The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a full-size luxury 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
was manufactured between 2006 and 2012 and was replaced in 2012 by the new generation
GL-Class.
First generation The GL-Class 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. 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
400 lb·ft 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 V8. The GL550 has a 382 hp
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, 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
Second generation
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 and redesigned petrol and diesel engines.
Petrol versions GL 450 and GL500 are now turbocharged. The GL 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 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 and an 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", "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, perforated brakes, ARTICO leather adjustable
sport seats, AMG floor mats, electronic assistants etc.
Awards 2013 Motor Trend SUV of the Year
Engines Availability of models varies depending on
markets. Transmissions
All versions of the GL-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. Sales
References
7.Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG on netcarshow.com 8.2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Technical Data
on emercedesbenz.com External links
Official website Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Press Kit