"Mercedes-Benz GL 500": overview, specifications

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:43

The “Mercedes GL 500” is a Stuttgart-made car that was designed specifically for US customers. 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. A novelty of the mid-2000s was built on the extended platform of the Mercedes ML, and the result was a very special car.

Model in brief

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 the first facelift in 2012.

What about the exterior? The front bumper features built-in daytime running lights. “Foglights” the developers decidedmove into the headlight housing, which is quite a practical solution. The most powerful version (the same model GL 500) is distinguished by three horizontal stripes on the grille. Other, slightly weaker versions have two transverse ones. The lower part of the car has decorations in the form of metal overlays. The same ones are on the threshold of the luggage compartment. It is important to know that even the basic version was equipped with bi-xenon “turn signals”. The most affordable version of the SUV in the X164 body is on the 18-inch cast, but there are also versions for 19, 20 and 21 inches, respectively.

Interior

Now - a few words about the interior of a car such as the Mercedes GL 500. Not every SUV has such an interior design. Perforated leather on the seats, a front panel covered with it, heated and even ventilated seats… Only these small details already make it clear that the designers and developers of the Stuttgart concern approached their business, as always, with all responsibility and seriousness.

The transmission tunnel doesn't show off the traditional gearshift lever - it's on the steering column, which is very American. The air ducts located in the front panel are distinguished by a round shape, which betrays the breed of the ML models. In general, everything inside looks very rich. The Mercedes GL 500 looks just right from the inside and outside - rich, luxurious and stylish.

Systems and equipment

It's no surprise that a car like the GL 500 4 MATIC has safety at the highest level. Responsible for hersystem like Pre-Safe. She, with the help of her radars, constantly keeps control over the road and over what is happening on it. If the vehicle senses that a collision is likely to occur, the system will automatically tighten the seat belts and rearrange the front seats to the safest possible position. The windows are also closed. Interestingly, this system was first tested on the S-class sedan.

There is another, separate function. Due to it, the risk of passengers when hitting a car from behind is minimized. This system is called Nec-Pro. Due to it, in the event of a rear impact, the head restraints are automatically rebuilt to a safer position.

Functionality

So, continuing the above topic, it is worth noting that the seven-seat interior is also equipped with air curtains - and for each of the three rows of seats. There is also 4-zone climate control. Thanks to this system, you can adjust the humidity and temperature in any part of this model. On the center console (directly under the climate control unit) you can see the unit with which the air suspension is controlled.

If a person is sitting in the second row, he can see that the backs of the front seats are trimmed with plastic. And everything is done as carefully as possible - the eye rejoices. Although many plastics, albeit high-quality ones, are 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. It allows you to openand luggage cover. 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 needs to be told 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 stiffness, but also the height.

Drive

So, this Mercedes has very good performance. 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.

Average fuel consumption pleases - only 13.3 liters per hundred kilometers. In this case, the capacity of the fuel tank is one hundred liters.

The curb weight of the car is 2445 kilograms - not bad, 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 Infiniti QX56, 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.

Cost

One last thing to know about the GL 500. Price is what it's all about. She's big enough to understand. Don't expectthat 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.