The Rise of the Gilded Giant: An Evolutionary Journey of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

In the landscape of luxury automobiles, few names carry the weight and prestige of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. For decades, it has been the undisputed benchmark for full-size luxury sedans, a rolling showcase of the brand’s latest innovations in comfort, safety, and technology. In the early 2000s, as the global appetite for Sport Utility Vehicles swelled, a question arose within the halls of Stuttgart: could this same flagship philosophy be applied to a true seven-seat SUV? The answer arrived in 2006, a formidable, three-row vehicle that created its own segment: the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. This is the story of its evolution from a practical luxury hauler into the undisputed S-Class of SUVs.

First Generation (X164): 2006 – 2012 – The Accomplished Pioneer

The world first met the GL-Class at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Its mission was clear: to offer a vehicle with the passenger and cargo capacity of American large SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, but with the sophisticated engineering, ride quality, and refinement expected of a Mercedes-Benz. It was designed primarily for the American market but quickly found a global audience.

Unlike its body-on-frame competitors, the X164 GL-Class was built on a modern unibody platform, a stretched version of the architecture underpinning the contemporary M-Class (ML). This decision was fundamental to its character, granting it superior handling dynamics, a more comfortable ride, and better crash-test performance. From the outset, every GL-Class came standard with two key Mercedes-Benz technologies: 4MATIC all-wheel drive and AIRMATIC air suspension. The latter provided self-leveling capabilities and allowed the driver to adjust ride height, reinforcing its dual-purpose nature as both a comfortable highway cruiser and a capable off-roader.

Visually, the first-generation GL was substantial and imposing, yet it carried the clean, Teutonic lines of the brand’s design language from that era. It was handsome and purposeful rather than overtly flashy, a quiet statement of capability. Inside, it delivered on its promise with a spacious cabin that could comfortably accommodate seven adults, a rarity in the luxury space. The power-folding third row was a particularly celebrated feature, making the transition from passenger-hauler to cargo-carrier remarkably simple.

Throughout its production run, the X164 was offered with a focused range of powertrains catering to different priorities.

Models and Trim Levels (2006-2012):

• GL 320 CDI / GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC: This diesel model was the torque-rich workhorse of the lineup. Initially launched as the GL 320 CDI, it was later updated and renamed the GL 350 BlueTEC to highlight its advanced urea-injection system for reducing emissions. Its 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel was lauded for its impressive fuel economy and effortless towing capability, making it a popular choice in Europe and for long-distance drivers in North America.
• GL 450 4MATIC: The volume seller, particularly in the United States. The GL 450 was powered by a robust 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. It provided a smooth, confident power delivery that perfectly matched the vehicle’s luxurious and unruffled character.
• GL 500 / GL 550 4MATIC: At the top of the range sat the most powerful variant. Equipped with a potent 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8, this model was badged as the GL 500 in most global markets. In North America, it was known as the GL 550 and came with a more aggressive front bumper, flared wheel arches, and larger wheels as standard, giving it a more muscular stance.

The X164 GL-Class was an immediate success, earning critical acclaim, including the coveted 2007 MotorTrend SUV of the Year award. It had successfully carved out a new niche, proving that a full-size, seven-seat SUV could be both immensely practical and authentically luxurious.

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Second Generation (X166): 2012 – 2019 – The Era of Refinement and Power

Building on the triumphant debut of its predecessor, Mercedes-Benz launched the second-generation GL-Class for the 2013 model year. The X166 was not a radical reinvention but a comprehensive and intelligent evolution. The design was softened, with more sculpted lines, a bolder front grille, and the integration of LED lighting technology, which brought it in line with the brand’s contemporary aesthetic. It appeared more athletic and less utilitarian, a shift that signaled its move further upmarket.

The interior saw a significant leap in luxury and technology. The materials were more premium, the fit and finish were elevated to near S-Class levels, and the cabin was even quieter thanks to improved insulation and acoustic glass. The updated COMAND infotainment system, active safety features like Collision Prevention Assist, and available amenities such as a 360-degree camera and Active Parking Assist cemented its technological leadership.

The most significant changes, however, were under the hood. The powertrain lineup was modernized with a focus on forced induction to improve both performance and efficiency.

