5 doors SUVs
History of Mercedes GL
In January 2006, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (NAIAS), Mercedes-Benz ignited a new star in the luxury SUV segment: the GL-Class. The seven-seater premium SUV impresses not only with comfort and space in the cabin, but also with excellent dynamic performance on and off-road, while offering its passengers a huge amount of interior space and comfort at the level of a luxury sedan. In addition, the GL-Class sets new safety standards with the comprehensive PRE-SAFE® preventive safety system, a first for a vehicle in this market segment. The car is produced in the USA, at the DaimlerChrysler plant in Alabama.
The appearance of the GL-class is quite imposing. The original forms emphasize the power and exclusivity of the SUV. Calm body lines, powerful wedge-shaped elements and expressive details give the car swiftness. The proportions of the large body are impeccable: length 5088 mm, width 1920 mm, height 1840 mm.
The salon welcomes passengers with high-quality materials familiar to Mercedes-Benz, creating an atmosphere of endless comfort. At the same time, the GL can accommodate seven passengers, each of whom will fit in the cabin with first-class comfort - because even the third row is equipped with "full-size" single seats. The distance to the middle row of seats is 815 mm, the distance from the seat cushions to the ceiling is 979 mm. At the same time, if there is no need to transport a whole company, then the rear seats can be folded down. Fold with a simple push of a button, turning the passenger compartment into a cargo area with a flat loading area. In the five-seater version, the luggage compartment volume is 1240 liters - this is the best indicator in this class. The maximum useful volume of the luggage compartment of the Mercedes GL is 2300 liters with a length of 2128 mm.
In order for passengers to feel comfortable, regardless of what is happening outside the window, the Mercedes-Benz GL boasts one of two climate control systems. The diesel GL 320 CDI is equipped with Thermatic, which provides all seven passengers with a balanced comfortable temperature. Models GL 420 CDI, GL 450 and GL 500, equipped with V8 engines, are equipped as standard with Thermatronic multi-zone automated air conditioning system, which ensures even higher climatic comfort on board.
The list of comfortable equipment of the Mercedes GL, included as standard, also includes various combinations of Artico leather upholstery (Nappa leather for GL500), power adjustable front seats and a closed panoramic roof in the rear above the third row of seats.
The GL-class has a monocoque body of maximum strength and an intelligent solution for lightweight steel construction. The result: exceptionally high passive safety. Together with the front and rear deformation zones, the high-strength safety cage forms an effective basis for the operation of driver and passenger protection systems. The GL boasts an impressive list of passive safety equipment from adaptive airbags to the Pre-Safe system (it analyzes data received from ABS and ESP and in critical situations tightens the belts, returns the backs to an upright position), which is offered for the first time for SUVs.
Of course, the car received a permanent all-wheel drive system, branded Mercedes 4MATIC. Well, the Europeans (including Russian buyers) were even more lucky - another proprietary Offroad-Pro system will be installed on all versions for this market. Thanks to the transfer case with a reduction gear and locking differentials of the transfer case and rear axle, the GL class is ready to tackle almost any off-road terrain. A special version of the Airmatic air suspension allows the car to rise up to 307 mm and overcome fords up to 60 centimeters deep. The air suspension works in tandem with the ADS system, which dampens bumps, allowing you to enjoy the car's handling.
Off-road, special systems will also help: such as anti-roll systems that make it easier to move downhill and start on the rise, ABS. In addition, all models produced for the European market, including Russia, are equipped as standard with the OFFROAD-PRO off-road technical equipment package, which further expands the capabilities of the Mercedes GL in extreme areas. It includes, in particular, a two-stage transfer case with off-road reduction gear and 100 percent differential locks for the transfer case and rear axle.
The state-of-the-art engines offered for all Mercedes GL-Class models guarantee impressive driving characteristics with excellent fuel consumption figures for this class. The base gasoline version of the GL 450 received a 4.6-liter engine with 340 hp. The more powerful version of the GL 500 received the 5.5-litre (388 hp) engine that debuted in the new S-Class. Diesel engines are also offered: V6 with a volume of 3.2 liters. 244 hp (GL 320 CDI) and V8 with 306 hp. (GL 420 CDI). Both engines meet stringent EU-4 emission standards.
All engines that are installed in the GL-class are equipped as standard with a seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT and the possibility of manual gear shifting.
