A seven-seat car, which is a prestigious large car that has survived two generations and is very popular especially in Russia and especially in black, and this is about the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class X166 2016-2017.
The second generation was shown to the public in 2012 and it happened at the New York Auto Show, in the same year the car was put into mass production.
The new generation has changed quite a lot in appearance and began to look more modern and more aggressive and prestigious. Also, the appearance and functionality of the cabin has been changed for the better.
Design
The outer part looks brutal due to its size. The car is very similar to the ML, there are minor differences, the main thing is the size. One of the strengths is the design, it's hard not to notice the car, but if you live in a big city, you're used to it.
Stylish large LED optics, a huge radiator grille with two thick chrome bars and a large logo attract the eye most of all. The high hood received two stamping lines in the middle. The huge bumper of the SUV has silver plastic protection, large square air intakes and thin LED foglights.
The side part is also quite stylish and attractive. Huge wheel arches, the deepest stamping line. The very design of the lines attracts, massive mirrors, huge chrome roof rails, chrome glass edging. It all looks really brutal, on the road the car looks menacing and attractive.
The rear of the Mercedes-Benz GL X166 also strongly resembles its younger brother. Large optics with LED lines inside. The turn signals are connected thanks to a chrome insert on the tailgate. At the top, there is a classic spoiler equipped with an additional brake signal. The rear bumper of the car with its additions strongly resembles the front. There are no noticeable exhaust pipes in the drain, some of them are present.
Since this is a really big car, it would be useful to know its dimensions:
- length - 5120 mm;
- width - 2141 mm;
- height - 1850 mm;
- wheelbase - 3075 mm;
- ground clearance - 200 mm.
Specifications
The line of power units has 7 engines, 3 of which are gasoline. The units are powerful enough, so for lovers of a quiet ride it is not necessary to purchase the most powerful one. Unfortunately, the range was limited to our customers, there are three engines in total.
- The less powerful 350 version is equipped with a 3-liter turbocharged diesel V6. The engine with a direct injection system produces 249 horses and 620 H * m of torque. The moment shelf is available at 2400 engine revolutions, maximum power at 3600.8 seconds and the SUV will already gain the first hundred, and it will be able to reach a maximum of 220 km / h. Consumption of 9 liters of diesel fuel, for such a car is quite economical.
- The base gasoline engine of the 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is also a 3-liter turbocharged V6. The 400 version with direct injection produces 333 horses and 480 torque. Again, the maximum performance is available at high speeds above 4 thousand. The dynamics certainly got better - 6.7 seconds to the first hundred. The maximum speed of 240 km / h is not bad. Fuel consumption of 12 liters is acceptable, but it will only be in quiet mode.
- The most powerful version on offer, apart from the 500 version, produces 435 horses and 700 units of torque. Now a V8, also turbocharged, whose maximum power is also available at high revs. Now the car accelerates to hundreds in 5.4 seconds, the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km / h. Consumption is certainly higher, about 15 liters in the city with a quiet ride.
Regardless of the choice of unit, they will work in conjunction with the 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission. The moment is distributed to the wheels thanks to the proprietary all-wheel drive system. You can also install the previous version - 7G-Tronic Plus.
The chassis is fully pneumatic - AIRMATIC, which can be controlled by a puck inside the cabin. The suspension is very comfortable, soft. The ground clearance can be adjusted, such a system is called On and Offroad, there is also a system of movement with a trailer, and so on.
Interior GL X166
Inside the cabin is very roomy and has 7 seats. The driver's steering wheel is 4-spoke, and it is equipped with many buttons with which you can control the multimedia system. The steering wheel is made of soft leather, as well as wood elements. On the center console there is a large display of the multimedia system, which can be controlled both using the touch screen itself and using the puck near the gear selector.
The entire interior is made of high quality leather and good wood. The front passenger seats have many adjustments in various directions, and there is also a massage function.
As a result, we can say that the Mercedes-Benz GL SUV has just a wonderful interior with an excellent set of functions in which it will be a pleasure to be. There is more than enough free space, as you understand, it is enough both in front and behind. The trunk is also an important part in such a car, its volume is 680 liters, and if you need to carry large loads, you can fold the back row and increase it to 2300 liters.
The car is equipped with air suspension, traction control, active safety system and many useful features in the suspension system, in expensive trim levels radius systems appear that will perform well on off-road.
