AA59 • Mercedes GL (X164) 450 Lorinser '06

In 2006, Mercedes tried to replace the timeless G-Class by GL. Before the impetuosity of purists, it was finally as a new model that the imposing GL was added to the range of the manufacturer to the star. Tape-catching series, it is even more once touched by Lorinser. Can not go unnoticed. What consisted transformation?

Technical sheet

Model	Mercedes GL 450 Lorinser
Engine	4.7 V8 340 horsepower
Dimensions	5.12 x 1.93 x 1.85 meters
Mass	2 430 kg
Marketing	2006 - 2012
average coast	30 000 €
0 to 100 km / h	7"2
max	235 km/h
Consumption	13.1 l / 100 km
Date and place	September 26, 2015, Le Mans

Not great . " The Bestor nothing ", a slogan rather indicative of the philosophy of Mercedes. It's probably with this in mind that the brand's engineers decided in 2005 to replace the G-Class with a new model. The G-Class is all a monument, a model used by the army, by tourists in the mountains. Hard to find more indestructible.And there, not purists. Have said the Mercedes G-Class will remain in the catalog while the model currently under study will be launched under the name GL. This imposing vehicle of more than five meters can accommodate seven people comfortably. But then, what does he more compared to MPV / 4x4 / Class R break out the previous year. In fact, much, if not all-wheel drive. Oh no, the R-Class is also available in four-wheel drive option.

Pachyderm . The GL-Class ranks in the category of most large 4x4 market. With 5.12 meters long and nearly two in width and height, it outperforms many of its competitors. A comfortable model holding 5 seats and 2 optional on a third. Whatever the place, the seating is comfortable and nice, the place is missing, but for such a template, it is the least of things. Competitor of the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90, it has a series of all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission with seven gears. Based on the chassis of the M-Class is a well-born model, but whose success is not to go to France. Its size is unsuitable for the city and its V8 engine petrol or diesel V6 or V8 is constrained by a very heavy weight.

Tape-catching . The range of diesel engines consists of the 350 CDI V6 engine of 224 hp and 450 CDI V8 which develops 306 horsepower. In essence, there is the 450 and the 500 V8 both developing 340 and 388 horsepower. Feature, the diesel versions were displayed at prices well below those of gasoline, to the point that opting for a petrol V8 verison had not much attractive. Especially that consumption climb quickly with this model of around 2.5 tonnes. Failing to be efficient, the GL is quite dynamic but his size prevents it from offering any sensation. His favorite course is the highway. The beaten path, this is not his cup of tea: no body protection is there to cushion any loose stones. And it is appearance flashy and a little show-off, preparers have understood that they could count on it!

Lorinser . Lorinser particular has worked to beautify the Colossus. The selected base may be any Mercedes GL.In this case it is a version of 450 species. This company founded in 1930 initially start with the sale of Mercedes models. It was not until the mid-70s she starts preparations. Popularized by celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger (without fault, please!) , Then Lorinser prosperous quickly, expanding its number of dealership and showroom. Current production includes many Mercedes models, but also Smart, belonging to the group. In the case of this GL, that is in the form of a kit that the preparation took place. While camped on rims 22 inches, it is impressive but remains fairly quiet in that black dress.

22 inches . Lori ERES has defined its own stylistic codes. Among them, the rims. They are usually large format and contain five double or triple branches. In the case of GL Lorinser, they are 22 inches and suggest the standard braking system. An engine development? No, unfortunately not for this model. The changes are only aesthetic, with a kit sold a whopping € 13,000. A colossal sum reflecting the bumpers, rocker panels, front fenders and even the jack molded specifically for this model. But frankly, the note still remains extremely salty. Especially as the GL 450 here retains its performance, which although correct, does not equal the AMG version. As for the models "RS9", they are sold in addition to the kit through € 828 room. What is the contribution of Lorinser in this achievement? Superficiality and flashy foremost.

No frills . This kit has at least the merit to adapt very correctly instead of the serial bumper and offer a rather sober and not tonitruée. Extremely rare, no visible exhaust. At the front fenders, new adapt instead of those of the origins and offer side vents, not really helpful but mechanically speaking that give a chunkier style to the imposing GL-Class Mercedes. The interior, however, does not evolve ... or little. Apart from the illuminated door sills and floor mats Lorinser. A relatively small endowment for this pack can be mounted by any owner of GL. At resale, no hope of a significant capital gain.

Mixed . Time to take stock. Developed and presented as a rival to the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC90 other, the Mercedes GL-Class is refined in its interior layout and its equipment but not really as a template. This cute monster 2.5 tonnes is not dynamic in its behavior. Off-road, it is doing relatively well, but this version Lorinser very low and large bumper wheels would leave no doubt bits of plastic. Too bad, because with its three driving modes and suspension, the machine shows a close agility class G. The GL 450 petrol version offers decent performance but do not expect any feeling largely erased by the template and the significant ride height. An engine preparation would certainly have eased somewhat the balance sheet but this preparation is accidentally that aesthetic. Lorinser an additional housing is so for the GL diesel.

Beware . Being a kit to be assembled by a bodybuilder (or is itself) , it is difficult to estimate the exact number of Lorinser Mercedes GL on the market. Especially as Lorinser also produced most successful versionsso a model such as that presented here can hardly claim a premium. Especially a 4x4 of such a size and similar to the tuning interest only to a very limited panel of potential customers. Please note also, some copies will receive their kit Lorinser after a heavy accident in replaces the original parts. So be sure to look at the history and inspect the beams of the model. For the rest, it's a great car, powered correctly (and sanitized) and reliable.

Should I buy a Mercedes GL 450 Lorinser?

For any lover of preparation and tuning, the Mercedes GL by Lorinser is a good choice, provided you have realized that the performance will be much more limited than on the AMG version. It is a model well built and led us offers Mercedes. Signed appendices Lorinser does not really bring added value. It takes around 30 000 € for a copy in fair condition. A facelift occurred in 2009 but did not affect on the optical model for a Lorinser and some mechanical developments.