GL-Class (X164) [Official] Mercedes-Benz GL Facelift


The Mercedes-Benz X164 is the first generation GL-Class range of full-size luxury crossover SUV. Production: January 2006 – July 2012. Model years: 2006–2012 (Europe), 2007–2012 (North America).
What the F!?!?!?! That's just wrong!

LMAO...Well Europe usually gets all the goodies anyway. We won't even get the splitview featured on the new S-class. So at least we have something to finally brag about.
 
Perfect looking…

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It actually looks like what we already have standard on our U.S. market GL550.


M


I really hope it has the U.S spec 550 grille too!!!! Any pics of the front :eusa_pray:eusa_pray

The car does look extremely good. Best looking full size SUV 100%. Range Rover has nothing on it.
 
I really hope it has the U.S spec 550 grille too!!!! Any pics of the front :eusa_pray:eusa_pray

The car does look extremely good. Best looking full size SUV 100%. Range Rover has nothing on it.
the range rover is a 7 year old .... its definetly still up there ..nothing will come close its the boss of luxury s.u.v's IMO. and with an all new range rover due sometime soon..it will stretch the gap even further without seeing it....imo
 
the range rover is a 7 year old .... its definetly still up there ..nothing will come close its the boss of luxury s.u.v's IMO. and with an all new range rover due sometime soon..it will stretch the gap even further without seeing it....imo

The Range Rover was 100% designed under BMW control, and there is NO WAY they will EVER make such a beautiful Range Rover again.
Or put differently: Range Rover golden Age is over. Tata owns them now,and not BMW. Big, big, big difference.
The car still looks decent, but it's old now, and the GL looks better.
 
The Range Rover was 100% designed under BMW control, and there is NO WAY they will EVER make such a beautiful Range Rover again.
Or put differently: Range Rover golden Age is over. Tata owns them now,and not BMW. Big, big, big difference.
The car still looks decent, but it's old now, and the GL looks better.

But the facelift of the Range is absolutely fantastic. Maybe it will be as classy as the G-Class and they will not change to much in the future of this car. But you're right, BMW did the first step with creating a timeless beauty!! Nevertheless my heart beats for the Range. GL could never touch the elegance of the Range!
 
BMW not just made the first step, but all steps. The FL consists of a few small additions to a winning design created by BMW. Interior design and exterior design is basicly still the same imho. It used to be beautiful, but it's getting boring by now.
And like the D3 Audi A8 compared to the D4 A8, Range Rover WILL NOT be able to improve on this winning design, mark my words.

Nevertheless my hard beats for the Range.

Yes, we know the Range makes you hard :D :D :D

A new 2010 GL 500 with U.S grille makes me harder. LOL.
 
This forum should carry the name Funny Car Forum and not German car forum hahahahahaha:banana:
 
an update from down under:

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Mercedes-Benz: Off-roading's Gentle Giant Gets a Raft of Enhancements

MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – April 15, 2010: Leading German luxury auto-maker Mercedes-Benz has added the popular GL-Class to its extensive 2010 value-enhancement programme.

Following recent product-enrichment announcements for some of its other 2010 passenger car models, Mercedes-Benz has elected to offer customers of its popular GL-Class SUV additional standard equipment.

The GL-Class has, since its local launch in 2006, become a favourite amongst discerning off-road enthusiasts who want true off-road ability with the prestige of a true luxury brand. With more than 1500 sold since 2006 the GL-Class is the latest vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz catalogue to get the ‘First Choice’ equipment enhancements that have become synonymous with Mercedes-Benz downunder.

Its dynamic on-road drive is complemented by its established off-road ability, a model hallmark which is enhanced by the standard fitment of the legendary Off-road Pro Engineering package. This dedicated combination of off-road-specific features makes it highly capable over rough terrain. It is composed of:

* AIRMATIC DC adjustable air suspension with level control

* Two-stage low-range transfer case with additional ratio of 2.93:1 (which can be engaged whilst moving)

* Front differential lock with a 4ETS (Electronic Traction System) acting as a lock on the front axle

* Multiple-disc centre differential lock with up 100 percent lock (manual and automatic engagement)

* Multiple-disc rear differential lock with 100 percent lock (button engagement)

* Protective under-shield

The Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Australia Mr Horst von Sanden said “Even though the GL-Class is import duty-exempt we have still included it in our ongoing value strategy for our customers.

