	Steve Mattin (2002)[2]
Powertrain
Engine	3.0 L V6 (diesel) 4.0 L V8 (diesel) 4.6 L V8 5.5 L V8
Transmission	7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,075 mm (121.1 in)
Length	2007-09: 5,085 mm (200.2 in) 2010-2012: 200.6 in (5,095 mm)
Width	2007-09: 1,920 mm (75.6 in) 2010-2012: 76.4 in (1,941 mm)
Height	1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Curb weight	2465 - 2585 kg

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a full-size luxury crossover SUV built by the German carmaker Mercedes-Benz since 2006. A three-row, 7-passenger vehicle, it slots above the Mercedes-Benz M-Class in the lineup and is the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz SUV line. The GL shares the same unibody architecture with the M-Class. The vast majority of GL-Class vehicles are assembled at Mercedes-Benz US International, Inc, in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama except for a small number of early production 2007 model vehicles which were manufactured in Germany. The first generation (X164) was manufactured between 2006 and 2012 and was replaced in 2012 by the new generation GL-Class (X166).

First generation (X164; 2007-2012)

The GL-Class (codename X164) debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. It was released along the same time as the similarly sized Audi Q7, being the first German three-row, 7-passenger crossover SUVs on the market at the time; later joined by the second-generation BMW X5 that has an optional third-row seat increasing capacity up to 7. Except for the Acura MDX, most three row luxury SUVs at the time were body-on-frame vehicles such as the Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator.

The GL lacks the typical SUV boxy styling and body-on-frame construction of the G-Class in favor of an elongated and widened version of the M-Class's unibody architecture. The GL has much more luxurious equipment and better road manners than the civilian G-Class vehicles. Although the GL-Class is designed for the US market, it is also sold in Europe, albeit in far smaller numbers.

Features

Standard features

Standard features on the Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec and GL450 include air conditioning with dual-zone climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic premium leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, heated 8-way power front seats, 6-disc CD changer, outside-temperature indicator, and universal garage door opener. On the facelifted 2010 model, the GLs also incorporate new daytime running lights as well as LED tail lamps for improved visibility. 19" 5-spoke wheels come standard with all-season tires and new chrome beltline, window trim, and roof rails also now come standard. A chrome loadsill and front and rear chrome looking skid plates come standard. The GL also comes with Airmatic suspension, a 3D instrument cluster, and 7-way seating with power 50/50 folding third row seats.

The GL350 BlueTec features a 3.0L 210 hp (157 kW) 400 lb·ft (542 N·m) turbocharged V6, with a reduction in NOx emissions of 80%. The starting MSRP is $1,000 less than the GL450. The GL450 4Matic has a 335 hp (250 kW) V8. The GL550 has a 382 hp (285 kW) 5.5L V8.

Optional features

Standard on the Mercedes GL550 but optional for the lower trims include a power tilt/telescopic wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls (replacing tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls), leather upholstery, memory system, power liftgate, premium sound system, navigation system w/voice recognition, rear radio controls, rearview camera, and heated rear seats.

Awards

• 2007 Motor Trend SUV of the Year

X166
Overview
Production	2012-present
Model years	2013-present
Powertrain
Engine	3.0L Diesel V6 4.6L V8 4.6L Biturbo V8 4.6L Biturbo V8 5.5L Biturbo V8
Transmission	7-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic and 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-Tronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,075 mm (121.1 in)
Length	5,120 mm (201.6 in)
Width	1,934 mm (76.1 in)
Height	1,850 mm (72.8 in)
Curb weight	2,455 kg to 2,580 kg

Second generation (X166; 2012-)

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 with sport body styling.

New model is bigger, more luxurious and full of tech gadgets. Even though it is bigger, MB managed to make the new GL-class 100 kg lighter. Daimler assures that the new generation is also more efficient thanks to BlueEFFICIENCY package (start/stop system, intelligent alternator management, electric steering etc.) and redesigned petrol and diesel engines. Petrol versions GL 450 and GL500 (550 in the USA) are now turbocharged. The GL (X166) went on sale in September 2012 in the United States.

Equipment and technical innovations

The standard equipment has improved over the X166's predecessor. It now offers a range of technical appointments: ATTENTION ASSIST, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, 9 airbags, Crosswind Assist and pedestrian protection including Active Bonnet, self-leveling AIRMATIC suspension, electric easy-pack tailgate. The GL500 (550 in the USA) adds Active Parking Assist, Intelligent Light System, KEYLESS-GO access system and front multicontour seats with memory function. The standard multimedia system is Audio 20 CD with USB and Bluetooth interface. The new COMAND Online multimedia system is also available as an option, featuring 3D menu and internet access. COMAND Online can be combined with Bang & Olufsen BeoSound surround system.

Non-AMG versions are paired with the 7G-Tronic Plus gearbox.

Selected optional features

• Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Speed Limit Assist
• designo Exclusive package (designo nappa leather, extensive stitching and diamond quilting)
• DISTRONIC PLUS
• Intelligent Light System (ILS)
• AMG Sport package, including larger 19-inch ventilated and perforated brake discs, 21-inch wheels and different AMG bumpers

GL 63 AMG

The GL 63 AMG is powered by AMG hand-built M157 engine, which has same output as an ML 63 with optional Performance package. Thanks to 557 hp V8, it manages the 0–100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h.

It features a start-stop system and 557 hp are transmitted by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC gearbox. It has three modes: "Controlled Efficiency" (start-stop system is active and in this mode it accelerates in 2nd gear), "Sport" and "Manual". The AMG model is equipped with AMG RIDE CONTROL, combined with AIRMATIC and ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM with three modes: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus". The air suspension is active and it lowers the car at higher speeds.

The GL 63 comes with 5-spoke 21-inch wheels (295/40 tires), perforated brakes, ARTICO leather adjustable sport seats, AMG floor mats, electronic assistants etc.

Awards

• 2013 Motor Trend SUV of the Year
• 2007 Motor Trend SUV of the Year

Engines

Transmissions

Sales

References

7.Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG (2013) on netcarshow.com
8.Article named "new GL (X166)" on jesmb.de
9.2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Technical Data on emercedesbenz.com
10.(Press kit) The new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: First class in all conditions

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.

• Official website