Mercedes-Benz GL-Class - First Generation (X164; 2007-2012)

First Generation (X164; 2007-2012)

The GL-Class (codename X164) debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. It was released along the same time as the similarly sized Audi Q7, being the first German three-row, 7-passenger crossover SUVs on the market at the time; later joined by the second-generation BMW X5 that has an optional third-row seat increasing capacity up to 7. Except for the Acura MDX, most three row luxury SUVs at the time were body-on-frame vehicles such as the Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator.

The GL lacks the typical SUV boxy styling and body-on-frame construction of the G-Class in favor of an elongated and widened version of the M-Class's unibody architecture. The GL has much more luxurious equipment and better road manners than previous civilian G-Class vehicles. The GL class was originally intended to replace the 25-year-old G-Class model, however due to public and fan outcries, Mercedes Benz had decided to keep the G-Class in production for the foreseeable future and decided to update it for 2006. Although the GL-Class is designed for the US market, it is also sold in Europe, albeit in far smaller numbers.