Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Parent company	DaimlerChrysler (2007) Daimler AG (2008-present)
Production	2006–present
Assembly	Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico
Class	Full-size luxury crossover SUV
Body style(s)	5-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	3.0 L V6 (diesel) 4.0 L V8 (diesel) 4.7 L V8 5.5 L V8
Transmission(s)	7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic
Wheelbase	3,075 mm (121.1 in)
Length	2007-09: 5,085 mm (200.2 in) 2010-present: 200.6 in (5095 mm)
Width	2007-09: 1,920 mm (75.6 in) 2010-present: 76.4 in (1941 mm)
Height	1,840 mm (72.4 in)

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (code name X164) is a full-size crossover SUV built by the German carmaker Mercedes-Benz since 2006. The GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The car was designed for the American market, which is shown by its large size, making it the only similarly-sized rival up against Audi's Q7 by that time. It is the 7-passenger counterpart of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Although the car was designed for the US market, it is also sold in Europe, albeit in far fewer numbers.

It lacks the typical SUV boxy styling and body-on-frame construction of the G-Class in favor of a modified version of the M-Class's unibody architecture. Many motorists consider it the "Elongated and Wider" version of the recently redesigned M-Class. It is a three-row, 7-passenger SUV with much more luxurious equipment than previous civilian G-Class vehicles. All GL-Class vehicles are assembled at Mercedes-Benz US International, Inc., Tuscaloosa County, Alabama and Mercedes-Benz Mexico, Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico. The GL class was originally intended to replace the 25-year old G-Class model, however due to public and fan outcries, Mercedes Benz had decided to keep the G-Class in production for the foreseeable future and decided to update it for 2006.

Engines

• GL 350 CDI BlueTec: 3.0 L V6 (diesel), 160 kW (215 hp)
• GL 420 CDI: 4.0 L V8 (diesel), 225 kW (302 hp)
• GL 450: 4.7 L V8, 250 kW (335 hp)
• GL 550 (GL 500 in Europe): 5.5 L V8, 285 kW (382 hp)

Features

Standard features

Standard on the Mercedes-Benz GL350 BLUETEC and GL450 include air conditioning w/ dual-zone climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic premium leather-wrapped steering wheel w/ 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 GL's also incorporate new DRL's 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 3rd row seats.

The GL350 BLUETEC is the world's cleanest diesel and reduces NOx emissions by 80%. It features a 3.0L 210 hp (157 kW) 400 lb·ft (542 N·m) torque, turbocharged V-6. The starting MSRP for this car is one thousand dollars less than the GL450. The GL450 4MATIC has a 335 hp (250 kW), V-8. The GL550 has a 382 hp (285 kW), 5.5L V8.

Optional features

2010 Mercedes-Benz GL 450 CDI (Germany)

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 Sport/Utility of the Year - GL 450

Sales

Calendar year	US sales
2005	n/a
2006	18,776
2007	26,396
2008	23,328
2009	15,012
2010	19,943

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

• Mercedes GL Class Overview
• GL-Class at Mercedes-Benz Canada
• First spied: Next Generation Mercedes GL-Class