Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166)

Body and chassisClassFull-size luxury crossover SUV^[3][4][5]Body style5-door SUVLayoutFront-engine, four-wheel-drive (4matic)PowertrainEngineTransmission7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic
9-speed 9G-Tronic automaticDimensionsWheelbase3,075 mm (121.1 in)
3,100 mm (122.0 in) (facelift)LengthWidth1,934 mm (76.1 in)Height1,850 mm (72.8 in)Kerb weight2,380–2,505 kg (5,247–5,523 lb)ChronologyPredecessorMercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164)SuccessorMercedes-Benz GLS-Class (X167)

The X166 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a full-size luxury crossover SUV produced from 2012 to 2019. It is the second generation model in the GL-Class range, and was renamed GLS as of the 2016 facelift.^[6]

Development and launch

The X166 GL-Class debuted at the 2012 New York International Auto Show and later went on sale in September 2012.^[7] Compared to its predecessor, the GL-Class is 10 mm (0.4 in) taller, 14 mm (0.6 in) wider, 21 mm (0.8 in) longer,^[8] and up to 100 kg (220 lb) lighter.^[9]

Equipment

Standard equipment includes the COMAND system with a 5.8-inch display, LED headlights,^[10] and an adaptive air suspension for up to 285 mm (11.2 in) of ground clearance.^[11] Options include soft close doors, rear-seat infotainment displays, 20 and 21-inch wheel options, and an off-road package that adds an increased ride height, a skid plate, and a low-range gearbox.^[12] The GL-Class is also available with driver assistance systems such as active cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring systems.^[13]

Models

Petrol engines

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)
GL450 4MATIC	2013–2014	M278 DE46 4.7 L V8 twin-turbo	270 kW (362 hp) @ 5,000–6,000 rpm	550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft) @ 1,500–4,000 rpm	6.6 s
GLS450 4MATIC	2015–2019	M276 E30 3.0 L V6 twin-turbo	270 kW (362 hp) @ 5,500–6,000 rpm	500 N⋅m (369 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800–4,500 rpm	6.9 s
GL550 4MATIC	2012–2015	M278 DE46 4.7 L V8 twin-turbo	320 kW (429 hp) @ 5,250 rrpm	700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800–3,500 rpm	5.2 s
GLS550 4MATIC	2015–2019		335 kW (449 hp) @ 5,250–5,500 rpm	700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800–4,000 rpm	5.3 s
GL63 AMG	2013–2015	M157 DE55 5.5 L V8 twin-turbo	410 kW (550 hp) @ 5,500 rpm	760 N⋅m (561 lb⋅ft) @ 2,000–4,500 rpm	4.9 s
GLS63 AMG	2015–2019		430 kW (577 hp) @ 5,500 rpm	760 N⋅m (561 lb⋅ft) @ 1,750–5,250 rpm	4.6 s

Diesel engines

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)
GL350 BlueTEC	2012–2015	OM642 LS DE30 3.0 L V6 turbo	190 kW (255 hp) @ 3,600 rpm	620 N⋅m (457 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600–2,400 rpm	7.9 s
GLS 350d 4MATIC	2015–2019				7.8 s

GL 63 AMG version

The GL63 AMG was introduced at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.^[14] It features a hand-built twin-turbocharged 5.5 L V8 that produces 410 kW (550 hp) and 760 N⋅m (561 lb⋅ft). It is mated to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS semi-automatic transmission, with Efficiency, Sport, and Manual modes.^[15] Additional features include upgraded brakes, a sports exhaust, AMG exterior and interior styling, 21-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, and an air suspension system that automatically lowers the car at higher speeds.^[16] The engine was updated in 2016 and now produces 430 kW (577 hp) and 760 N⋅m (561 lb⋅ft).^[17]

2016 facelift

The facelift was unveiled in November 2015 with production beginning from January 2016.^[18] The GL-Class model range was renamed to GLS to correspond with the new Mercedes naming scheme.^[19] The exterior now featured full LED tail-lights and a revised front fascia with updated LED headlights, grille, and bumpers.^[20] The Guardian described it as "a laughably outsized car" and went on to say "it's amazing, but sooner or later, we'll all end up paying for this sort of unfettered excess. The car is epic in dimension and ability, but it’s stunted in terms of its awareness of its place in our world."^[21] New exterior paint colours and alloy-wheel designs were also introduced.

Interior changes include a revised instrument panel and new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel,^[22] as well as an upgraded free-standing 8-inch COMAND system display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.^[23] GL500 and GL63 AMG models received performance improvements, and the 7-speed automatic was replaced by the 9-speed 9G-Tronic transmission.^[24]

Sales figures

The following are the sales figures for the X166 GL-Class:^[25][26]

Note: 2012 sales figures include the previous generation model.

Year	EU sales	US sales
2012	1,573	26,042
2013	4,829	29,912
2014	4,187	26,597
2015	3,753	27,707
2016	5,361	30,442
2017	4,537	32,248
2018	3,534	21,973
Total:	27,774	194,921

Awards

• 2013 MotorTrend "SUV of the Year"^[27]
• 2017 Car and Driver "10Best Award" in the large SUV category^[28]

References

External links

• Official website