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, USA Juarez Mexico
Class	Full-size 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	3075 mm (121.1 in)
Length	5085 mm (200.2 in)
Width	1920 mm (75.6 in)
Height	1840 mm (72.4 in)
Related	Mercedes-Benz M-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (code name X164) is a Daimler AG full-size SUV built by the German automaker 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, along with the redesigned BMW X5, as well as a facelifted Volvo XC90 by that time. It is the seven-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. The Mercedes GL competes with the Cadillac Escalade, however people are beginning to believe that the Escalade is more upscale (because of its standard leather upholstery, remote engine start, and 68 more horsepower). However, others believe that the GL-class has higher ride quality and deserves the $60,000 price tag that it has (as of December 2008).

It lacks the boxy styling and body-on-frame construction of the G-Class in favor of a modified version of the M-Class' unibody architecture. Many motorists consider it the "Elongated and Wider" version of the recently redesigned M-Class. It is a three-row, seven-passenger crossover SUV with much more luxurious equipment than previous civilian G-Class vehicles. All future GL-Class vehicles will be assembled at either Daimler AG's Alabama factory or Mercedes-Benz's Juarez, Mexico factory. 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.

Mercedes-Benz introduced its BlueTec diesel system to the GL-Class at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as the GL 320 Bluetec. This system uses urea to clean Diesel emissions, making the GL 320 50-state legal in the United States. It went on sale in July 2006, but models with urea injection will only be introduced in 2008.

Engines

• GL 320 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)

Awards

• 2007 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year - GL 450