The Birth of a Performance Icon: The GL 63 AMG

The X166 generation also marked a pivotal moment in the model’s history: the introduction of the first-ever AMG variant. The GL 63 AMG was a gloriously excessive and brilliant machine. It was powered by a hand-built 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8, transforming the stately SUV into a high-performance behemoth capable of challenging dedicated sports cars in a straight line, all while carrying six passengers in supreme comfort.

A New Name for a New Era: The Transition to GLS (2016)

In 2015, for the 2016 model year, Mercedes-Benz initiated a brand-wide restructuring of its model nomenclature to provide greater clarity. Under this new strategy, all SUVs would start with “GL,” followed by a letter indicating their position in the hierarchy, analogous to the core sedan lines. The GLA was aligned with the A-Class, the GLC with the C-Class, and the GLE with the E-Class.

Consequently, as the flagship SUV, the GL-Class was renamed the GLS-Class to signify its status as the “S-Class of SUVs.” This name change coincided with a significant mid-cycle facelift. The updated GLS received a new front fascia with a more prominent grille and redesigned headlights, new LED taillights, and an updated interior featuring a new tablet-style 8-inch infotainment display and a redesigned center console. The 7G-TRONIC transmission was also largely replaced by the brand’s smoother and more efficient 9G-TRONIC automatic.

Models and Trim Levels (2012-2019):

• GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC / GLS 350d 4MATIC: The V6 turbodiesel continued, offering excellent torque and efficiency.
• GL 450 4MATIC / GLS 450 4MATIC: Initially launched with a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8, this model was later right-sized in the North American market to a more efficient 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, while still delivering ample power.
• GL 500 / GL 550 4MATIC / GLS 550 4MATIC: The powerful mainstream V8 option, now featuring a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with significantly more horsepower and torque than its naturally aspirated predecessor.
• GL 63 AMG / Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC: The pinnacle of performance, featuring the hand-built 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. It offered staggering acceleration and an unmistakable AMG soundtrack.

Third Generation (X167): 2020 – Present – The Pinnacle of Luxury and Technology

The all-new third-generation GLS, unveiled for the 2020 model year, completed the vehicle’s transformation. The X167 is larger, more aerodynamic, and visually sleeker, with a design that fully embodies Mercedes-Benz’s “Sensual Purity” philosophy. It is unambiguously the S-Class of its domain.

The interior represents a quantum leap forward, dominated by the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system with its dual 12.3-inch widescreen displays that form a single, seamless panel. The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant, augmented reality navigation, and a vast suite of driver-assistance features make it one of the most technologically advanced vehicles on the road. Luxury is paramount, with available features like the Executive Rear Seat Package that adds heated, ventilated, and massaging second-row seats.

The most profound engineering advancement is the introduction of EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system integrated into the powertrain. This system’s integrated starter-generator can add a temporary boost of horsepower and torque, allows for engine-off “sailing” to save fuel, and makes the engine start-stop function almost imperceptible. Furthermore, the available E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension uses the 48-volt system to individually control spring and damping forces at each wheel, allowing it to scan the road ahead and proactively smooth out bumps, and even lean into corners like a motorcycle to enhance passenger comfort.

Reaching the Zenith: The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600

This generation also saw the GLS platform ascend to the highest echelon of automotive luxury with the introduction of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600. Designed to compete with the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Maybach GLS forgoes the third row in favor of an opulent, lounge-like four- or five-seat cabin. It is distinguished by its exclusive two-tone paint schemes, a signature pinstriped grille, unique wheels, and an interior laden with the finest Nappa leather, wood trim, and bespoke features like refrigerated compartments and silver champagne flutes.

Models and Trim Levels (2020-Present):

• GLS 450 4MATIC: Now powered by a silky-smooth 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine with EQ Boost.
• GLS 580 4MATIC: Features a potent 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, also enhanced with the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system.
• Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+: The high-performance model now uses a handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with EQ Boost, delivering over 600 horsepower and breathtaking performance for a vehicle of its size.
• Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC: The ultimate expression of luxury, utilizing a specially tuned version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with EQ Boost, focused on silent, effortless, and supremely comfortable propulsion.

From the capable and pragmatic X164 to the technologically dominant and breathtakingly luxurious X167, the journey of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a masterclass in automotive evolution. It began as an answer to a market demand and matured into the definitive benchmark for its class. By consistently mirroring the ethos of the S-Class sedan, it has more than earned its title, standing today not just as a large SUV, but as the S-Class of SUVs.