Excellent dynamics and low fuel consumption are the result of a relatively low gross weight, which is provided by a monocoque body and excellent aerodynamics (cw 0.37) for a car with such impressive dimensions.
The GL meets all the requirements for a modern SUV. He inherited the classic Mercedes SUV genes - solidity, reliability and endurance. It is not for nothing that the letter “G” is present in its designation, indicating the legendary great-grandfather of all SUVs - the Mercedes-Benz G-class.
The second-generation Mercedes GL-Class debuted at the 2012 New York Auto Show. Compared to its predecessor, the car has added a little in all dimensions, its length is 5120 mm, width - 2141 mm, height - 1850 mm. The wheelbase remains unchanged at 3,073 mm. The weight of the GL-Class 2013 has been reduced by 100 kilograms (to 2350 kilograms) due to the introduction of an aluminum hood, fenders and some connecting elements of the suspension, as well as thanks to a magnesium front panel mount, a special “acoustic” windshield and electric power steering, which came to replace the hydraulic mechanism. In addition, the SUV received a more rigid body and an upgraded chassis.
The appearance of the updated GL stylistically echoes the image of the younger brother of the Mercedes ML 2012, and they share a common platform. The front part is characterized by almond-shaped headlights, a trapezoidal false radiator grille with two powerful horizontal bars and a large Mercedes-Benz emblem. The front lighting is decorated with LED boomerangs, which harmoniously complement the daytime running light strips located on the bumper just above the side air intakes. Hood - with two central ribs and a ledge of several ribs along the edges. The front bumper is a spoiler with many aerodynamic elements and air ducts protected by a fine-grained mesh; an aluminum diffuser is present at the bottom.
Long hood, flat roof, enlarged wheel arches, capable of accommodating tires on R18-R19 rims (optional R20-R21). A wide stamping extends from the front arch along the sidewalls of the doors, giving the body a dynamic look. There is a powerful footrest that facilitates getting into the car and protects the threshold of the body. Chrome-plated roof rails stretched along the entire length of the roof, and turn signal repeaters were beautifully located on large mirrors.
Sophisticated taillights with LEDs and fiber optic technology, a huge power tailgate, an aerodynamically shaped bumper with pseudo-air duct slots and an aluminum diffuser that acts as protection. In a word, the second generation of Mercedes-Benz GL looks expensive and refined.
The seven-seat saloon offers improved trim materials and well-adjusted placement of controls. The dashboard and other interior elements have been redesigned. A comfortable four-spoke steering wheel with a lot of buttons and a combined finish (leather and wood), two classic saucers of informative instruments with an on-board computer screen located between them, an automatic transmission control joystick on an adjustable steering column. The center console is crowned with a multimedia system screen, round ventilation nozzles have given way to rectangular ones. In the interior decoration, exclusively exclusive Nappa leather, classic leather and artificial breathable ARTICO leather were used, along the perimeter of the cabin, inserts made of natural wood or aluminum. The front dashboard and center console migrated to the Mercedes-Benz GL 2013 from the Mercedes-Benz ML 2012 co-platform.
There are many adjustments for the driver's seat: from the height of the headrest to various massage modes. The seat control buttons, like other Mercedes-Benz, have been moved to the doors. The second row of seats will comfortably accommodate three passengers. Access to the third row has become easier thanks to the EASY-ENTRY system, which folds the seats at the touch of a button. There is enough space in the gallery even for adults, the seats are electric, however, like the tailgate. Trunk volume from 680 to 2300 liters, depending on the location of the rear seats.
Noise isolation at the highest level, which is confirmed by numerous tests. It cost the Germans considerable effort: the chassis was modernized, the body structure was redesigned in the direction of greater rigidity, and better insulating materials were used.
All three powertrains that were offered for the previous generation GL-Class have undergone minor upgrades. They have become on average 20% more economical, have a smaller volume, but more power. The base 3.0-liter turbodiesel fitted to the GL350 BlueTEC produces 240 hp. (617 Nm). With him, the SUV is gaining a hundred from a place in 8.4 seconds. The GL 450 version is equipped with a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 with 362 hp. (550 Nm), accelerating the car from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.3 seconds. Finally, the top-end GL 500 with a 5.5-liter V8 twin-turbo under the hood now develops 429 hp. - 41 hp more than before, and the peak torque is 700 Nm. For acceleration to hundreds of SUVs with such a motor, only 5.6 seconds are enough.