Malfunctions of Mercedes-Benz GL-Class engines
Many prefer the only diesel OM642, which has proven itself well on. Technically, it is slightly different from the previous version, which allowed it to have more power. The pain is the same:
- injector nozzles wear out due to poor fuel quality;
- non-working injection pump for the same reason of poor fuel;
- the EGR valve is clogged;
- clogging of the DPF particulate filter;
- leakage of gaskets of the heat exchanger and seals of the crankshaft pulley.
You don’t have to live with them, this is just a list of the most common problems that sometimes overtake the owner. The main parts - the chain, the turbine and the cylinder head go for a long time. The turbine in a calm driving style runs up to 200 thousand, the chain will live even longer.
A car with such an engine can be bought on small runs. By pouring good fuel into it, it will serve you for a long time, practically without straining.
The petrol V6 (M276) is an engine based on the M272, which drank a lot of the blood of old Mercedes owners. The manufacturer finalized the installation, taking into account all the problems. Here there are nuances with the chain, or rather its tensioner. It does not fully reach the operating mode, which is why there is a knock on the cold, in running cases it always knocks.
The engine turbines are tenacious, there are no problems with them. On rare runs of the Mercedes GL X166 more than 200 thousand, cylinder scuffing occurs. How right these are the cars of the racers, in addition to subjecting the engine to tuning.
The M278 4.7-liter engine also has some malfunctions. The first problem is a knock caused by improper operation of the chain tensioner and camshaft clutch. The manufacturer constantly claims that he solved the problem, in fact - no. Problem clutches have long been known to repairmen, so they are solved for little money.
In general, the chain is quite reliable, passing 150 thousand kilometers is not a problem for it.
The M278 is prone to scuffing due to lack of oil and heavy load. Oil starvation continuously leads to scuffing, their elimination is a struggle with the investigation, it is necessary to solve the cause, which lies in the malfunction of the oil pump. A large load of the GL is a design feature of the engine, so it does not like additional overloads.
The conclusion is repeated - the engine does not like an aggressive mode of operation.
Of the offensive little things in the engine, this is the rapid wear of the high-pressure fuel pump due to poor gasoline or high temperatures. The second little thing is the collapsing intake corrugations every 100 thousand kilometers. There's nothing you can do about it, you have to change.
Suspension and automatic transmission malfunctions
Air suspension AIRMATIC works much better than the previous version. All elements are able to last at least 4 years. Cylinders for greater reliability are protected by a casing.
The 7G-Tronic gearbox is also much more reliable. She lost all her malfunctions associated with overheating and constant deaths of the gas turbine engine. The GL X166 torque converter can now be serviced, oil changed, etc. The gas turbine engine itself gradually wears out, and the proximity to a replacement is expressed by vibrations at the start.
Also, the valve body wears out in the gearbox, chips get into the oil. It's all the fault of the owners, who are starting to drive actively without warming up the box. By the way, all owners have a gland connecting the box and the engine. You need to fix it only if there are a lot of leaks.
In later versions, the engines were equipped with a 9G-Tronic box. Her problems are unknown due to low mileage.
Advice! Sellers, of course, are lovers of twisting the mileage, but it is impossible to do this completely. You can reflash all the blocks, which will take a lot of time, as a result, a structure mismatch will appear. A meticulous buyer will determine the originality of the run. Be meticulous.
The cost of Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 2016-2017
You should immediately understand that such a chic car cannot be cheap, only 3 configurations and a small number of options are offered. The minimum for this car will have to pay 4,820,000 rubles and here's what you can get for that money:
- leather upholstery;
- electrically adjustable seats;
- front and rear row heating;
- help start uphill;
- collision avoidance system;
- climate control;
- two parking sensors;
- circular review;
- Cruise control;
- tire pressure sensor;
- rain and light sensor.
The most expensive version is 7,150,000 rubles, and here you pay the most for the motor, but you still get additional equipment:
- electrical adjustment memory;
- panoramic sunroof;
- seat ventilation;
- Rear View Camera;
- keyless access;
- start the unit from the button;
- excellent audio system.
And here is the list of options:
- blind spot monitoring;
- lane control;
- night vision system;
- navigation;
- 20th discs;
- roof rails;
- 21st discs;
- automatic parking.
In conclusion, I would like to say that the manufacturer was able to create a beautiful car externally and internally, and there were no problems with the dynamics of the Mercedes-Benz GL X166 and, most importantly, the quality of all this. The problem remains only in the high price of the car and personal taste for such bodies, but believe me, the car is really worth the money.
