The X166 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: A study in luxury and excess
In short: Debuting in 2012, the second-generation GL-Class was a massive presence on the road. While it offered cutting-edge technology and high-performance AMG variants, critics questioned whether its sheer scale represented a dangerous level of automotive excess. Discover how this luxury crossover evolved before being rebranded as the GLS.
The X166 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class entered the market in September 2012, following its debut at the New York International Auto Show. As the second generation of the GL-Class, it was designed to be more efficient than its predecessor, measuring 21 mm longer and 14 mm wider, while weighing up to 100 kg less. Standard features included an adaptive air suspension capable of providing 285 mm of ground clearance, alongside the COMAND system with a 5.8-inch display.
Performance enthusiasts could opt for the GL63 AMG, which was first introduced at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. This model utilized a hand-built 5.5 L twin-turbocharged V8. Initially producing 410 kW (550 hp), the engine was updated in 2016 to reach 430 kW (577 hp), while maintaining a torque of 760 N⋅m. This high-performance variant utilized a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS transmission, though later updates saw the introduction of a 9-speed 9G-Tronic transmission in the GL500 and GL63 AMG models.
The vehicle's lifecycle saw a significant shift in 2016. Following a facelift unveiled in November 2015, the model was renamed the GLS to align with a new Mercedes naming convention. Despite receiving praise, including the 2017 Car and Driver "10Best Award" for large SUVs, the vehicle drew some negative feedback. The Guardian described the vehicle as "laughably outsized," suggesting its immense dimensions and ability lacked an awareness of its place in the world, characterizing it as a form of "unfettered excess."
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X166)
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