Is the GL capable of off roading?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
The lack of a low-range doesn't give the GL high marks, but it's still capable off road. You're going to run into traction issues though in thicker, wetter stuff unless you get a much more aggressive tread.
For all intents and purposes, the GL is decent vehicle to take off road, just make sure you have a buddy or two to help pull you out when things get rough. The W164 is the same. W163 was better. But remember, you have to make sacrafices. For every "point" you gain off-road, you lose on-road.
For all intents and purposes, the GL is decent vehicle to take off road, just make sure you have a buddy or two to help pull you out when things get rough. The W164 is the same. W163 was better. But remember, you have to make sacrafices. For every "point" you gain off-road, you lose on-road.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 405
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2007 GL320 CDI, 2001 TJ Rockcrawler, 2005 Scoobie STI
Only the diesel version (GL320 CDI) lacks low range in the United States. The GL450 does indeed have low range available as part of the off-road package. In additon the off-road package provides enhanced ground clearance as the Airmatic suspension raises the suspension even more than the non-offroad pack version. I would put it into the same category as the Land Rover LR3
However, I wouldn't expect to do any hard-core off-roading in the GL...
I use my Jeep for that type of terrain
However, I wouldn't expect to do any hard-core off-roading in the GL...
I use my Jeep for that type of terrain
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Istanbul
You can expect a much higher off-road capability in the GL compared to ML. Like mentioned before GL is similar to LandRover Discovery3, but it will be beaten by a G-Wagen.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 9
Only the diesel version (GL320 CDI) lacks low range in the United States. The GL450 does indeed have low range available as part of the off-road package. In additon the off-road package provides enhanced ground clearance as the Airmatic suspension raises the suspension even more than the non-offroad pack version. I would put it into the same category as the Land Rover LR3
However, I wouldn't expect to do any hard-core off-roading in the GL...
I use my Jeep for that type of terrain
However, I wouldn't expect to do any hard-core off-roading in the GL...
I use my Jeep for that type of terrain
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Calicut(India)
Mercedes Benz E-class, Range Rover, Mercedes Benz 220D (W115) & Royal Enfield
I think the GL is well capable of serious off-roading like its bigger brother G-wagon, this video is from a Mercedes Demo, watch it.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7ZZvZ65efs
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,021
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C280
all its doing in the video is going over a hill. I've done worst going over sand dunes on the beach in my 2003 maxima. yes i know, that car is getting used really badly. 85000 miles and counting.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 405
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2007 GL320 CDI, 2001 TJ Rockcrawler, 2005 Scoobie STI
Lockers and Very low gearing helps a lot... This obstacle is on a trail here in AZ called Terminator.
Nothing to it really, just keep driving straight and the front wheel comes back down. I was showing off for the camera a bit in this pic.
I will be towing the Jeep to the non-local trails with the GL. Should be a nice comfy ride.
Nothing to it really, just keep driving straight and the front wheel comes back down. I was showing off for the camera a bit in this pic.
I will be towing the Jeep to the non-local trails with the GL. Should be a nice comfy ride.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Off Road and CDI
Anyone know why the Off Road Package is not included in the US BYO site as an option on the 320CDI? I have heard that it has something to do with the torque but the package is available on the EU versions so I understand.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 405
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2007 GL320 CDI, 2001 TJ Rockcrawler, 2005 Scoobie STI
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-x164/173613-off-road-pack-diesel.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
I will be the only one using mine except for guests from time to time. Perhaps the 5 seat ML would suit you better if you are concerned about the size.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: .
08 GL450
Why would anyone take a " pretty " car REALLY off road to begin with ? No one today is going to ship a new Range Rover Supercharged from London for use on an African safari . They would use older crapped out Rovers .
Same here - get a used Jeep Wrangler and kit it out for the rough ,damaging and dirty stuff if you want to have maximum fun with no anxiety !
Same here - get a used Jeep Wrangler and kit it out for the rough ,damaging and dirty stuff if you want to have maximum fun with no anxiety !
