Mercedes-Benz GL-Class X164 Picture Thread

[Deutsch]

Originally Posted by bum-man

I don't really see what you are getting at Deutsch. I think it's a bit foolish to think Mercedes didn't study the market before they signed off on producing the GL.
Personally, I'm glad they went ahead to make the GL it's much better to see some variety then just see a bunch of ML's all over with useless 3rd row seating.

you just killed your argument.

[bum-man]

Originally Posted by Deutsch

you just killed your argument.

How so?

[PHYBENZ]

Originally Posted by Deutsch

As for the BMW "Space Functinal Concept", that is something entirely different than an R-class, it's a unique product w/ space for many but still a performance vehicle at heart, aimed at the European market, which doesn't have a real appetite for S.U.V.'s but large people transporters.

The reason this "Space Functional Concept" has not only space like the R class but also performance is because that is as you said a core value of BMW, which is not a core value of MB. MB with the R gives space and a nice smooth and luxurious ride and cabin. MB and BMW don't entirely appeal to the same people because the idfference in their core values.

The GL and R aren't redundant, for one the GL seats seven the R six, also the GL rides high like and SUV where the R class has a lower more refined ride. The R is more for riding six adults in ultimate comfort and luxury whereas the GL is an SUV that can be taken off road and can seat 7. The reason MB built the GL was because they saw many of customers buying a RR or Escalade or other big SUV's as an additional car to their family or as a rpelacement to an MB when their family grew.

[Merc1]

Originally Posted by Deutsch

I think this generation of MB cars has some products that honestly shouldn't be, and I'd say that the GL is one of them, along w/ the R, A, and B - class. All of these cars are just pointless additions to a brand where such vehicles are just really don't make a whole lot of sense. Land Rover can do a Range Rover because it's a vehicle that Land Rover created all on it's own w/ out any outside influence, it's a special product, hence the reason why it doesn't have third row seats (even though it probably couldn't accomadate an extra row of seats w/ out compromising the traditional RR look, but it's big enough), and to start, LR is a brand renowned for it's ability to produce extreme off road vehicles that can traverse mother natures absolute worst and then some. MB is a premiere brand, much like RR though not on as large of a scale of grandeur, it's still a brand associated w/ automotive greatness and superiority. The GL does everything the ML does, but the ML does it better because it's the same thing w/ a sportier dynamic than the clunk-a-hunk GL. Hopefully MB will get it... someday.

I agree with you about the A/B and maybe on the R, but not on the GL. For a luxury brand to be a full service provider in the U.S. market a large SUV is a must, no question about it. Mercedes was first in the lower segment with the ML and now they're first with the full size SUV from a Euro luxury brand. Mercedes might be late to join this segment (as it might be in deline because gas prices here), but there is no way the GL doesn't fit MB. Mercedes being like Rolls-Royce is long over and there no way Mercedes shouldn't be in the full size luxury SUV market when everyone one of their competitors are. Mercedes is a luxury car giant now and they can't afford to forgo a segment on principle now.

This about BMW and what they do and don't do really don't fly IMO. A SUV can't be the ultimate driving machine, all BMW can do is do one in their way (i.e. sporty) and then call it a day. They'll do the same with their proposed R-Class competitor also, if they still build it. BMW and Audi are doing exactly what Mercedes has already done, filling out every niche they can with a new product. BMW is no different in that regard. The only area where BMW is keeping it real or true is by NOT building a M version of everything they make. That I admire, but they're going to do more people movers in the future too and they'll be a little sportier than competiting MB's, but hardly the ultimate driving machine.

M

[Vivaki]

(Fan-gallerie)

[Alx]

Now that i see these thing on the road, i like it.... Amazing how from pics to reality it changed my opinion. Super truck for anyone in the market for an SUV of that size. It looks very agressive and for sure is a PRIME competitor to the GX Lexus truck. They even look similar form the back, but the MB is just WIDER!

[Deutsch]

IMO, it's a very "OK' looking truck. I've seen many now on the streets and I even sat in one yesterday, the interior is great on quality but lacks any sort of occasion, disapointing especially considering the feel of the W221's interiior.

[Alx]

At the end of the day, its still a truck buddy...

Its not gonna be as gracious as a W221, and by far not in its class.....

The G500 is awesome inside, probably the nicest truck interior for its time.

[Deutsch]

Originally Posted by AlxAmg

At the end of the day, its still a truck buddy...

Its not gonna be as gracious as a W221, and by far not in its class.....

The G500 is awesome inside, probably the nicest truck interior for its time.

I didn't say that it should posess the same "grace" as the S-class. The design of the W221's interior feels oceans ahead of the X164's, the latters is more like a modified Chrysler 300 cabin bought up the MB standards. Say what you may, but that's my op. The nicest interior on any light truck/SUV is the Range Rovers, never has a vehicle of this class had a more detailed and finely executed interior design, not to mention the quality is peerless.

[bum-man]

GL420 CDI