High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (code name X164) is a full-size crossover SUV built by the German carmaker Mercedes-Benz since 2006. The GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The car was designed for the American market, which is shown by its large size, making it the only similarly sized rival up against Audi`s Q7 by that time. It is the 7-passenger counterpart of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Although the car was designed for the US market, it is also sold in Europe, albeit in far smaller numbers.