Mercedes-Benz · 2006–2012
Mercedes-Benz X 164
The X164 GL-Class is a full-sized luxury crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz from 2006 to 2012. It is the first generation model in the GL-Class range.
Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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Development and launch
The X164 GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, and deliveries commenced on September in Europe. Around US$600,000,000 was invested in the Mercedes Alabama plant in preparation for the production of vehicles including the X164 GL-Class. 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. 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". 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. GL-Class models are also optionally available with a tyre pressure monitoring system, DAB digital radio, reversing camera, and rear seat infotainment screens. 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.
Model year changes
=== 2009 facelift === The following changes apply for models produced since June 2009: Exterior design changes including: redesigned radiator grille, foglights, bumpers, wing-mirrors, Standard LED tail-lights, Optional LED DRL/Fogs with Xenon Package Interior design changes including: redesigned seats and steering wheel Addition of Tenorite Grey and Palladium Silver exterior colour options All diesel models now receive urea-injection in exhaust system (BlueTEC), to meet 50-state emissions requirement Introduction of GL 350 CDI BlueTec, GL 320 CDI model rebadged as GL 350 CDI, and GL 420 CDI rebadged as GL 450 CDI 2010. GL 350 CDI engine updated and GL 450 CDI ends production 2011. Wing mirrors changed again Introduction of Grand Edition model for GL 450 and GL 350 CDI BlueTec
Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.
Specifications
- name
- Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)
- Manufacturer
- DaimlerChrysler (2006–2007), Daimler AG (2007–2012)
- Production
- January 2006 – July 2012
- Model years
- 2006–2012 (Europe) , 2007–2012 (North America)
- Assembly
- United States: Tuscaloosa, Alabama (MBUSI)
- Designer
- Steve Mattin
- Class
- Full-size luxury crossover SUV
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Platform
- W164/V251/W166
- Related
- Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164) Mercedes-Benz R-Class
- Layout
- Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (4matic)
- 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
- Wheelbase
- 3075 mm
- Length
- 5088 mm, 5099 mm (facelift)
- Width
- 1920 mm
- Height
- 1840 mm
- Kerb weight
- 2355 -
- Successor
- Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166)
- sp
- uk
Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.
More photos
Sources
- Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1261428CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_GL-Class_(X164)CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1364461462 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mercedes_GL_320_CDI_4Matic_20090620_front.JPGAttribution · Photo: M 93 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.