“These important revisions are part of Mercedes-Benz’ ongoing value strategy – a long-term programme specifically designed to offer Australian customers the best possible value. Critically, the equipment enhancements chosen to become new standard features are the most popular optional extras; this ensures customers receive specific equipment they actually want. “

Mercedes-Benz: Off-roading's Gentle Giant Gets a Raft of Enhancements
 
This sounds new.

As of tomorrow the 04.08.2010 350 CDI 4matic BlueEfficiency of the OM642LS are orderable also in the GL. Production begins at the end of of October 2010 in Tuscaloosa, the USA. It carries then 224 HP for no more out, but as in R and E-class 265 HP and 620 Nm. The Sprint of 0-100 km/h improves from 9,5s on 7,9s. The maximum speed increases from 210 to 225 km/h. In combination with an consumption-optimized 7G-Tronic (NAG2FE+) reduces the consumption of 9,6 to 8,9 litres per 100 km (NEFZ). In addition the GL fulfills the EU5 standard to 350 CDI 4matic fuel element. The price increases by 714 EUR to 74.256 EUR.

Source: JesMB.de

So it looks like waaayyyyy better acceleration and slightly better consumption, just what the GL needed.
 
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2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review of Safety.

by BenzOnly - Exclusive Editorial Review

Before you consider purchasing any SUV, ask your salesperson this question: "Does this SUV have a UNIBODY design?" This should be the first and the most important question to ask (assuming he knows the correct answer), because the answer will give you a lot of information about that particular vehicle - immediately! 2011 GL-Class models are one of the largest in size UNIBODY vehicles on the road.

What is Unibody?

Unibody (Unit Body or Monocoque) is a construction method that supports structural load by using the vehicle exterior - to create the one solid body piece, as opposed to using an internal frame and then attaching the separate pieces to it - to construct body. Non-Unibody vehicles are called Body-On-Frame. So what is the difference and why it is important anyway? Let's take a closer look.


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Advantages of Unibody design:
  • Best possible design to protect the "Passenger Cell" (driver and passenger's cabin) in the event of the hard crashes, accidents, head-on collisions and roll-overs (!). Unibody design allows automotive engineers to design the construction of the vehicle with greater flexibility. Vehicle can be designed to absorb and redirect the forces of the crash-impact away and around the vehicle, greatly reducing the damage and stress to the occupants inside the vehicle. Basically, these cars are designed to "fold" in the pre-programmed way, during crashes, sacrificing themselves in order to save people inside the cabin;
  • Beside strength, Unibody SUVs provide smoother ride comfort, unrivaled by any Body-On-Frame vehicles. If you drive Unibody SUV - you will notice that it drives like a regular car, while Body-On-Frame SUV drives like a truck.

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Disadvantages of Unibody design:
  • More susceptible to rust and corrosion. Actually, Mercedes-Benz designers solved this problem easily. Long-term corrosion resistance is significantly improved as a result of full-body galvanization (additionally, structural areas which are highly susceptible to corrosion are protected via additional cavity preservation);
  • More costly body work repair. Even mild accident may lead to the beyond-repair Total Damage Loss. This problem can be solved by carrying the auto insurance with a good coverage. If you are looking to buying the pre-owned GL, BenzOnly.com suggests inspecting the body of that vehicle for frame damage by any Mercedes-Benz authorized or any qualified technician.
BenzOnly.com recommends Unibody design for strength and comfort. In the event of the big accident: it is better to loose your car, than to loose your life!

Active and Passive safety:

Mercedes-Benz vehicle developers channel safety technology into 2 different categories: Active and Passive. Active safety is a set of features to help driver to avoid an accident BEFORE it occurs. Passive safety is a set of features to deal with the consequences of an accident AFTER it occurs.