Video
Luxury SUV Mercedes-Benz GL-class 2nd generation (factory index X166) debuted in the spring of 2012 at the New York Auto Show. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz G El is a real premium car, but is it really that reliable, that's the question.
Let's take a look at the German SUV together, evaluate the overall dimensions of the body and interior, select the color of the enamel, try on tires and wheels, consider the filling with comfort functions, and most importantly, we will deal with the technical characteristics of the new Mercedes GL-class (engine, automatic transmission, suspension) and find out the weaknesses seemingly flawless German SUV, which is offered to buy for, you see, quite a considerable price. Our assistants will be photo and video materials, as well as the first reviews of the owners.
More new premium cars:
In Russia, large and expensive cars enjoy increased attention not only from potential buyers. Motorists with a more modest level of income also show interest in premium class representatives, since such cars are traditionally forwards in all technical innovations. And in this sense, our hero of the new generation Mercedes GL-class is very interesting. He has something to brag about, and in him ... there is something to break.
Mercedes Benz Jee El - a very large car, overall dimensions bodies are impressive: 5120 mm long, 1934 mm (with mirrors 2141 mm) wide, 1850 mm high, 3075 mm wheelbase, ground clearance ( clearance) thanks to adjustable air suspension 215-306 mm.
The Mercedes GL SUV rests on the road surface with huge wheels shod in tires 265/ 60 R 18 or 275/ 55 R19, but it is possible to install larger discs with tires 275/50 R20, 285/45 R21 and even 295/35 R22. The wheels are only alloy wheels, of various designs and sizes from R18 to R22.
The curb weight of the car, depending on the installed engine, will be 2445-2455 kg.
Colors Enamels for painting the body can be selected from two non-metallic colors - White Calcite and Black, as well as metallic colors - Beige Pearl, Silver Iridium, Black Obsidian, White Diamond, Tenorite Gray, Brown Citrine or Blue Cavansite. There are no questions about the quality of painting - the metal is of high quality, it is impossible to calculate how many layers of anti-corrosion coating, primer and enamel, only the body is varnished 7 !!! once.
Looks Mercedes G. L (X166) seriously, and just the same great. The front of the SUV - with a huge false radiator grille, decorated with two crossbars and a three-beam star of a German company, compact headlights of complex shape with a combined filling (xenon and LED arcs). To match the overall dimensions of the body, a bumper with a mass of air ducts, a pair of LED strips and stylish protection in the form of a chrome ski. When viewed from the side, we see a large station wagon body with a long hood, a flat roof, huge doorways and a monumental stern. The lateral surfaces are replete with stampings, depressions, ribs and swellings. The stern was awarded with beautiful elements of overall lighting equipment with LED filling, a huge bumper with a diffuser and a gigantic tailgate (equipped with an electric drive). It is worth noting that for the body of the new "J-El" the Crosswind Assist function is provided (suppresses the effects of crosswinds). It is even capable of resisting the flow of air from passing trucks.
It will most likely be superfluous to talk about the quality of the interior materials of the new Mercedes Jiel, everything is very sound, but ... even in the seemingly expensive and luxurious interior of the 2012-2013 GL, there is plastic painted like metal. The choice of the buyer six different colors of leather and five options for decorative inserts (wood and aluminum). Front comfortable seats with pronounced lateral support and, of course, with a full range of functions (electric drive, heating, ventilation).
Instruments, front panel and center console - style and functionality. In the presence of a color 14.7 cm screen of the Command CD MP3 multimedia system with USB and AUX connectors, Bluetooth, DVD with Harman Kardon Logic 7 acoustics (as an option Bang & Olufsen BeoSound), navigation, panoramic cameras. Three-zone climate control with a control unit for second-row passengers, who are provided with plenty of free space and individual monitors mounted in the front headrests. Even in the third row, two adult passengers will sit comfortably and comfortably. The volume of the trunk with seven crew members is 680 liters, adding the third and second rows we get an edema of 2300 liters with a completely flat floor.
Safety in the new Mercedes Jiel is in full order: ABS, ESP and ASR are available, an active safety system (Pre-Safe), the car monitors the driver’s fatigue state (Attention Assist), adaptive cruise control, Pre-Safe Brake - in case of danger independently brake and stop the SUV. Even options are provided in the form of systems that monitor the crossing of the lane markings, blind spots, road signs. It is possible to order a night vision camera, a panoramic electric sunroof, a parking assistant. The abundance of electronics is good, but quite often the systems have "glitches", or they simply break.
