Mercedes-Benz GL I (X164) gallery (2006–2012)

First generation of the full-size three-row luxury SUV Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X164), built on a unibody platform and produced from 2006 to 2012.

Mercedes-Benz GL I (X164), SUV, brown, front three-quarter view — photo 80795 1600 x 1200 27 Grand Edition (2011)
SUV Full-size luxury SUV in dark brown metallic finish viewed from the front three-quarter angle in a dark studio setting.
Mercedes-Benz GL I (X164), SUV, brown, rear three-quarter view — photo 80794 1600 x 1200 38 Grand Edition (2011)
SUV A full-size five-door SUV in dark brown metallic finish captured from a rear three-quarter angle against a dark studio background with illuminated textured ground.
Mercedes-Benz GL I (X164), SUV, brown, front view — photo 80793 1600 x 1200 39 Grand Edition (2011)
SUV Front view of a brown metallic full-size SUV in a dark studio setting with illuminated headlights and DRLs.

The first-generation Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (chassis code X164) unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Engineered on a stretched unibody architecture derived from the W164 M-Class, the GL was designed primarily for North American and global luxury buyers needing full seven-passenger capacity. Standard features included three-row seating with power-folding third row and AIRMATIC air suspension.

Engine offerings featured 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesels (GL 320 CDI, GL 350 BlueTEC) and 4.0-liter V8 turbodiesels (GL 420 CDI), alongside naturally aspirated 4.7-liter and 5.5-liter V8 gasoline engines (GL 450, GL 550). Power was dispatched through a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, with an optional Off-Road Pro Package adding low-range gearing and locking differentials. A 2009 facelift updated the front grille, LED daytime running lights, and interior trim.