All modifications of the novelty are all-wheel drive, and the box, as before, is represented only by a seven-speed automatic. The equipment of the new Mercedes GL 2013 includes air suspension, electromechanical power steering and many security systems, namely: ABS, ESP, the latest traction control system - ASR, active safety system - PRE-SAFE, a unique system that recognizes driver fatigue - ATTENTION ASSIST, a stabilizing system with a sudden side wind - CROSSWIND STABILIZATION. Safety packages are available as an option, which include a rear-view camera that monitors blind spots and a lane-keeping system.
Optional ON&OFFROAD package includes low gear, locking rear and center differentials. But the initial data for overcoming off-road in an SUV is impressive. Thanks to the air suspension, the ground clearance ranges from 276 to 306 mm.
Enamel colors for body painting can be chosen from two non-metallic colors - Calcite White and Black, as well as metallic colors - Pearl Beige, Iridium Silver, Obsidian Black, Diamond White, Tenorite Gray, Citrine Brown or Cavansite Blue.
There is no need to associate the Mercedes GL with the G-Wagen just because the indexes of both contain “G” or because many auto journalists in absentia recorded the Mercedes-Benz GL as the heirs of the Gelendvagen - no, the Mercedes GL is by no means a replacement for the G-class. Gelendvagen is a real SUV for those who need endurance. And Mercedes GL - for whom is it made?
Unlike Gelendvagen, which was developed more than 30 years ago (by the way, mainly by Austrians) by Steyr, known for its army all-terrain vehicles, the Mercedes GL X164 is a pure “German”, a brother of Mercedes R- and ML-classes. It does not have any spar frames and continuous bridges. Exclusively load-bearing body, independent suspension of all wheels and rack and pinion steering - all as is customary in the 21st century. Moreover, structurally, the body, power units and chassis for all three classes are common and are produced by GL, ML and R at the same plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.
Mercedes GL is, in some way, a combination of R- and ML-classes. Seven-seater saloon with a third row of seats - like the R-class. The body is made “according to the template” of the Mercedes ML, only the wheelbase is 160 mm longer, and the body is 308 mm longer. And in order to achieve the required rigidity of this bulky steel structure, Mercedes-Benz engineers had to apply a number of tricks - for example, an X-shaped floor reinforcement and the so-called D-ring appeared in the rear part, which resembles sections of aircraft fuselages and connects in the trunk area roof bases, sidewalls and spars.
The interior of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, by the way, also differs from the interiors of the ML- and R-class, by and large, only in terms of decoration: instead of plastic, the front panel was finally ennobled with black leather and decorated with natural wood overlays. Only the “sporty” bells around the instrument dials, surrounded by wood and leather, now look a little strange ... especially on a heavy and long SUV.
And the Mercedes GL SUV was created for people who live "away from civilization", but love and appreciate comfort. For example, for a very wealthy head of a large family who lives far outside the city, surrounded by dirt roads (say, in Alabama - the Mercedes-Benz GL was originally focused on the American market - which, in general, is evident from the build and character of the car). In general, the GL is designed for those conditions where the “asphalt” R-class will not pass, and the Mercedes ML will be too small.
The GL, on the other hand, has a huge trunk - in a five-seat configuration, its capacity is 750 liters, and with the middle seats folded down, we get a huge and even loading area - more than 2 m 2. And if you need to put a large family in a car, you order a variant with a seven-seat interior, press the buttons in the trunk or on the arches on the sides of the middle row sofa - and two comfortable leather chairs appear from under the floor of the luggage compartment. True, in this case there will be almost no room for luggage (only 200 liters), and it’s not very convenient to make your way to the “gallery” by folding the side seat of the middle row. But passengers can comfortably sit “in the trunk”, and a glass ceiling is even provided above the heads of the riders of the third row of the seven-seater version of the Mercedes-Benz GL (as they say, “all the best is for children”).
In general, the Mercedes-Benz GL is comfortable - like all modern Mercedes. Smooth contours of the panels, soft seats with ventilation (as in the S-class!). Without removing the proximity key fob from your pocket, we press the “Start” button - and the most powerful V8 silently starts, which will comfortably deliver anywhere, on any road.
