Mercedes-Benz has released full details and images of its all-new Mercedes GL-Class, which made its public debut at the New York Auto Show yesterday.
The exterior styling is an evolution of the previous model and combines a similar front end design to the new ML with a boxy rear-end. Notably, a small kink makes its appearance on the side window while the new GL also sports much larger and more pronounced tail lamps. Inside, the new GL-Class features a dash and door design that is largely identical to its smaller M-Class stablemate, with a large centre stack tapering off into a narrow glove console.
Filled with ‘bells and whistles’, the full-size 7-seater luxury SUV features new standard equipment, such as Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist, Crosswind Stabilization, Central COMAND controller, Electromechanical steering, Direct-injection twin-turbo petrol V8 engines and a colour instrument cluster display. Optional highlights include Multi-color Ambient Lighting, Parktronic with Active Parking Assist, Active Curve System, On- and Off-Road Package, Surround View Camera, Driver Assistance Package, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Power EASY-ENTRY second row and Panoramic roof.
When it reaches US dealerships in September (expected in UK showrooms in early 2013), buyers will have a choice of three models, all of which sport more powerful engines than before. These include the GL350 BlueTEC equipped with a 3.0-litre turbo diesel generating 176 kW and 615 Nm for a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 8.3 seconds; the GL450, powered by a 4.6-litre twin-turbo V8 with 266 kW and 550 Nm (0 – 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds); and the GL550, with a 4.6-litre twin-turbo V8 delivering 315 kW and 700 Nm (0 – 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds).
