2010 Mercedes-Benz GL550 Lorinser

7 Bids
8:00 PM, 02 Nov 2023Auction ended
Highest bid

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Pierre's review

Pierre Tirone - Consignment Specialist Message Pierre

“ Notable features include a Lorinser exhaust, Brembo brake calipers and 24" wheels. Indeed, Lorinser's transformation cost as much as the car itself! ”

"When your Mercedes M-Class just isn't accommodating enough, when your seven-seat R-Class hasn't the ground clearance or when your Gelaendewagen feels as antique as Keith Richards, what's a Mercedes 4x4 lover to do? The answer is the Mercedes GL-Class." - Autocar.

Background

Intended as replacement for the venerable and much-loved G-Class, the GL-Class (X164) debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 2006 having been undergoing development since 2003. Mercedes' research in North America had revealed that customers wanted a luxury SUV bigger than the existing ML-Class, hence the new GL, which was produced at the firm's Alabama plant as well as in Germany. Somewhat unusually for a vehicle of its type, the GL featured a unitary chassis/body (a lengthened and widened version of the M-Class platform) rather than the body-on-frame construction favoured by certain rivals. As seen here, the top-of-the range GL550 was powered by a 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine delivering 382bhp and 339lb/ft of torque. All models featured 4MATIC all-wheel drive; seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission; adjustable air suspension; 19" alloy wheels; leather trim; electrically adjustable seats; and automatic climate control. Factory options included tyre pressure monitoring; DAB digital radio; reversing camera; and rear seat infotainment screens. 

Mercedes' new off-roader was well received, winning Motor Trend's 'SUV of the Year' award in 2007. Midway through 2009 the model was face-lifted, receiving a mildly restyled exterior and redesigned seats and steering wheel among other changes. According to Autocar: "The GL can seat seven adults properly, each one in comfort. Even the rear pair of chairs has good head and legroom... A touch of a button will fold either – or both – seats to provide a flat cargo space. And they're fast folding, going from 0-to-flat in under five seconds. Flip forward the middle row and the load area becomes cavernous, with a capacity of up to 2300 litres and a platform that measures over 2100mm in length." Not surprisingly, given its outstanding specification, the GL-Class sold well throughout its six years in production before being superseded by the X166 version in 2012. 

Estimated value

€50,000 - €60,000

Key Facts


  • Delivered new to Japan
  • Serviced by Mercedes-Benz Longchamp in Paris on 25th April 2023
  • Extensively modified and upgraded by Lorinser
  • EU Taxes Paid

  • WOC1648861A621317
  • 8500 kilometres
  • 5461
  • auto
  • White
  • Black
  • Left-hand drive
  • Petrol

Vehicle location
Maldegem, Belgium

Background

Intended as replacement for the venerable and much-loved G-Class, the GL-Class (X164) debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 2006 having been undergoing development since 2003. Mercedes' research in North America had revealed that customers wanted a luxury SUV bigger than the existing ML-Class, hence the new GL, which was produced at the firm's Alabama plant as well as in Germany. Somewhat unusually for a vehicle of its type, the GL featured a unitary chassis/body (a lengthened and widened version of the M-Class platform) rather than the body-on-frame construction favoured by certain rivals. As seen here, the top-of-the range GL550 was powered by a 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine delivering 382bhp and 339lb/ft of torque. All models featured 4MATIC all-wheel drive; seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission; adjustable air suspension; 19" alloy wheels; leather trim; electrically adjustable seats; and automatic climate control. Factory options included tyre pressure monitoring; DAB digital radio; reversing camera; and rear seat infotainment screens. 

Mercedes' new off-roader was well received, winning Motor Trend's 'SUV of the Year' award in 2007. Midway through 2009 the model was face-lifted, receiving a mildly restyled exterior and redesigned seats and steering wheel among other changes. According to Autocar: "The GL can seat seven adults properly, each one in comfort. Even the rear pair of chairs has good head and legroom... A touch of a button will fold either – or both – seats to provide a flat cargo space. And they're fast folding, going from 0-to-flat in under five seconds. Flip forward the middle row and the load area becomes cavernous, with a capacity of up to 2300 litres and a platform that measures over 2100mm in length." Not surprisingly, given its outstanding specification, the GL-Class sold well throughout its six years in production before being superseded by the X166 version in 2012. 

