The outgoing Mercedes GL.
The New York Auto Show has landed another big announcement, Mercedes-Benz planning to bring to the Big Apple its next-generation GL SUV.
As with the smaller ML, the big G, the descendant of the legendary Gelandewagen, will migrate to a car-based platform. In fact, various media reports indicate the GL will share the smaller crossover’s underpinnings.
Spy photos show a big ute with a more aggressive front end than the outgoing GL, including a two-bar grille and with what one source described as “LED-infused” headlights.
Overall length is expected to remain the same, though the modified platform reportedly will permit a much larger cabin – and one more lavishly outfitted. Along with premium leather and wood, the new ML is also expected to get the latest Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment system and other high-tech goodies.
The global target is to improve fuel efficiency, so a range of diesel and conventional powertrains are on tap for the seven-seater. But the big AMG version will remain in the line-up.
The base GL350’s engine is expected to be a 302-liter 3.2-liter V-6, with a more powerful GL550 getting a 429 hp twin-turbo 4.6-liter V-8. The G63 AMG should feature a 518-hp version of the 5.5-liter AMG V-8.
As with the current model, Mercedes will also bring a 3.0-liter version of its BlueTec to the States. It has been one of the most successful makers in revitalizing demand for oil-burner technology.