2010 Mercedes-Benz GL 550 by Lorinser Chassis no. WDB 164 886 1A 621 317 • Extensively modified and upgraded by Lorinser • Delivered new to Japan, EU taxes paid • Two owners from new • Freshly serviced * Please note that this car will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Belgium. '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. 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given its outstanding specification, the GL-Class sold well throughout its six years in production before being superseded by the X166 version in 2012. This GL550 was delivered new to Japan where it was first registered on 6th September 2010. Offered for sale by its second owner, the car 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. The interior has been extensively modified and the coachwork as well (using a Lorinser body kit). The dividing screen between the driver and the rear passengers 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). Other notable features include a Lorinser exhaust, Brembo brake calipers and 24' wheels. Indeed, Lorinser's transformation cost as much as the car itself! The most recent service was carried out by Mercedes-Benz Longchamps in Paris on 25th April 2023 at 8,456 kilometres (invoice on file). The Mercedes-Benz service history shows that the odometer reading on 13th September 2019 was 8,196 kilometres. Freshly serviced by Mercedes-Benz, this ultimate luxury SUV is offered with a Japanese export certificate; Japanese vehicle registration record; Mercedes-Benz France car history; two keys; all its instruction manuals; and all its remote controls and connectors (there is also a PDF file explaining how everything works). Please note that a HiFi specialist will need to set up the system in the purchaser's preferred language. Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing