The Mercedes GL 500 is a Stuttgart-made car designed specifically for US buyers. 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 will become a replacement for the Gelendvagen, but the release of the famous G-Class was decided to continue. A novelty of the mid-2000s was built on the elongated platform of the Mercedes ML, and it turned out to be a very special car.
Briefly about the model
So, the body of this large SUV received the X164 index. Model GL 500 has become another eminent "five hundredth." This car is special and unique in its own way. If we compare it with its predecessors, which are ML cars, then it is longer by as much as 308 mm, higher by 2.5 centimeters, and the wheelbase is larger by 160 mm. The first facelift model has undergone in 2012.
What about the exterior? The front bumper features integrated navigation lights. “Fog” developers decided to move the headlights into the body, which is a fairly practical solution. The most powerful version (the very 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 is 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 back of the X164 is on the 18-inch "cast", but there are also versions on 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 can see such an interior design. The perforated leather on the chairs, the front panel, covered by it, equipped with heated and even ventilated seats ... Only these small details make it clear that the designers and developers of the Stuttgart concern approached their business, as always, with all responsibility and seriousness.
On the transmission tunnel, the traditional gearshift lever does not show off - it is located on the steering column, which is very American. The air ducts in the front panel are round in shape, which gives the breed models ML. In general, everything looks very rich inside. The Mercedes GL 500 looks both inside and out as it should - rich, luxurious and stylish.
Systems and equipment
Not surprisingly, in a car such as the GL 500 4 MATIC, safety is developed at the highest level. A system like Pre-Safe is responsible for it. She, with the help of her radars, constantly keeps control of the road and what is happening on it. If the car understands that a collision is likely to occur now, the system automatically tightens the seat belts and rebuilds the front seats in the safest possible position. Windows also close. Interestingly, this system was first tested on an S-class sedan.
There is another, separate function. Due to it, the risk of passengers when hitting a car behind is minimized. This system is called Nec-Pro. Due to it, when hitting the rear, the head restraints automatically rebuild to a safer position.
Functionality
So, continuing the topic we have begun, it is worth noting that the seven-seater saloon is also equipped with safety shutters - and for each of the three rows of seats. There is also a 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 sits on the second row, then he can see that the backs of the front seats are trimmed with plastic. And everything was done as accurately as possible - the eye rejoices. Although many plastic, albeit of high quality, does not suit.
By the way, the roof over the heads of passengers and the GL 500 4MATIC driver is panoramic. The second and third row of seats can be folded using a servo. Thanks to him, you can open the trunk lid. In that situation, if the third row is complicated, then the boot volume is as much as 2300 liters. And it is impressive!
Specifications
Here it is necessary to tell about it as much as possible. The car Mercedes-Benz GL 500 is quite powerful indicators. 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 will move on the road at a speed of more than 140 kilometers per hour, then the car at 1.5 centimeters, as it were, "sit down". However, this is not a minus. On the contrary, this change contributes to better handling and stability of the car on the road. And all because the center of gravity goes down.
The maximum clearance is 307 mm. This indicator is observed in the upper position. In this case, the ford will be nothing to ford, the depth of which will be, say, 60 centimeters. But! Driving with the suspension raised to the maximum is only possible at a maximum of 20 kilometers. And as soon as the driver overcomes the speed limit, the car will lower itself automatically. In addition, the chassis can adjust not only stiffness, but also height.
Drive unit
So, this “Mercedes” has very good characteristics. The GL 500 is distinguished primarily by the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system. Thanks to it, 45 percent of the torque is distributed to the front axle. And the remaining 55% - on the back. However, with all this, it is impossible to “blame” the SUV for the rear-wheel drive character. The whole point is that the system that distributes traction immediately “scatters” the torque on the wheels as soon as slipping occurs or traction is lost with the canvas. In general, quite functional.
Details to Know
So, now about the more important nuances. Under the hood, the GL 500 has a V-shaped 8-cylinder gasoline engine producing 388 horsepower. The torque is 530 N ∙ m. Up to a hundred, this SUV accelerates in 6.5 seconds. And the maximum speed is 240 kilometers per hour - an excellent indicator for such a dimensional vehicle.
The 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 - a good, very modest weight for an off-road German car.
It is interesting that this machine far surpasses its competitors in its technical and speed characteristics. Among them, the Infiniti QX56, Lexus LX570 and Nissan Patrol - in general, are also good, solidly assembled models. But compared with them, Mercedes clearly wins. It is characterized by a confident ride, excellent maneuverability, handling, a robust body and an independent chassis.
Cost
And finally, one more thing worth knowing about the GL 500 car. Price is what we are talking about. She is rather big that you can understand. You should not expect that a powerful SUV with such characteristics will cost a couple of hundred thousand. No, the cost of the car Mercedes GL 500, released in 2013, will be approximately four and a half million rubles. And this is a machine in excellent condition both in terms of interior and exterior, and in terms of technology and equipment. Plus, low mileage - a couple of tens of thousands. And, of course, with the maximum configuration.
And if you want to become the owner of the news of 2015, which has not yet had a single owner, you will have to pay about 6.5-7 million rubles. But I must admit: this luxury Stuttgart SUV is worth the price.