Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)
Overview
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	29 January 2006 – 15 July 2012
Model years	2006 - 2012
Assembly	United States: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Designer	Steve Mattin
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury crossover SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (4matic)
Related	Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol:; 4.7-5.5 L M273 V8; Diesel:; 3.0 L OM642 turbo V6; 4.0 L OM629 twin-turbo V8;
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);
Width	1,920 mm (75.6 in)
Height	1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Kerb weight	2,355–2,475 kg (5,192–5,456 lb)
Chronology
Successor	Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166)

The 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] 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

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h (0-62 mph)
GL 450	2006–2012	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 550	2006–2012	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

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h (0-62 mph)
GL 320 CDI	2006–2009	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 CDI	2009	OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo	135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp) @ 5,000–6,250 rpm	320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) @ 1,750–2,000 rpm	9.5 s
GL 350 CDI	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 BlueTEC	2009–2012	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 CDI	2006–2009	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 CDI	2009–2010	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

Model year changes

Pre-facelift GL 320 CDI

Facelift GL 350 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 GL 350 CDI BlueTec, GL 320 CDI model rebadged as GL 350 CDI, and GL 420 CDI rebadged as GL 450 CDI^[18]