Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Leads the Full-Size SUV Market
07/01/2009
Mercedes-Benz
The award-winning, seven-passenger GL450 and the diesel-powered GL350 BlueTEC feature fresh restyling for the 2010 model year. Their front grille and bumpers sport a more contemporary look, highlighted by chrome-ringed fog lights paired with daytime-running lights. In addition, both models utilize LED technology for taillights and optional LED daytime running lights. Chrome window trim and redesigned front and rear skid plates with new trapezoidal exhaust pipes complete the fresh exterior look of the two models. Inside, the GL450 and GL350 BlueTEC come with new seats, burl walnut interior trim and an enhanced instrument cluster.
For 2010, all three GL models are fitted with a steering wheel covered in premium leather and a new monitoring system that shows individual tire pressures. Each of the three GL models get distinctive new-design alloy wheels - GL450: 19-inch, five-spoke; GL350 BlueTEC: 20-inch, five-twin-spoke and GL550: 21-inch AMG five-spoke.
Although it's not being restyled this year, the GL550 model receives new burl walnut interior trim, ambient interior lighting and standard LED daytime running lights.
The first full-size SUV from Mercedes-Benz, the 2010 GL-Class lineup includes the fully equipped GL550 (382 horsepower, 391 lb.-ft. of torque), the award-winning GL450 (335 hp, 339 lb.-ft.) and the fuel-sipping GL350 BlueTEC diesel (210 hp, 400 lb.-ft.), which comes with an innovative AdBlue exhaust treatment system that helps the diesel meet the most stringent 50-state emissions limits.
GL350 BlueTEC Boasts Fuel Economy of a Four and Torque of a V8
The diesel-powered GL350 BlueTEC delivers impressive performance, low exhaust emissions and great fuel economy. With 210 hp and a whopping 400 lb-ft. of torque, the GL350 BlueTEC features an innovative V6 diesel engine with the torque of a V8 and the fuel economy to rival some four-cylinders. Equipped with the latest CDI (Common Rail Direct Injection) technology, this electronically injected diesel engine is changing consumers' dated perceptions about diesels.
BlueTEC diesel technology is helping to expand the company's already broad product portfolio in the U.S. market. In addition, Mercedes-Benz' pioneering role in modern diesel engines is playing a key role in the company's future products that could also include hybrids, advanced piston engines and fuel cells.
With an EPA highway fuel mileage rating of 23 miles per gallon, the seven-seat SUV also boasts impressive cruising range - up to 600 miles at highway speeds. What's more, V8-like pulling power makes the GL350 BlueTEC ideal for towing when it's equipped with an optional 7,500-lb. Class IV trailer hitch.
BlueTEC - A Modular Technology
BlueTEC is a modular system that includes an oxidation catalyst and a maintenance-free particulate filter as well as new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions - the last type of exhaust gas that's higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines.
The BlueTEC diesels also use an NOx storage converter in combination with an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions. The AdBlue system (technical name: urea SCR system) injects an aqueous carbamide solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR converter. Just the right amount of AdBlue for a given engine load and speed is injected to get the greatest reduction of nitrogen oxides.
An Award-Winning Mercedes-Benz Class
A totally new class of Mercedes-Benz in 2006, the GL450 won Motor Trend magazine's well-known 2007 Sport Utility of the Year award, two consecutive 5Best Trucks Awards in the Luxury Sport Utility category from Car and Driver magazine, the Forbes' Best SUVs 2007 as well as Edmunds Most Wanted SUV over $45,000.
Rich, Sporty Interiors with Flexible Cargo Space
All GL sport utilities are fitted with real wood trim, eight-way power front seats and a Panorama sunroof over the third-row seats. The two third-row seats can be stowed electrically at the push of a button, either separately or together, to provide a totally flat cargo floor for 43.8 cubic feet of cargo, and with the second row seats stowed as well, there's more than 83 cubic feet of cargo room.
