Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Luxury SUV
Brand Positioning:
Premium, European luxury, advanced technology.
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus LX, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator.
Vehicle Highlights:
Spacious interior, strong performance, sophisticated ride, advanced safety, premium materials, robust towing capacity.
Infotainment Highlight:
COMAND APS system was a flagship infotainment offering, providing integrated navigation, audio, and communication.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive operation and features of the COMAND APS infotainment system.
Specific Features Covered:
Navigation, Audio, Climate Control, Bluetooth Connectivity, Vehicle Settings, Multimedia playback.
Estimated Pages:
Varies by specific factory publication, typically 200-300 pages.
Type:
Owner's Manual / Operator's Manual
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) System
Navigation:
Detailed guidance on destination entry, route planning, voice commands, and map display.
Audio System:
Operation of radio (AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio), CD/DVD player, and audio settings (bass, treble, balance, fader).
Climate Control Integration:
Control and adjustment of automatic climate control via the COMAND interface.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth phone pairing, hands-free operation, and audio streaming (if equipped).
Multimedia:
Operation of auxiliary inputs (e.g., AUX, USB, SD card if equipped) and compatible media formats.
Vehicle Settings:
Customization of vehicle functions and preferences through the COMAND interface.
Basic Operation:
Powering on/off, adjusting volume, changing modes, and using the central control knob/buttons.
Navigation Setup:
Entering addresses, points of interest (POIs), setting home/work locations, and managing saved destinations.
Audio Setup:
Tuning radio stations, creating playlists, configuring audio profiles, and managing media sources.
Phone Management:
Pairing new devices, downloading contact lists, making/receiving calls, and initiating voice commands.
Troubleshooting:
Basic tips for common system errors or malfunctions (e.g., screen freezing, audio issues).
Depth:
Operator-level; focuses on user interface, functionality, and basic settings, not internal component repair or advanced diagnostics.
Engine Options:
2008 GL-Class offered multiple engine variants: GL320 CDI (3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel), GL450 (4.7L V8 Gasoline), GL550 (5.5L V8 Gasoline).
Gl450 Hp:
335 hp @ 6000 rpm
Gl450 Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 2800-4500 rpm
Gl550 Hp:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Gl550 Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4500 rpm
Gl320 Cdi Hp:
215 hp @ 3800 rpm
Gl320 Cdi Torque:
398 lb-ft @ 1600-2600 rpm
Gl450 Gl550:
Fuel Injection (Sequential Multi-Point)
Gl320 Cdi:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI) with Turbocharging and Intercooling
Length:
Approx. 199.3 inches (5062 mm)
Width:
Approx. 76.6 inches (1946 mm)
Height:
Approx. 72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 118.1 inches (3000 mm)
Seating Capacity:
7 passengers (standard 3 rows of seating)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 13.0 cu ft (368 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 45.3 cu ft (1282 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 77.0 cu ft (2180 L)
Curb Weight Gl450:
Approx. 5,093 lbs (2310 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 7,000 lbs (3175 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front and Rear Passenger)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models equipped with optional features like adaptive cruise control)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ADAPTIVE ESP®)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Driver Assistance Optional:
Distronic Plus (Adaptive Cruise Control), PARKTRONIC (Parking Assist).
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear passengers).
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH system.
Infotainment System Name:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Display Size:
Typically 7-inch color LCD screen.
Navigation Type:
Hard-drive based navigation with DVD map updates (often regional).
Audio Sources:
AM/FM tuner, CD/DVD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, auxiliary input (often in glovebox), optional Media Interface (for iPod/USB).
Standard Assistance:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Rain-sensing wipers, Auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Optional Assistance:
Distronic Plus (Adaptive Cruise Control), PARKTRONIC, Bi-Xenon Headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS).
Bluetooth Standard:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and phone book access (may require separate adapter for some early models/phones).
Connectivity Expansion:
Optional Media Interface for iPod and USB devices.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, based on flexible service system (ASSYST PLUS).
Major Service Milestones:
Examples: 30,000 miles (air filter, cabin filter), 60,000 miles (transmission fluid/filter - often recommended by specialists earlier than factory), spark plugs (gasoline engines, typically around 100,000 miles).
Engine Oil Gl450 Gl550:
SAE 5W-40 or 0W-40 synthetic engine oil meeting MB 229.5 specification.
Engine Oil Gl320 Cdi:
SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 synthetic diesel engine oil meeting MB 229.51 specification.
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC transmission).
Coolant:
MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant).
Common Issues Gl Class X164:
Air suspension (Airmatic) strut leaks/failures, ABS/ESP sensor failures, crankcase ventilation (CCV) hose cracks (diesel), glow plug issues (diesel), DPF issues (diesel), potential electrical gremlins common with complex systems.
Brand Focus:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing heritage in luxury vehicles, known for engineering, innovation, and safety.
Introduction:
The GL-Class (X164 generation) was introduced in 2006 as Mercedes-Benz's first full-size, truck-based SUV, designed primarily for the North American market.
Updates 2008:
2008 saw minor updates, potentially including powertrain refinements or feature availability adjustments, but the core X164 platform remained consistent.
Manufacturing Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.
Awards Gl Class 2008:
While specific awards for the 2008 model year COMAND system are rare, the GL-Class generally received positive reviews for its luxury, capability, and technology features in its class during its initial production run.
Industry Recognition:
Mercedes-Benz vehicles consistently rank high in initial quality and long-term dependability surveys from organizations like J.D. Power.