Specifications new Mercedes GL-class 2012-2013: in Russia the car is offered in four modifications, with one diesel and three petrol engines equipped with the ECO start-stop system. Gearbox automatic transmission 7G-Tronic Plus (for version GL 63 AMG - AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic). Suspension is fully independent, front double wishbone, rear multi-link. 4Matic all-wheel drive transmission with AirMatic air suspension and On and Off road function with six modes and mechanical center differential lock:
- Auto - standard mode, for constant use in the city,
- Off-road 1 - sand, light off-road,
- Off-road 2 - heavy off-road, maximum ground clearance of 306 mm and the ability to overcome a ford 60 cm deep,
- Sport - sport mode with sharp steering responses, engine response and stiff suspension characteristics,
- Snow - winter mode, allows you to confidently move on slippery roads and use snow chains,
- Trailer - towing heavy trailers.
Diesel V6:
- Mercedes-Benz GL 350 CDI - diesel (258 hp) will provide a start to 100 mph in 7.9 seconds, a top speed of 209 mph. Fuel consumption of 6.9 liters on the highway and 8.1 liters in the city.
Petrol V8s:
- GL 450 (365 hp) will accelerate the SUV to 100 mph in 6.3 seconds and allow you to dial 220 mph.
- GL 500 BlueEfficiency (435 hp) shoots a car up to the first hundred in 5.5 seconds, electronics will not allow to accelerate more than 250 mph. Fuel consumption, depending on the driving mode, will be 9.3-14.5 liters.
- Mercedes GL 63 AMG with a 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo (557 hp) catapults the SUV and the driver to 100 mph in 4.7 seconds, the monstrous acceleration will end at 250 mph. The average fuel consumption according to the manufacturer will be 12.3 liters.
We will not conduct a test drive of the 2013 Mercedes Jee El, let's talk about the reliability of the SUV components and assemblies. The car is heavy, the roads in Russia, to put it mildly, are not smooth enough. The abundance of pits and potholes multiplied by the high speed of movement (they don’t drive slowly on such a car) adversely affect the chassis of the car. The most susceptible to early breakdowns and the need to carry out repairs already at a mileage of 40-50 thousand km are the steering rack, air suspension elements, the electronic control unit for the gearbox (the box can also fail), all kinds of engine sensors and ignition coils. At the same time, the cost of spare parts is quite high and can amount to several thousand euros. According to the statistics of owners' requests for warranty cases, the Mercedes-Benz GL (X166) is in first place among the entire model range of the company!!! Perhaps the reason for this unfortunate phenomenon lies in the fact that many components, parts and accessories for Mercedes cars, wherever they are sold, are produced at the company's factories in China.
How much it costs: in Russia, the price of the new Mercedes GL 500 BlueEfficiency 2013 model year rolls over 5 million - you can buy a car from us for 5,200,000 rubles.
Modifications Mercedes GL-class
Mercedes GL400AT
Mercedes GL 350 CDI AT
Mercedes GL500AT
Mercedes GL 63 AMG
Odnoklassniki Mercedes GL-class by price
Unfortunately, this model has no classmates...
Owner reviews Mercedes GL-class
Mercedes GL-class, 2012
I have owned the GL 350 for about a month. During this time I dashed off about 5,000 km. I bought from the "officials". Let's start with the acquisition process. For the service and for the purchase process itself, I put 5 points. Everything is at a very high level. They gave me a keychain and another “mountain” of car chemistry. I was so excited about my purchase that I forgot all the gifts that come with the car. Mercedes GL-class is my first diesel car. Dynamics is more than sufficient for driving in Moscow and on the "killed" roads of our vast Motherland. According to the on-board computer, the average speed of my movement during my possession is 30 km / h (taking into account Moscow traffic jams and weekly trips out of town for the weekend). For me personally, a 2-liter engine would be quite enough. There is a certain “thoughtfulness” of the engine, if you want to take off, but this does not cause discomfort.
After I switched from Toyota LC 200 to Mercedes GL-class, I get the feeling that the GL 350 does not need to be filled at all - such a huge difference between these cars in fuel consumption. According to my calculations, the LC 200 is more than 2.5 times more “gluttonous” than the Mercedes GL-class. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to save on fuel, but gas station races "kill" a lot of time and, as a rule, you need to refuel just at the moment when you are hopelessly late for an important meeting. The surprise was that while driving the GL there is absolutely no desire to go fast. You really enjoy driving.
Advantages : comfort. Quality of finishing materials. Engine. Suspension. Profitability.
Flaws : I don't see it yet.
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 equipment 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 | ||||
