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GL Class (X166) 2013-2015 after facelift became GLS (X166)

Bike rack fit

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Old Jun 24, 2022 | 03:13 AM
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dmnelson
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2016 GL450, 2011 E350 4matic
Bike rack fit
I’m thinking of getting a bike rack that goes in the trailer hitch receiver. Considering how flat and tall the back of the GL is (relative to a sedan or wagon), I’m wondering if I should be looking at the distance between the back window and the handlebars of the bikes so they don’t make contact. Is this a consideration? Or am I safe to just shop around and not concern myself with that?
Thanks!
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Old Jun 24, 2022 | 06:49 AM
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captivabenz
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From: Captiva Florida
14 GL 350, 23Chevy Bolt EV and 22 EUV
I’ve used my three different bike racks for various bikes over the last 8+ years without any problems.
Enjoy !
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Old Jun 24, 2022 | 08:18 AM
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cadetdrivr
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2014 GL350
Originally Posted by dmnelson
I’m thinking of getting a bike rack that goes in the trailer hitch receiver. Considering how flat and tall the back of the GL is (relative to a sedan or wagon), I’m wondering if I should be looking at the distance between the back window and the handlebars of the bikes so they don’t make contact. Is this a consideration? Or am I safe to just shop around and not concern myself with that?
Thanks!
We've used a Yakima Full Swing since we bought the GL in 2014. It works great and allows us to open the rear hatch while the bikes are mounted. The bikes are never close to touching the truck.
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Old Jun 24, 2022 | 09:19 AM
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GL350, Audi A3 TDI, VW Beetle TDI
Love my Thule Helium. It is a relatively light rack. Very easy and quick to mount bikes versus my previous two racks. It tilts down to allow hatch to be opened with bikes mounted.
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Old Jun 24, 2022 | 09:45 AM
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gl450
I have a Thule 4-bikes hitch rack. With the frame of the bike right against the vertical post of the rack, the handlebars are almost a foot away from the rear glass. No way for them to make contact.
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Old Jun 24, 2022 | 09:53 AM
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2016 GL450, 2011 E350 4matic
Awesome, thanks everyone for the replies!
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Old Jun 25, 2022 | 09:32 PM
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2016 GL450, 2011 E350 4matic
I picked up a Thule Apex 9024XT two-bike rack today and it fits great.
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Old Jun 26, 2022 | 03:25 PM
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2017 GLS63
I have a 1UP Super Duty rack — very well-engineered and quite elegant in it’s ruggedness and simplicity. Only touches the front and rear tires and holds the bikes very securely. Other rack makers (Yakima, Thule, Saris) are now copying this concept.

No problem using this rack with the OEM M-B hitch mounts on a 2013 GL 550 and a 2017 GLS 63.
Last edited by joecparrish; Jun 26, 2022 at 03:29 PM.
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