LEAKED: The new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class emerges on the internet prior to NYIAS 2012 reveal

As the NYIAS 2012 is around next corner, we were expecting 'leaks' to happen sooner or later. One of the stars at the Mercedes-Benz stand at New York is the new GL business class SUV. Compared to the outgoing generation, the X 166 model series has grown in overall dimensions: it's longer, wider and taller, it offers more room inside and it feels more robust. From every angle you look at it, the car looks powerful and astonishing.

The new GL-Class leads the G-Class tradition into the future: the strong, muscular, upright lines of the body are reminiscent of the iconic Gelandewagen. With the AMG Sports Package installed, the SUV looks beefy and solid thanks to the set of 20" alloy wheels with special design, the impressive  front air intakes and the beautifully sculpted rear bumper. LED technology is present for both the headlamps and the charming tail lights. If we enter the cabin, we will immediately spot the similarities with the ML. In fact, as it did in the past, the GL copies its brother as this approach is more cost effective than developing a new architecture. 

The ML makes a clear statement on efficiency, but the new GL-Class is also following this path. Engine lineup comprises BLUETEC diesel and gasoline powerplants, ranging from 211 up to 435 (408?) hp. There will even be a true AMG choice with the introduction of the 525 hp GL 63 AMG planned for early 2013. 

All the recent Mercedes-Benz breakthroughs in safety, technology and infotainment will make their way onto the new GL-Class. Other than that, the main features are shared with the M-Class, one of them being the complex ON&OFFROAD package, which finds the perfect balance between a thoroughbred athlete and a skillful hiker.

More official information will be issued these days - till then, take your time and surf through the photo gallery. Enjoy!










Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

REPORT: New York Motor Show 2012 hosts the premiere of the new GL-Class (X 166)

During the same interview in which the 2013 demise of the R-Class for the States was announced, MBUSA spokesman Christian Bokich has also confirmed the new generation GL-Class is programmed for world debut at NYIAS 2012. The executive SUV follows a simple, yet effective recipe: more spacious, more powerful, more efficient and more elegant. The exterior was styled in terms with the current design philosophy, whereas the interior holds a deep resemblance with the M-Class (W 166). For the GL 'X 166' series, Mercedes-Benz has prepared a load of helpful safety and dynamics systems, as well as a comprehensive lineup of frugal engines. The top diesel choice is the GL 350 CDI with 265 hp, whereas the high-end GL 500 will be powered by the 4.7-litre biturbo V8 petrol unit probably rated at 408 hp, not 435 hp (just like the ML 550 for the U.S. market only). The GL 63 AMG pinnacle variant will be introduced by summer 2012 and will boast no less than 525 hp of peak output.

Image Credits: Motor Authority


Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: A fleet of 2013 GL-Class prototypes returns to base after offroad testing

In April, Mercedes-Benz will introduce the new GL-Class (X 166) to public and media at the New York Auto Show. The last phase of development undergoes undeterred as a fleet of test prototypes has been recently spotted on the outskirts of Stuttgart. The black camouflage has come off, so more details of the massive SUV are now becoming visible, like the headlights, beefy grille and bumpers and the elegantly designed LED tail lamps. Most probably, given the mud that's accumulated on the wheels and sides of the body, the snagged GLs were returning to the R&D Centre from a series of offroad trials custom-made to evaluate the potential skills of this new SUV generation.

Check out more spy shots after the jump!












Image Credits: Motor Authority

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.