Justin9212

The title pretty much sums it up. I'm looking at buying an early GL550, after some research I see on some late model GL's there is an Off Road option that can raise it 80mm at the touch of a button. If that exists for the X164, then I on a quest to buy one with that option.

Anyone know?

N_Jay

I have seen references to that option, but have not seen it referenced on any US model.

Justin9212

Not even the current models?

VentoGT

The current model isn't an X164. There was an off road option for the X164 but based on what I have read it is an extremely rare option. I would imagine on the new models you could special order one with that option if available in the US but 99.9% of these will never see off road so not much reason for Merc to pay the money to outfit cars with options that won't sell.

sak335

Agreed, it is rare. I think that is because most people that buy these are looking to move kids around and/or tow boats/trailers/RV's and not go rock crawling. But the option did exist and basically inserted locking diffs.


I think that most MB fanatics looking for that sort of thing just went and bought a G class. But when I was looking for mine, I did occasionally see the option listed, so they are out there, but you may need to be a lot less picky about what other options you get with it if that is your priority.

amthatiam

My car has the option to raise it, it goes up @ 3" that is what I've read is the amount of rise, the car does not have the option to lock the differentials unless that happens when I hit the raise button. It's a nice feature and have used it frequently. I think it is part of the P-2 package.

Dan

dimitristx

Raises the vehicle noticeably to increase underbody clearance but is limited to below 40 or 45mph (don't recall which), at which point it automatically lowers itself. There's is an option that locks the differentials too, as well as a hill-descent mode

N_Jay

I think all GLs have the first level of raise (part of the airmatic system.


Can anyone confirm if the "off road" package (extra lift and locking dfiffs) was EVER available in the US?

dimitristx

Anyone who needs more hard core off road abilities is looking at the wrong vehicle :-)

N_Jay

It all depends.
I love mine (bought mostly as a tow vehicle family mover), but would love a bit more raise for the occasional stream fiord while camping or to unload the undercarriage when driving in just a little too much Chicago snow.


I probably won't go mountain climbing like I did in my Range Rovers, but is does what it does with even more comfort than most SUVs that never leave the road.

dimitristx

True, still my Lexus GX and LX SUVs have been truer off road tools than the GL will ever be ...

N_Jay

No diesel, worse MPG, smaller inside, and not as refined a ride.


(land cruisers with leather!)

dimitristx

MPG, what's that?

N_Jay

Its what gets me 700 miles between rest stops.


P.S I know EXACTLY what MPG is, I have had 2 first gen Range Rovers.

VentoGT

Yes, there is at least one user here with a maroon GL on this forum who has the off road package. It was available for the US for the X164. Checking MBUSA site, the on/off road package is still available as an $1800 option for new GLs, with 2 speed transfer case, a 6 mode driving program selector and an underbody tray.

Bimmer777

Would love an offroad package on mine. You dont need locking diffs 99% of the time, but when you do need it, you wish you had it.

N_Jay

You don't need locking diffs unless you have bad tires, or you are a bad driver. (I include taking a car without locking diffs somewhere you obviously need locking dfiffs.)




Neither my jeeps nor my Range Rovers had locking diff and the only time I got stuck, locking diffs would not have helped.

Bimmer777

I guess I cant disagree with that. Maybe its more of a nice to have option and more buttons to press

Still, even in some snow or icy conditions it would be nice to lock diffs and have low range. LSD in my C63 and former M3 helps a ton in the snow, even on dedicated winter tires!

And agreed that tires are most important factor.