And the air suspension with adaptive shock absorbers will help in creating comfort, which even “swallows” blows from cobblestones with appetite. The GL is distinguished by excellent ride and quietness in the cabin (side windows are 4.1 mm thick, almost indistinguishable from a five-millimeter windshield “triplex”) ... In combination with a quiet and powerful V8 5.5 engine, 388 hp version of the GL 500, this can be completely disorienting - you can forget and drive along the dirt road for 80 km / h ... then for 120 km / h and now the speedometer needle is somewhere in the region of 140 and 160! Only the “Automatic” 7G-Tronic makes light pauses when the gas pedal is pressed sharply, but quickly and tirelessly juggles higher gears. If you believe the passport data, this “GL-monster” weighing 2.5 tons is gaining 100 km / h in 6.6 seconds!
The brakes of the Mercedes-Benz GL are also excellent - with huge front ventilated discs with a diameter of 375 mm. It is interesting that if you start emergency braking at a speed of over 70 km / h, then the BAS emergency brake booster not only independently “brakes” to the maximum, but also turns on the “emergency lights” and leaves them working together with the “brake lights” until until the car reaches 10 km/h. Here the Germans followed the path of the French - for the first time this decision was introduced by the PSA concern on the Peugeot 607 model.
In the event of skidding (for example, on gravel), stabilization electronics come into operation - braking and the Mercedes GL, having lost its course, severely suppresses the “hooligan manners” of the driver. As usual with cars with a three-beam star, ESP is non-switchable here and interferes with the control even with the “Off” key pressed. Safety first!
In America, the Mercedes GL is sold both with a simplified transmission (just permanent all-wheel drive without locks) and with the “Off-Road Pro” package. But for the European Mercedes-Benz GL, the Off-Road Pro package is included in the basic equipment. This means that the air suspension can rise to off-road levels, there is a reduction gear in the transfer case, and locking mechanisms are built into the center and rear differentials - electrically driven multi-plate clutches. That is, if in America the Mercedes GL can be a seven-seater crossover or a seven-seater SUV, then in Europe the Mercedes-Benz GL is exclusively an SUV.
Of course, the Mercedes ML with the same Off-Road Pro package is shorter - where it passes without problems, the Mercedes-Benz GL, other things being equal, can hook the ground with its belly. But if the ML air suspension can raise the body by 293 mm, then the GL went even further - the ground clearance can be increased to 307 mm.
In the third, highest, position of the air suspension, crossing small rivers turns into a walk. But, if you start climbing a steep and rocky shore, the wheels hang out early and begin to slip (the travel of the suspension is too small ... it’s not for this clearance). But, since the transmission handle is in the Auto position, the electronics monitor the slip and begin to slow down the slipping wheels first, and then block the differentials. The car is crawling, but knocking, crackling and jerking ... It's unpleasant. However, all that needs to be done in such a situation is to rotate the right bezel one click to forcibly lock the “center” and engage the demultiplier. Better yet, immediately flip the handle to the third position - then the electric motors will tightly block the clutch packs not only in the center differential, but also in the rear wheel differential.
Now it is almost a Gelendvagen, however, it also has a front differential that is blocked (with the ESP and ABS completely disabled). But at the Mercedes-Benz GL, the electronics have an off-road mode - for example, the ABS works according to a different algorithm, allowing the wheel locks that are so necessary on the ground (or on snow). In general, as an SUV, the “European” Mercedes GL is very good.
On the pavement, the Mercedes-Benz GL is no less worthy and, by the way, does not seem overweight at all. Thanks to the 5.5-liter V8 and the "smart seven-speed automatic" - you simply forget about the size. In the stream, the GL is easy, and reacts practically to every press of the gas pedal - getting a reasonable response.
The main thing is not to forget that its almost 3 tons will not be so easy to stop immediately. Yes, and in the corners, the Mercedes-Benz GL, of course, is not a sports car - it’s worth a little overdoing it with speed, and all luggage, along with passengers, will move in the opposite direction from the turn.