Overview

This Mercedes-Benz GL550 was delivered new to Japan and was treated to a comprehensive tuning by the German tuning company Lorinser prior to being exported. The car has been scarcely exercised since and is in overall very good condition.

Exterior

The vehicle on offer here is in overall excellent nick. The white paintwork is free from scratches and still has a nice shine to it. Not only has the car been rarely used; it has done less than 8,600kms, it has also been maintained well. The bodywork of the vehicle clearly bears the signature of the Lorinser tuning brand and has been modified extensively: front and rear bumpers, side vents, roof rails, side sills and the exhaust exits are the most visible modifications. Please consult the picture gallery to get a better understanding of the level of detail the makeover by Lorinser entailed. The impressively large 24-inch wheels by Agio Wheels are painted black and are in good shape. We could not spot any ugly scratches that would be the consequence of encounters with the pavement. The wheels are fitted with Yokohama tyres dating from 2017 which still have plenty of profile left and will last for another few years. The rear windows are tinted for maximum discretion for the passengers. Other notable features include Brembo brake calipers. Indeed, Lorinser's transformation cost as much as the car itself!

Interior

If you thought the exterior of this GL was about making a statement, you have not seen the interior yet! Just like it is the case for the bodywork, the interior of this Mercedes-Benz has received a complete makeover by the Winnenden-based tuning company. The front offers two seats, upholstered with black leather, and is separated from the rest of the cabin by a separation wall with a small window that can be made opaque or transparent by means of a small control mounted on the rear right seat (see instructions and photographs in the accompanying Mercedes-Benz book). 

The dashboard and all the buttons are in as-new condition: all the switches are present and functional, and the wooden inserts on the dash are in good nick. A Harmann Kardon stereo is fitted to this vehicle and is connected to a custom infotainment system by Lorinser. A phone connector is located in the glovebox. The only defect we could see in the cabin is that some of the black plastic around the headlamp switch has become ‘sticky’ over time. An easy fix.

The real highlight of this GL550 is the rear section of the cabin, which has been extensively modified. It offers ample space for two passengers and resembles a rolling cinema! The two seats are fully retractable and because they have been mounted further to the rear, offer miles of legroom! In front of the seats is a massive screen on which you can watch your favourite blockbuster, all while your driver safely gets you to your next destination. The separating wall between rear and front passenger compartment will make sure the driver is not distracted from your TV programme. 

The trunk, albeit slightly smaller than on a standard GL (as mentioned, the rear seats were moved backwards to increase legroom), still offers plenty of space for luggage and is in very good condition, just like the rest of the interior. 

Mechanical

No pictures from underneath the vehicle are available, but given the very low mileage, no surprises are to be expected here. Under the bonnet sits the 5,5-litre petrol-powered V8 that develops 383hp. As you would expect, the engine is perfectly presented and runs as it should. Gearbox and drivetrain are without defects and the car starts and drives well. 

History

This GL550 was built in Germany and delivered new to Japan where it was first registered on 6th September 2010. It was ordered with all the available options before being transformed into a very luxurious 'limousine SUV' by the long-established Mercedes-Benz tuning firm, Lorinser. It has since returned to Europe, where it was sold by Bonhams Cars in their annual Bonmont auction this year. Since the buyer had issues getting the vehicle registered, he decided to sell it again. We would thus recommend you verify whether this car is eligible to be registered in your jurisdiction prior to bidding. 

Summary

When it comes to extravagance and travel comfort, there are few cars on the market that beat the Mercedes-Benz GL550. This vehicle has additionally been improved by Lorinser and must surely offer the ultimate luxury travel experience. With its powerful engine and comfortable cabin, we think that this must be the equivalent of first class flying for the road. 

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of €50,000 - €60,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located in Maldegem, Belgium. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

About this auction

Seller

Private: PROC


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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