The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class X166 was the second generation of the full-size three-row luxury Mercedes SUV, in production from 2012 to 2016, before the 2016 model-year rebrand that turned the same platform into the GLS. During its X166-era life the GL was the top of the Mercedes SUV hierarchy, sitting above the ML / GLE and below the coach-built G-Class — a family-oriented prestige SUV positioned against the Range Rover L405, Cadillac Escalade GMT K2XL and Audi Q7 4L. Engine options ran from the GL 350 BlueTEC (3.0 V6 diesel, 258 hp) up to the GL 63 AMG (5.5 L biturbo V8, 550 hp). Mansory's programme addresses the complete X166 generation, preserving the seven-seat configuration and the two-mode off-road ESP package, while visually pushing the SUV's stance into the aggressive territory established by Mansory's subsequent GLS / G-Class conversions.
Mercedes's full-size SUV proportions — X166 length 5 120 mm, width 1 982 mm, height 1 850 mm, wheelbase 3 075 mm — give Mansory a generous canvas for widebody work. The X166 programme adds bonded carbon fender extensions widening the track by approximately 35-40 mm per side; full-replacement carbon front and rear bumpers with functional cooling intakes; a vented carbon bonnet; deep carbon side skirts; and a carbon tailgate appliqué with integrated rear-spoiler lip. The effect transforms the X166 from an upright American-market family hauler to a Mansory street-presence SUV without sacrificing the seven-seat interior packaging. Because the X166 predates the GLS facelift front-fascia, its Mansory programme is distinct from the later GLS X166 facelift and X167 programmes, both of which have their own dedicated kits.
X166 Mansory component inventory: replacement carbon front bumper with integrated splitter and enlarged lower-grille intakes; carbon bonnet with functional heat-extraction louvres centred over the engine bay; carbon front-fender widebody extensions (bonded onto factory fender skin) with rear-exit louvred vents; carbon rear-fender widebody extensions matched to 22"-23" wheel projection; deep carbon side skirts; replacement carbon rear bumper with diffuser and quad-exhaust bezels; carbon tailgate spoiler / applique; carbon mirror housings; carbon D-pillar overlay panels (optional). Programme also covers AMG-trim-specific elements: replacement bumpers are available in both standard-trim and AMG-trim versions to preserve correct factory grille geometry. Two interior-retrim tiers offered: full diamond-quilted Nappa with Alcantara headliner for owner focus; or luxury-family trim with lambswool carpet overlays and heated centre-row executive seating.
Donor eligibility: Mercedes-Benz GL-Class X166, model years 2013-2016 (production 2012-2016, pre-GLS rebrand). Variants: GL 350 BlueTEC / d (3.0 V6 diesel, 258 hp), GL 400 (3.0 V6 biturbo petrol, 333 hp), GL 450 (4.7 V8 biturbo petrol, 362 hp), GL 500 (4.7 V8 biturbo petrol, 435 hp), GL 63 AMG (5.5 L M157 biturbo V8, 550 hp / 760 Nm). Transmission: 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic (pre-2014) / 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic (2014+). Drivetrain: 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Chassis: steel monocoque with aluminium bonnet, Airmatic air-suspension standard, AMG Performance Chassis on GL 63. Seven-seat third-row configuration with power-fold. Kerb weight: 2 355-2 490 kg depending on variant. 0-100 km/h: 4.9 s (AMG) / 6.9 s (GL 500) / 7.4 s (GL 450). Top speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited). Dimensions: 5 120 × 1 982 × 1 850 mm. Programme does not cover the 2016+ GLS X166 facelift or the 2019+ X167 second-generation GLS — both have separate Mansory programmes.
Factory X166 wheels: 19"-21" alloys depending on trim (AMG on 21" standard). Mansory programme: 22" or 23" staggered forged. Patterns: FM.2 multi-spoke forged (classic Mansory SUV spec), S.9 split-twin, CM.2 turbine-fan, Y.3 forked-Y. Finishes: matte-black, satin-gunmetal, satin-bronze, polished bicolour, paint-to-sample. Tyre fitment: 295/35 R22 square or 295/30 R23 square. TÜV-documented for GL 63 kerb weight (2 490 kg). Full wheel catalogue: hodoor.world/collection/forgedwheels.
The X166 generation found its strongest markets in North America and the Gulf. Mansory X166 programme supports delivery to all major Mansory Mercedes markets, with country-specific customs and installer documentation for the following key destinations: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Canada, United Kingdom, China, Turkey, Egypt, Nigeria. Additional markets: Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia, Monaco, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, South Africa, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq.
The X166 programme sits within Mansory's wider Mercedes full-size SUV portfolio: ML-Class W164 / W166, GL X164 (first generation), GL X166 (this programme), GLS X166 facelift (2016-2019), GLS X167 (2019+), GLE W167, GLE Coupé C167, G-Class W463/464, Maybach GLS. Visual language progresses from the restrained ML programme through to the Gronos and Cullinan-level aggression of the G-Class and Maybach GLS conversions.
Order requirements: X166 VIN and variant (350 / 400 / 450 / 500 / 63 AMG), existing colour and interior code, AMG vs standard trim level, desired carbon scope, wheel design and finish, interior retrim tier, destination country. Production: 10-12 weeks for carbon and wheels; +3-4 weeks for Mansory interior retrim. Installation at certified workshop: 2 weeks. Total order-to-road: ~3-4 months. Contact: +44 7488 818747 (WhatsApp) or [email protected].
Does the programme preserve the seven-seat third row? Yes — interior carbon and retrim options retain full seven-seat functionality including power-fold and isofix anchors.
Is the GL 63 AMG variant supported? Yes — the AMG-trim-specific front fascia and quad-exhaust geometry are fully supported; AMG Airmatic calibration is untouched.
Will the Airmatic air suspension work unchanged? Yes — factory Airmatic and ride-height presets remain operational. An optional Mansory lowering module is available for static-show preferences.
Does the kit fit the later GLS X166 facelift? No — post-facelift GLS has different front and rear fascia geometry and requires the separate GLS X166 facelift Mansory programme.
Are factory parking sensors and 360° camera preserved? Yes — replacement bumpers retain all sensor mountings and camera housings in factory positions.
Does the programme adapt to right-hand-drive markets? Yes — programme is fully RHD-compatible for UK, Gulf RHD and Asia-Pacific RHD markets.
How long for the full conversion? Roughly 3-4 months end-to-end including shipping and installation.
