Mercedes-Benz GL 500: overview, specifications

"Mercedes GL 500" is a car manufactured in Stuttgart, which was 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 machine will be a replacement for "Gelendwagen", but the release of the famous G-class was decided to continue. A novelty of the mid-2000s was built on an 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 got the index X164. Model GL 500 became another famous "five hundredth". This car is special and unique in its own way. If we compare it with the predecessors, which are ML cars, then it is longer than it is by as much as 308 mm, higher by 2.5 cm, and the wheelbase is larger by 160 mm. The first facelifting model underwent in 2012.

What about the exterior? The front bumper features built-in navigation lights. "Anti-fog" the developers decided to move the headlamp housing, which is a fairly practical solution. The most powerful version (the same model GL 500) is distinguished by three horizontal stripes on the radiator grille. Other, slightly weaker versions, have two transverse versions. The lower part of the car has jewelry in the form of lining of metal. 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 body of the X164 is on 18-inch "casting," but there are also versions of 19, 20 and 21 inches, respectively.

Interior

Now - a few words about the salon of such a car as the Mercedes GL 500. Such interior design can not be seen from every off-road vehicle. The perforated leather on the armchairs, the front panel, covered by it, equipped with heating and even ventilation of the seat ... Only these small details already make it clear that the designers and developers of the Stuttgart concern came to their business, as always, with all responsibility and seriousness.

On the transmission tunnel does not flaunt the traditional gearshift lever - it is on the steering column, which is very American. The ducts in the front panel are of a circular shape that gives out the ML model rock. In general, everything looks very rich inside. Mercedes GL 500 looks both from the inside, and from the outside as it should - rich, luxurious and stylish.

Systems and equipment

Not surprisingly, in a car like the GL 500 4 MATIC, at the highest level, safety is developed. For her is a system such as Pre-Safe. It uses its radars to keep control of the road and what is happening on it. If the car understands that there is likely to be a collision now, the system automatically pulls in the seat belts and rearranges the front seats to the maximum safe position. Also the windows are closed. Interestingly, this system was tested for the first time on a S-class sedan.

There is another, separate function. Due to it, the risk of passengers is reduced to a minimum when driving on the car from behind. This system is called Nec-Pro. Due to it, at the rear impact, the head restraints are automatically rearranged to a safer position.

Functionality

So, continuing the above topic, it is worth noting that the seven-seater is also equipped with curtain airbags - 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 central console (directly below the climate control unit), a block is visible, through which the pneumatic 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 is done as accurately as possible - the eye rejoices. Although many plastic, albeit qualitative, is not satisfied.

By the way, the roof above the heads of passengers and the driver GL 500 4MATIC panoramic. The second and third row of seats can be folded with the help of a servo. Thanks to him, you can open and luggage cover. In that situation, if the third row is complicated, then the volume of the trunk is as much as 2300 liters. And it's impressive!

Specifications

Here it is necessary to tell about this in detail. The car Mercedes-Benz GL 500 differs quite powerful indicators. Firstly, this model is equipped with a 7-speed "automatic" and pneumatic suspension Airmatic, 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 by 1.5 centimeters will "sit down". However, this is not a minus. On the contrary, this change contributes to better handling and stability of the machine on the road. And all because the center of gravity falls.

The maximum clearance is 307 mm. This indicator is observed in the upper position. In this case, an off-road car will be a ford, the depth of which will be, say, 60 centimeters. But! Movement with a maximum suspension is possible only at a maximum of 20 kilometers. And as soon as the speed limit is overcome by the driver, the car will automatically lower itself, automatically. In addition, the chassis can regulate not only the rigidity, but also the height.

Drive unit

So, this "Mercedes" has very good characteristics. GL 500 differs, first of all, the system of permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC. 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, you can not "blame" the SUV in the rear-wheel drive. The whole point is that the system that distributes traction, immediately "throws" the torque on the wheels, as soon as the slipping occurs or the clutch is lost with the blade. In general, it is quite functional.

Details you need to know

So, now about more important nuances. Under the hood of the GL 500 is a V-shaped 8-cylinder gasoline engine, generating a capacity of 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 large car.

The average fuel consumption pleases - only 13.3 liters per hundred kilometers. The capacity of the fuel tank is equal to one hundred liters.

The equipped weight of the car makes 2445 kg - quite good, very modest weight for the off-road German car.

It is interesting that this machine, in its technical and speed characteristics, far exceeds its competitors. Among them, Infiniti QX56, Lexus LX570 and Nissan Patrol - in general, too, are good, well-assembled models. But in comparison with them, "Mercedes" clearly wins. It features a confident ride, excellent maneuverability, handling, carrying a solid body and an independent chassis.

Cost

And finally one more thing that is worth knowing about the car GL 500. The price is what is at stake. She is rather big, that you can understand. Do not expect that a powerful SUV with such characteristics will cost a couple of hundred thousand. No, the cost of the Mercedes GL 500, issued 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 equipment and equipment. Plus, a small run - a couple of tens of thousands. And, of course, with the maximum complete set.

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 its price.