The shock absorbers can be made stiffer by pressing the corresponding button on the center console. The difference, though small, is noticeable. At least, the bumps in the road overcome by the suspension (by the way, all with the same ease) become more audible.
| Specifications Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164, 1st generation) | ||||
| GL 320 CDI | GL 420 CDI | GL 450 | GL500 | |
| body type | 5-door station wagon | |||
| Number of places | 7 | |||
| Length, mm | 5088 | |||
| Width, mm | 1920 | |||
| Height, mm * | 1840 | |||
| Wheel base, mm | 3075 | |||
| Track front / rear, mm | 1651/1654 | 1645/1648 | 1645/1648 | 1645/1648 |
| Trunk volume, l | 300-2300 | |||
| Curb weight, kg | 2450 | 2550 | 2430 | 2445 |
| Gross weight, kg | 3250 | |||
| Engine | diesel, turbocharged | gasoline, with distributed injection | ||
| Location | front, lengthwise | |||
| Number and arrangement of cylinders | 6, V-shape | 8, V-shape | 8, V-shape | 8, V-shape |
| Working volume, cm3 | 2987 | 3996 | 4663 | 5461 |
| Cylinder diameter / piston stroke, mm | 83,0/92,0 | 86,0/86,0 | 92,9/86,0 | 98,0/90,5 |
| Compression ratio | 17,7:1 | 17,0:1 | 10,7:1 | 10,7:1 |
| Number of valves | 24 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
| Max. power, hp/kW/r/min | 224/165/3800 | 306/225/3600 | 340/250/6000 | 388/285/6000 |
| Max. torque, Nm/r/min | 510/1600 | 700/2200 | 460/2700 | 530/2800 |
| Transmission | automatic, 7-speed, 7G-Tronic | |||
| main gear | 3,45 | 3,09 | 3,7 | 3,7 |
| Drive unit | permanent, complete | |||
| Front suspension | independent, pneumatic, two-lever, with stabilizer | |||
| Rear suspension | independent, pneumatic, multi-link, with stabilizer | |||
| Front brakes | disc, ventilated | |||
| Rear brakes | disc, ventilated | |||
| Tires | 265/60 R18 | 275/55 R19 | 275/55 R19 | 275/55 R19 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 210 | 230 | 235 | 240 |
| Acceleration time 0-100 km/h, s | 9,5 | 7,6 | 7,2 | 6,5 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | ||||
| urban cycle | 12,5 | 15,6 | 18,2 | 19,1 |
| suburban cycle | 8 | 9,2 | 10,4 | 10,9 |
| mixed cycle | 9,8 | 11,6 | 13,3 | 13,9 |
| Fuel tank capacity, l | 100 | |||
| Fuel | diz. fuel | gasoline AI-95 | ||
| * In standard air suspension mode | ||||
The Mercedes GL 500 is a Stuttgart-made car that was designed specifically for US buyers. That is for the American market. The presentation of this car took place in 2006 in North America. In general, it was planned that this car would replace the Gelendvagen, but it was decided to continue the production of the famous G-class. The novelty of the mid-2000s was built on an elongated Mercedes ML platform, and it turned out to be a very special car.
Briefly about the model
So, the body of this large SUV received the X164 index. The GL 500 model has become another eminent "five hundredth". This car is special and unique in its own way. Compared to its predecessors, which are ML cars, it is 308mm longer, 2.5cm taller, and has a 160mm longer wheelbase. The model underwent its first facelift in 2012.
If a person is sitting in the second row, then he can see that the backs of the front seats are trimmed with plastic. And everything is done as neatly as possible - the eye rejoices. Although many plastic, albeit high-quality, is not satisfied.
By the way, the roof over the heads of passengers and the driver of the GL 500 4MATIC is panoramic. The second and third row of seats can be folded with a servo. Thanks to him, you can open the luggage lid. In that situation, if the third row is complicated, then the trunk volume is as much as 2300 liters. And it's impressive!
Specifications
This is what needs to be said in as much detail as possible. The Mercedes-Benz GL 500 has a rather powerful performance. Firstly, this model is equipped with a 7-speed “automatic” and Airmatic air suspension, which in standard mode raises the body of this powerful SUV by 217 mm. But if the driver moves along the road at a speed of more than 140 kilometers per hour, then the car will “sit down” by 1.5 centimeters. However, this is not a minus. On the contrary, such a change contributes to better handling and stability of the car on the road. And all because the center of gravity is lowered.
The maximum clearance is 307 mm. This indicator is observed in the upper position. In this case, the SUV will not care for the ford, the depth of which will be, say, 60 centimeters. But! Movement with the suspension raised to the maximum is possible only at a maximum of 20 kilometers. And as soon as the driver overcomes the high-speed line, the car will lower itself, automatically. In addition, the chassis can adjust not only the rigidity, but also the height.