All GL-Class models feature four-wheel independent suspension and height-adjustable Airmatic suspension for unprecedented comfort and handling. With nearly all previous options as standard equipment, the GL550 comes fully loaded with the latest innovations in occupant safety and creature comforts. In addition to its 21-inch AMG wheels fitted with all-season tires, the GL550 can be easily identified by a unique exterior styling treatment that includes fender flares, chrome trim, infra-red reflecting glass and a larger execution of the Mercedes-Benz star integrated into the front grille.
In Command with the COMAND System
A standard COMAND system features a large 6.5-inch color display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc DVD / CD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car's audio system. It can be equipped with an optional iPod/MP3 interface, SIRIUS satellite radio, HD radio, and enhanced voice control.
The COMAND screen can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or SD memory card. The new system can also display maps and directions for the optional hard-drive navigation system, which can be set up for SIRIUS real-time traffic info and Zagat restaurant ratings as well.
All GL-Class models can be equipped with an optional 610-watt 12-speaker digital harman / kardon Logic7 audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated DVD player with dual-source capability.
Mercedes-Benz Safety is Standard
The GL-Class lines come standard with ESP(R) stability control, ABS anti-lock brakes, two-stage adaptive air bags for the driver and front passenger, driver's knee air bag, seat-mounted side air bags in front and rear, curtain side air bags and adaptive belt tensioners and belt force limiters. In addition, NECK-PRO active front head restraints move forward nearly two inches and upward by about an inch in the event of a severe rear collision, helping to support the head and reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries. And, a rollover sensor can activate the belt tensioner and curtain air bags if the vehicle senses an imminent rollover.
PRE-SAFE(R) Gives The GL-Class Reflexes to Protect Occupants
PRE-SAFE(R) is a revolutionary safety system that can actually sense an impending collision before it happens and take measures to protect occupants during those valuable seconds before impact.
The PRE-SAFE system automatically tightens the front seat belts before a possible impact, and, on some models, the front passenger seat moves to a position that can provide better protection. Side windows close to provide better support for the curtain air bags, and if the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes.
All-Aluminum 5.5-Liter V8 Power
The GL550 is powered by a 5.5-liter all-aluminum V8 that produces 382 hp and 391 foot-pounds of torque, with maximum torque available from 2,800 to 4,800 rpm, providing impressive engine response over a broader RPM range. The 4.6-liter engine in the GL450 and the 5.5 in the GL550 are part of the same engine family that comes with four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts in each cylinder bank and variable valve timing for both the intake and exhaust valves. The V8s also have "tumble flaps" in the intake for better fuel economy and a two-stage intake manifold that broadens the power curve.
Variable Valve Timing and Tumble Flaps Improve Fuel Efficiency
Valve timing is automatically adjusted by electro-hydraulic vane-type adjusters on the end of each camshaft. At partial throttle, the adjusters keep the exhaust valves open as the intake valves are opening, using this valve overlap for internal exhaust gas recirculation, reducing exhaust emissions and improving fuel economy. Approaching full throttle, the camshaft adjustment optimizes valve timing for maximum power.
Tumble flaps in the intake passages near the combustion chamber pivot open under partial load, improving combustion by creating additional turbulence around the intake valve and in the combustion chamber. During higher engine loads such as full throttle, the tumble flaps are completely recessed in the wall of the intake manifold. While better combustion helps improve engine torque, the primary purpose of the tumble flaps is to further increase fuel economy, and tests show that the tumble flaps boost gas mileage by nearly two percent.
Variable valve timing gets a lot of credit for the engine's unusually broad torque curve, and a two-stage magnesium intake manifold plays a key role as well. Below engine speeds of 3,500 rpm a set of flaps in the manifold close off short intake passages, forcing intake air to take a much longer route into the engine. This creates pressure waves that help the intake process and improve torque. At higher engine speeds the flaps open and intake air flows the shortest distance to the combustion chambers, helping to make more horsepower.
The Mercedes-Benz Alabama Plant
Along with the M-Class and R-Class, the GL-Class sport utility vehicle is produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which began production in 1997 with the first-generation M-Class. Since 2001, more than $600 million has been invested to expand the facility for production of the three SUV lines.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with its commitment to outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.