2013 GL roof rails crossbar
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2013 GL350 / 2010 GLK350
2013 GL roof rails crossbar
Just picked up my new 2013 GL350 and was surprised to find that MB USA had no crossbar accessory available yet for this vehicle. The 2013 Model is about 2" wider from its predecessor and the 2012 model factory crossbars or base racks don't fit it (I tried at a local dealer's parts dept.). A base rack options is listed available but with no production date in sight yet (I confirmed that with MB USA). I am not a fan of the base rack anyway since I bought one for my 2010 GLK. It is bulky and very noisy. Did a lot of research on other available options. Thule and Yakima being the main contenders. Thule has available the 53" Aeroblade bar requiring their Rapid Crossroad rail mount. The crossbar is nice but sticks about 3" on either side of the car and the mount has a big profile that makes a lot of wind noise. Yakima makes a crossbar that fits flush between the rails and it recommends Whispbar S55 model for 2012 Mercedes GL models. I called Yakima to inquire if it will fit the 2013 model and they admitted that it hasn't been tested yet and they can't guarantee a fit. Well, I decided to try and a local rack store and the Whispbar S55 has enough travel adjustment space (rail to rail) to accommodate the 2013 GL model as well. In fact, it fits perfectly between the rails, doesn't stick out at all and makes almost none wind noise. It is made out of polished aluminum and just looks great on the car. So, if you are on the market and want to go skiing this year, look no further, get the Yakima Whispbar S55. It runs about $350 and comes with all you need to mount and lock it on the vehicle. Installation takes 10 min. Thule option is $100 more since you have to buy the Aueroblade bars, the Crossroad mounts, and the locks for them separately. Here are the picks of what Thule and Yakima options look like:
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Joined: Dec 2004
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MB
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
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GL63 AMG
Just picked up my new 2013 GL350 and was surprised to find that MB USA had no crossbar accessory available yet for this vehicle. The 2013 Model is about 2" wider from its predecessor and the 2012 model factory crossbars or base racks don't fit it (I tried at a local dealer's parts dept.). A base rack options is listed available but with no production date in sight yet (I confirmed that with MB USA). I am not a fan of the base rack anyway since I bought one for my 2010 GLK. It is bulky and very noisy. Did a lot of research on other available options. Thule and Yakima being the main contenders. Thule has available the 53" Aeroblade bar requiring their Rapid Crossroad rail mount. The crossbar is nice but sticks about 3" on either side of the car and the mount has a big profile that makes a lot of wind noise. Yakima makes a crossbar that fits flush between the rails and it recommends Whispbar S55 model for 2012 Mercedes GL models. I called Yakima to inquire if it will fit the 2013 model and they admitted that it hasn't been tested yet and they can't guarantee a fit. Well, I decided to try and a local rack store and the Whispbar S55 has enough travel adjustment space (rail to rail) to accommodate the 2013 GL model as well. In fact, it fits perfectly between the rails, doesn't stick out at all and makes almost none wind noise. It is made out of polished aluminum and just looks great on the car. So, if you are on the market and want to go skiing this year, look no further, get the Yakima Whispbar S55. It runs about $350 and comes with all you need to mount and lock it on the vehicle. Installation takes 10 min. Thule option is $100 more since you have to buy the Aueroblade bars, the Crossroad mounts, and the locks for them separately. Here are the picks of what Thule and Yakima options look like:
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: CA
MB
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2012
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2013 GL350 / 2010 GLK350
Anyway, both, Thule and Yakima crossbars have enough clearance form the roof. I originaly bought the Thule one but exchanged for Yakima Wispbar since that does have a lower profile and lower drag/noise. With a ski rack on top, I had enough clearance for ski (bindings pointing down) & snowboard (facing up) without touching the roof pannel.
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2012
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2013 GL350 / 2010 GLK350
