| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class/GLS (X166) | |
|---|---|
,_front_left.jpg) 2017 GLS 450 wagon (facelift) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Daimler AG |
| Also called | Mercedes-Benz GLS (facelift) |
| Production | June 2012 – April 2019 |
| Model years | 2013–2019 |
| Assembly |
|
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size luxury crossover SUV |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (4matic) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,075 mm (121.1 in) 3,100 mm (122.0 in) (facelift) |
| Length |
|
| Width | 1,934 mm (76.1 in) |
| Height | 1,850 mm (72.8 in) |
| Kerb weight | 2,380–2,505 kg (5,247–5,523 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164) |
| Successor | Mercedes-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.
Development and launch
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2013 GL 350 (pre-facelift, Germany)
The X166 GL-Class debuted at the 2012 New York International Auto Show and later went on sale in September 2012. 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, and up to 100 kg (220 lb) lighter.
Equipment
Standard equipment includes the COMAND system with a 5.8-inch display, LED headlights, and an adaptive air suspension for up to 285 mm (11.2 in) of ground clearance. 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. The GL-Class is also available with driver assistance systems such as active cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring systems.
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
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_wagon_(2018-09-17)_02.jpg)
The GL63 AMG was introduced at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. 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. 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. The engine was updated in 2016 and now produces 430 kW (577 hp) and 760 N⋅m (561 lb⋅ft).
2016 facelift
_4MATIC_wagon_(2017-11-18)_01.jpg)
_4MATIC_wagon_(2017-11-18)_02.jpg)
2017 GLS 350d (facelift, Australia)
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The facelift was unveiled in November 2015 with production beginning from January 2016. The GL-Class model range was renamed to GLS to correspond with the new Mercedes naming scheme. The exterior now featured full LED tail-lights and a revised front fascia with updated LED headlights, grille, and bumpers. 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." 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, as well as an upgraded free-standing 8-inch COMAND system display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. GL500 and GL63 AMG models received performance improvements, and the 7-speed automatic was replaced by the 9-speed 9G-Tronic transmission.
Sales figures
The following are the sales figures for the X166 GL-Class:
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"
- 2017 Car and Driver "10Best Award" in the large SUV category
References
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{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - "Autotrader - page unavailable". www.autotrader.com. Archived from the original on 2018-10-08. Retrieved 2018-09-08.
- "2013 Mercedes GL63 AMG introduced in Los Angeles, U.S. pricing announced". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2018-09-08.
- Newton, Bruce (2016-06-16). "Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 2016 Review - motoring.com.au". motoring.com.au. Retrieved 2018-09-08.
- "Mercedes-AMG GL 63 2013-2015 Review (2018) | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-09-08.
- "Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic Reviews | Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic Price, Photos, and Specs | Car and Driver". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-09-08.
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- "Mercedes Changes Its Names". Retrieved 2018-09-08.
- "2016 Mercedes-Benz GLS review". WhichCar. Retrieved 2018-09-08.
- Love, Martin (7 October 2018). "Mercedes-Benz GLS: 'A cross between a first-class lounge and fantasy farm vehicle'". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
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- "Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS European sales figures". carsalesbase.com. Retrieved 2018-09-08.
- "Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS US car sales figures". carsalesbase.com. Retrieved 2018-09-08.
- "2013 Motor Trend SUV of the Year: Mercedes-Benz GL". Motor Trend. 2012-10-15. Retrieved 2018-09-08.
- "The Mercedes-Benz GLS450 Is the Best Large SUV – 2017 10Best Trucks and SUVs". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-09-08.