Drive unit
So, this Mercedes has very good characteristics. The GL 500 is distinguished primarily by the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system. Thanks to her, 45 percent of the torque is distributed to the front axle. And the remaining 55% - on the back. However, with all this, one cannot “blame” an SUV for a rear-wheel drive character. The whole point is that the system that distributes traction immediately “scatters” torque on the wheels as soon as slipping occurs or traction is lost with the canvas. All in all, pretty functional.
Details to know
So, now about more important nuances. Under the hood of the GL 500 is a V-shaped 8-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 388 horsepower. The torque is 530 N∙m. This SUV accelerates to hundreds in 6.5 seconds. And the maximum speed is 240 kilometers per hour - an excellent indicator for such a large car.
The average fuel consumption pleases - only 13.3 liters per hundred kilometers. In this case, it is equal to one hundred liters.
The curb weight of the car is 2445 kilograms - a good, very modest weight for an off-road German car.
Interestingly, this machine is far superior to its competitors in terms of its technical and speed characteristics. Among them are Lexus LX570 and Nissan Patrol - in general, they are also good, soundly assembled models. But compared to them, Mercedes clearly wins. It features a confident ride, excellent maneuverability, handling, load-bearing solid body and independent chassis.
Price
And finally, one more thing worth knowing about the GL 500 car. Price is what we are talking about. She's big enough to understand. You should not expect that a powerful SUV with such characteristics will cost a couple of hundred thousand. No, the cost of the Mercedes GL 500, released in 2013, will be approximately four and a half million rubles. And this is a car in excellent condition both in terms of interior and exterior, and in terms of technology and equipment. Plus, a small mileage - a couple of tens of thousands. And, of course, with the maximum configuration.
And if you want to become the owner of the novelty of 2015, which has not yet had a single owner, you will have to pay about 6.5-7 million rubles. But we must admit: this luxury Stuttgart SUV is worth the price.
At the 2012 New York Auto Show, the debut of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in the back of the X166 took place, which the company itself describes as the Mercedes S-Class among SUVs, both in terms of comfort and luxury, and in terms of safety.
Compared to its predecessor, the new Mercedes GL (X166) has added a little in all dimensions, its length is 5120 mm, width - 2141, height - 1849. The wheelbase has remained unchanged, its value is 3073 mm.
Options and prices Mercedes-Benz GL 2015
Outwardly, the Mercedes GL (2014-2015) turned out to be a bit like a new one. They are united by the smoother outlines of the radiator grille and head optics. Also, a common element of the two listed models are side stampings.
The GL II generation SUV (X166) also has a completely different bumper with large air intakes and integrated LED daytime running lights, oversized taillights, a different trunk lid, and a curved window line.
In the seven-seat interior of the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 2015, materials have been improved, and the front panel again evokes thoughts of the latest generation of the ML-Class crossover. The center console is crowned with a multimedia system screen, round ventilation nozzles have given way to rectangular ones.
All three powertrains that were offered for the previous generation GL-Class have undergone minor upgrades to increase their output, but at the same time reduce fuel consumption slightly.
The base 3.0-liter turbodiesel fitted to the GL 350 BlueTEC produces 240 hp. (617 Nm). With him, the SUV is gaining a hundred from a place in 8.4 seconds. The GL 450 version is equipped with a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 with 362 hp. (550 Nm), accelerating the car from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.3 seconds.
Finally, the top-end GL 500 with a 5.5-liter V8 twin-turbo under the hood now develops 435 hp. - 41 hp more than before, and the peak torque is 700 Nm. For acceleration to hundreds of SUVs with such a motor, only 5.6 seconds are enough.
Of course, all modifications of the novelty are all-wheel drive, and the box, as before, is represented only by a seven-speed automatic. The equipment of the new Mercedes GL (X166) includes air suspension, electromechanical power steering and many security systems.
Russian dealers began accepting orders for the novelty in August 2012. Initially, it was possible to order only the top modification of the GL 500 in the fixed configuration "Special Series", today the price of such an SUV is 7,150,000 rubles. Then a car appeared with a 3.0-liter diesel engine (249 hp) costing from 4,850,000 rubles, and in February 2013 a “charged” one got to us, for which they ask for at least 9,100,000 rubles.
