SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class looks cool in AMG Sports Package trim

Before the new GL 63 AMG is out on streets in 2013, clients of the new GL-Class will be able to get a hint of the Affalterbach tuner with the choice of the AMG Sports Package, available right from the start of sales. This equipment will visually enhance the GL throughout a revised front bumper with distinctive styling, a set of optional AMG signature 19"-20" alloy wheels and a discrete black diffuser at the rear between the double exhaust pipes. Being hidden under thick camouflage, it is hard to make an opinion, but hope is the final result will be impressive.

Check out further spy shots after the jump!






Photos: Motor Authority

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV scooped in Stuttgart

The big "truck" in Mercedes-Benz's yard is up for a complete revamp next year. Although to some it may seem like more of a evolution than a visible revolution, the second generation of the GL-Class will make use of fresh underpinnings, gained straight from the new M-Class and fitted to match the car's lengthier stance.


Looking at the latest spy shots as well as at the rest that appeared up to now, one can tell designers have paid attention to refining and improved the original looks of the first generation. Instead of venturing themselves into moving sands with daring visual experiments, they played safe and managed to enhance the GL's understated elegance and power. The front end will likely follow the trail of the W 166 M-Class that just entered the market some time ago. The main characteristic of the front fascia is the huge grille with two louvres and the large intakes which should a better cooling and thus sharper performance. In high-end version, headlights will get LED technology, arranged in a stylish manner to create an impressive inner design in the lamp. The popular, bold and rough profile inspired by the G-Class is here to stay, but for the sake of efficiency, substantial work has been carried out to finish some surfaces as to improve aerodynamics through a better air flow. Moving backwards, everybody could have a tremendous surprise when the camouflage strips fall off: the tail lights all look very intriguing for a Mercedes-Benz. We keep our thoughts until there's more to see, as FEP approaches. So far, no one has got a clear picture of how the interior might be like, but given the ML fraternity, the new GL could receive its dashboard straight-away, with just a few, minor modifications. All in all, that's good, even though a tad more personality wouldn't ruin the car. At least, premium quality, charming style and supreme luxury are ensured.

Engineers had in mind the high level of competence the future GL-Class has to inspire that they took all the latest technical goodies from Merc's store to strictly meet the desired targets. The SUV will be able to foretell the occurence of an accident and will rapidly react to protect its passengers thanks to the ingenious PRE-SAFE system. If the driver is tired, the car will be smart enough to stress upon this fact with the help of ATTENTION ASSIST. Other active assistance systems, such as the Blind Spot Assist, Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Night View Assist Plus, will further mitigate road incidents and enrich passenger protection. Connection to the world, as well as management all of the vehicle's components and functions, will become operational via the addition of the new COMAND Online internet-based infotainment system.

Speaking of the GL's potential, the 4MATIC powertrain ensures a dynamic, yet balanced ride, as well as the all so popular Mercedes-Benz travelling comfort. To support those who want to test the new SUV in nature, the ON & OFFROAD Package that debuted on the ML this year will also be available as an option for the upcoming GL-Class. But this car would not be complete without some capable powerplants under the hood. With the BlueEFFICIENCY treatment applied across the lineup, you could say Green Peace freaks will fancy the GL. Not when they hear the output numbers: the GL 350 CDI with 265 hp, the GL 350 with 306 hp (and probably a GL 400 with 354 hp) and the range-topping GL 500 with 435 hp out of biturbo V8. And if that was not enough, towards the end of 2012, Mercedes-AMG plans to release the all new GL 63 AMG (which is already being tested on streets) powered by the massive 5.5-litre V8 engine that tweaked to deliver from 544 hp up to 571 hp, depending on the package the client opts for.

Premiere of the new GL-Class could take place during summer next year, with an official reveal planned for Paris Motor Show. With all the advances and updates the car will bring, we expect the base price could jump towards € 80,000 compared to the current € 75,000 (in Germany).





Photos: SecretNewCars

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class shows more of its beefy stance

The next generation GL-Class will be a consistent evolution of the present model, as suggested by the latest spy photos captured in Stuttgart.





The front fascia combines influences from the newest cars launched by the German constructor. The 2-slat grille is now bigger and sportier and the newly-shaped headlights with LED lighting system installed will certainly attract a lot of views. Seeing the side profile, it's not hard for one to tell that the future GL has grown in length and overall size by up to some valuable centimeters, which should make a tangible difference compared to other SUV competitors. Designers have been busy finishing an elegant back end for the muscular 4x4, judging by those generously-dimensioned, yet harmoniously-styled tail lamps which also incorporate LED to add up to a sensational light show when lit up.



For its new GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz has prepped a complete range of fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines. By far, the most visible of the lineup will be the V6 and V8 modular powerplants, boasting peak outputs ranging from 306 up to 435 hp. We also expect an upgrade for the 3.5-litre direct-injection gasoline unit beginning with next year, which means no more 306 hp, but likely 354 hp. For the first time in history, a GL model will also be transformed into a hardcore "truck" with the help of Mercedes-AMG, which currently puts the forthcoming GL 63 AMG to numerous endurance tests. The 5.5-litre twinturbo V8 with 544 hp (571 hp with the Performance Package fitted) will be in charge of powering this crazy SUV.



When launched, the new GL-Class will showcase the latest assistance systems developed by Mercedes-Benz, such as PRE-SAFE, ATTENTION ASSIST, Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, Blind Spot Assist, BAS PLUS and so on. To ensure a good dose of tout-terrain capability, clients will be able to equip their new SUV with the ON&OFFROAD Package, premiered on the new M-Class. Moreover, the future GL will display a full array of state-of-the-art media and communication technologies: COMAND Online with internet access, a spacious hard-disk drive for storing your maps and other digital files, an exquisite harman/kardon Logic 7 premium audio system, a DVD entertainment device for the rear-seating passengers and the list could continue.



The Stuttgart-based carmaker has programmed the official premiere of the new GL-Class after mid-2012, just in time for next year's Paris motorshow, while sales in Europe are bound to start during fall. Americans will have to wait a bit longer, as the upcoming GL is tipped to hit US showrooms beginning with early 2013.



Enjoy the freshest spy photos!

















Photos: Motor Authority



Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reappears after a long halt

After months of silence, the 2013 GL-Class has been finally spotted. It is obvious the pictured prototype lost some of its camouflage and it now reveals more details regarding the general design. As expected, the headlights will resemble those on the new M-Class and sport an elegant teardrop shape. Optionally, the car can be equipped with the LED Intelligent Lighting System, which further enhances the looks, but also improves visibility and safety. Nothing to worry about the side profile, as the current muscular, truck-like form will be retained with minor changes. The back end is on the trail of becoming one of the most elegant seen in the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, as those tail lamps will certainly catch many eyes due to the intriguing inner design made up of colourful light-emitting diods. Inside, the same story as for the front end, as the dashboard and the technology will come straight from the recently revealed ML. The latest assistance gimmicks as well as the revolutionary ON & OFF-ROAD Package will help ensure for better dynamics and handling and, above all, for the highest level of passenger security in the segment. When it's launched during the summer of 2012, the new GL-Class will boast an efficient and powerful range of petrol and diesel engine, such as the 3.5-litre DI V6 with 306 hp or the 4.7-litre TT V8 with 435 hp. The AMG variant is also taken into account, as several prototype have already been seen on streets; if the future GL 63 AMG comes to life sometime in 2013, then it could be powered by the 5.5-litre biturbo V8 engine with no less than 571 hp of maximum output and 900 Nm of peak torque.



Check out more photos after the jump!



















Photos: Carscoop



Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.