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Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Passive safety: (if accident already happened)
  • Unibody design's ability to redirect the forces of the impact away from the cabin;
  • Over 6,000 spot welds in body structure;
  • Reinforced safety cage body structure with over 60% use of High-Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) Steel with ultra high-strength steel in the B-pillars and rocker panels. The strength of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class body structure is overwhelming!
  • Nine airbags including side window curtain airbags for all three rows of seats and driver's knee airbag. All these next generation smart air bags deploy with different forces in multi-stages depending on the force of impact from outside;
  • Front passenger seat occupancy sensor avoids needless deployment of passenger airbags if seat is unoccupied. This saves money on repair;
  • Active front head restraints absorb and prevent head whiplash during head-on collision;
  • Rollover sensor for supplemental restraint system;
  • PRE-SAFE is the technology that relies on multiple sensors all over the car. Based on the information, provided by all these sensors, PRE-SAFE can judge the behavior of the car. PRE-SAFE is an analytical brain, which believe it or not, can anticipate an accident BEFORE it happens, based on the car's behavior! If PRE-SAFE thinks, that accident is imminent, it will roll all windows up, will close the sunroof, will move your seat to the best position for an air-bag deployment and also will put a tight grip on the seat-belt. PRE-SAFE is completely automated and works without drivers input. If accident is avoided, PRE-SAFE will return everything to the previous positions (!);
  • Free 24-hour roadside assistance benefits throughout life of vehicle! Forever (in USA)!

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Active safety: (features to avoid accidents)
  • ESP (Electronic Stability Program) – prevents your car from going to skid. Basically, helps you not to loose the control of the car during sharp turns. It is completely automated – no driver input is required.
  • BAS (Brake Assist). Statistics shows that a lot of accidents could have been avoided if driver pushed the brake pedals harder to stop the vehicle. BAS will apply that extra pressure during the emergency stops! It is completely automated – no driver input is required.
  • Emergency lighting function - If control unit fails all lights will not fail;
  • Bulb substitution function - If any safety-related bulb fails another light is activated to replace it;
  • In the event of critical under-voltage, electrical consumers are prioritized, i.e.: heated exterior mirrors, heated seats, washer fluid heater, and heated rear window are automatically shut off, and the output of the ventilation blower in the cabin is reduced to 30%;
  • 0.37 drag coefficient, very low for full-size SUV, helps with stability, wind noise and fuel economy;
  • Front fog lamps with single rear fog lamp;
  • Rain-sensing wipers;
  • Available rear view camera (extra cost);
  • Available Parktronic parking assist system (extra cost);
  • Tire pressure loss warning system;
  • Downhill speed regulation;
  • Large projector beam headlights with impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses;
  • Available bi-Xenon headlights with corner illumination and cornering fog lights (extra cost);
  • 121" wheelbase for stability and comfort among the longest in the segment;
  • Blind Spot Assist (extra cost).
2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class changes and updates:

2011 GL-Class does not have a lot of changes from 2010 GL-Class. GL models are virtually unchanged from the previous year. You can view all the changes 2011 vs. 2010 at our GL-Class page.

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class model differences:

2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class still offers 3 different models: GL350 BlueTec, GL450 and GL550. You can see the difference between them in our previous article Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec vs. GL450 vs. GL550.

Bottom Line:

The major criticism of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has been the fact that it is overpriced in comparison to most other full-size SUV's. BenzOnly.com lets you decide if it's worth spending extra dollars, based on the above Safety information.

2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review of Safety
 

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Group AG is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Established in 1926, Mercedes-Benz Group produces consumer luxury vehicles and light commercial vehicles badged as Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, and Mercedes-Maybach. Its origin lies in Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's 1901 Mercedes and Carl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is widely regarded as the first internal combustion engine in a self-propelled automobile. The slogan for the brand is "the best or nothing".
Official website: Mercedes-Benz (Global), Mercedes-Benz (USA)

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