Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

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

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a full-size luxury SUV produced by the German carmaker Mercedes-Benz since 2006. It is a three-row, seven-passenger vehicle positioned above the M-Class/GLE-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).

From 2015, with the release of the facelifted X166 second generation model, the GL-Class was renamed as Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class as per the revised nomenclature adopted by the brand. Under this scheme, SUVs use the base name "GL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. The "G" is for geländewagen (German for off-road vehicle) and alludes the long-running G-Wagen. This is followed by the letter "L" that acts as a linkage with the letter "S"—the GLS being the SUV equivalent to the S-Class.[2][3]

First generation (X164; 2006–2012)

X164
Overview
Production 2006–2012
Model years 2007–2012
Designer Steve Mattin (2002)[4]
Powertrain
Engine Petrol
3.0 L V6
4.6 L V8
5.5 L V8
Diesel
3.0 L V6
4.0 L V8
Transmission 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 3,075 mm (121.1 in)
Length 2006–09: 5,085 mm (200.2 in)
2010–2012: 200.6 in (5,095 mm)
Width 2006–09: 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
Mercedes-Benz GL 420 CDI (UK)
Interior

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 Cadillac Escalade and Lexus LX.

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. The GL-Class won 2007 Motor Trend SUV of the Year.

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.

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.

Second generation (X166; 2012–present)

X166
Overview
Also called Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (facelift)
Production 2012–present
Model years 2013–present
Body and chassis
Class Full-size Luxury Crossover SUV
Layout 4WD (4MATIC)
Powertrain
Engine Petrol
3.0L Biturbo V6
4.7L Biturbo V8
5.5L Biturbo V8
Diesel
3.0L Turbo V6
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
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 with sport body styling
Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC (Germany)

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. It won 2013 Motor Trend SUV of the Year.

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.

Selected optional features include Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Speed Limit Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS, Intelligent Light System (ILS) and an AMG Sport package, including larger 19-inch ventilated and perforated brake discs, 21-inch wheels and different AMG bumpers.

An ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM with active anti-roll bars for body roll compensation was introduced[5]

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 kilometres per hour (160 mph).

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.

Equipment

Engines

Availability of models varies depending on markets.

All versions of the GLS-Class are equipped with 7-speed automatic transmission called 7G-TRONIC PLUS except for the AMG derivative, which is fitted with a version called AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC.

Model Years Fuel Type Power@rpm Torque@rpm Emissions CO2
GLS 350d 2012– Diesel 2,987 cc (182 cu in) 24V V6 turbo Mercedes-Benz OM 642 LS DE 30 LA 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp)@3600 620 N·m (457 lb·ft)@1600–2400
 199–209 g/km
GLS 450 BlueEFFICIENCY 2015– Petrol 2,996 cc (183 cu in) 24V V6 biturbo Mercedes-Benz M 276 DE 30 AL 367 PS (270 kW; 362 hp)@5500 500 N·m (369 lb·ft)@1800
GLS 450 BlueEFFICIENCY 2012–2014 Petrol 4,663 cc (285 cu in) 32V V8 biturbo Mercedes-Benz M 278 DE 46 AL red. 367 PS (270 kW; 362 hp)@5000–6000 550 N·m (406 lb·ft)@1500–4000
GLS 500/550 BlueEFFICIENCY 2012– Petrol 4,663 cc (285 cu in) 32V V8 biturbo Mercedes-Benz M 278 DE 46 AL 435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp)@5250 700 N·m (516 lb·ft)@1800–3500
 269 g/km
GLS 63 AMG 2012– Petrol 5,461 cc (333 cu in) 32V V8 biturbo Mercedes-Benz M 157 DE 55 AL 557 PS (410 kW; 549 hp)@5750 760 N·m (561 lb·ft)@2000–5000
 288 g/km

Safety

Euro NCAP test results
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, Small Off-Road (2014)[6]
Test Points %
Overall:
Adult occupant: 32 89%
Child occupant: 37 76%
Pedestrian: 17 47%
Safety assist: 6 86%
IIHS scores[7]
Category Rating
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Small overlap frontal offset (2010–present) Good1
Side impact Good
Roof strength Good2
1 vehicle structure rated "Good"
2 strength-to-weight ratio: 6.41

Sales

Calendar year US sales
2006 18,776
2007 26,396[8]
2008 23,328
2009 15,012[9]
2010 19,943
2011 25,139[10]
2012 26,042[11]
2013 29,912
2014 26,597[12]

Mercedes-Benz GLS (2016–)

The GL-Class is slated for replacement in 2016 for the 2017 model year. The update was unveiled in November 2015. It will be replaced by a face lifted model under the GLS nameplate, corresponding with the new Mercedes-Benz naming scheme. The new model will feature new front vents, new front headlamps, revised rear lamps, as well as a redesigned dashboard, similar to the one found in the face lifted Mercedes-Benz M-Class, known as the GLE.

References

  1. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUVs 2009 – New Car Trims – NADAguides.com Official Site". Nadaguides.com. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
  2. ↑ Ewing, Steven (11 November 2014). "Mercedes renames utility vehicles, repositions Maybach as sub-brand". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  3. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz expands brand world and introduces new nomenclature: Mercedes-Maybach for the ultimate in exclusivity and individuality". Daimler AG. 11 November 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  4. ↑ "Interview with Steve Mattin, Senior Designer, Mercedes – Benz". just-auto.com.
  5. ↑ http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-1476982-1-1477392-1-0-0-0-0-1-0-1549054-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html?TS=1420024967036 The new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: First class in all conditions
  6. ↑ "Euro NCAP – Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 CDI, LHD (2010)". euroncap.com. Retrieved 30 September 2015. [euroncap.blob.core.windows.net/media/7362/mercedes_glk_recalc_2010_datasheetok.pdf Report]
  7. ↑ "2015 Mercedes GLK Midsize luxury SUV / 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4-door 4wd". iihs.org. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  8. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz USA's Sales Drop 32.1 Percent In December 2008 | eMercedesBenz – The Unofficial Mercedes-Benz Weblog". eMercedesBenz. 2009-01-05. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
  9. ↑ "Highest Sales Month for the Year at 21,469 Brings Mercedes-Benz to an... – MONTVALE, N.J., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/". New Jersey: Prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
  10. ↑ Mercedes-Benz USA (5 January 2012). "Mercedes-Benz Records the Highest Year on Record with Sales of 264,460". prnewswire.com.
  11. ↑ Mercedes-Benz USA (3 January 2013). "Mercedes-Benz USA Hits Its Highest-Ever U.S. Volume With Sales Of 305,072". prnewswire.com.
  12. ↑ Mercedes-Benz USA (5 January 2015). "Mercedes-Benz Delivers Record-Breaking 2014 Sales Volume Of 330,391, Up 5.7%". prnewswire.com.

7.Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG (2013) on netcarshow.com
8.2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Technical Data on emercedesbenz.com

External links

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