2013 GL finally revealed!!!!!
Everything has been thrown at the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class to make it not only the largest SUV Mercedes offers, but the equivalent of a jacked-up S-Class. It grows by an inch in length and gets fractionally wider and taller, with the extra size providing more head, shoulder and elbow room for all three rows of passengers. It is also loaded with new standard features like a "photo quality" color instrument display, self-leveling air suspension, Collision Prevention Assist and Crosswind Stabilization.
Three flavors are available: the V6 GL350 BlueTec, and the two twin-turbo V8s in the GL450 and GL550, each with more power than before. The GL350 gets 240 horsepower and 455 pound-feet, up 30 hp and 55 lb-ft; the GL450 returns 362 hp and 406 lb-ft, a raise of 27 hp and 67 lb-ft; the kingly GL550 turns out 429 hp and 516 lb-ft, up by 47 hp and a not-inconsequential 127 lb-ft.
Of course, being Mercedes, the options list has expanded, too, with details such as the On- and Off-Road Package and Active Curve System to help you maintain steady control of the beast no matter the surroundings. Have a look at the press release below for all the details, and take a glance at it in the gallery of high-res photos above.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
I love the vehicles, but still think they are overpriced if you pay anywhere near retail. If you can get 10% off sticker, I think they are more reasonable. What kills me is all the option packages which in my opinion should come as standard on a $70K vehicle. Leather not standard? GPS not standard? A friggin Garmin cost $100, and Google Maps is free! iPod wire is an option - it's a $10 wire...
FYI, MB USA has posted additional information on their website as of today:
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/innova...ehicleclass-GL
Enjoy.
Last edited by IDriveAnM5; Apr 5, 2012 at 09:20 AM. Reason: Add web link.
Last edited by Thirdrem; Apr 5, 2012 at 01:14 PM.
On May 14, 2007, DaimlerChrysler announced the sale of 80.1% of Chrysler Group to American private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., thereafter known as Chrysler LLC, although Daimler (renamed as Daimler AG) continued to hold a 19.9% stake.[35] The deal was finalized on August 3, 2007.[36] On April 27, 2009, Daimler AG signed a binding agreement to give up its remaining 19.9% stake in Chrysler LLC to Cerberus Capital Management and pay as much as $600 million into the automaker's pension fund.[37]
In December 2008, U.S. President George W. Bush agreed to a $4 billion bailout for Chrysler[6][7] followed by an additional $8.5 billion bailout extended by President Barack Obama early in his administration.[7] In total, the government granted a $12.5 billion dollar bailout for Chrysler using Troubled Asset Relief Program funds provided by Congress and Canadian government funds. Chrysler received loans for three months in order to come up with specific plans to restructure into viable companies. An additional $1.5 billion was loaned to Chrysler Financial, its credit affiliate.[8]
On June 10, 2009, Chrysler LLC emerged from a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization and substantially all of its operations were sold to a new company, Chrysler Group LLC, organized in alliance with the Italian automaker Fiat.[9][10] Initially holding a 20% interest in Chrysler Group, Fiat's stake was increased to 58.5% (fully diluted) following acquisition of the equity interests held by the U.S. Treasury (6% on June 3, 2011) and Canada (1.5% on July 21, 2011)[11][1

On May 14, 2007, DaimlerChrysler announced the sale of 80.1% of Chrysler Group to American private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., thereafter known as Chrysler LLC, although Daimler (renamed as Daimler AG) continued to hold a 19.9% stake.[35] The deal was finalized on August 3, 2007.[36] On April 27, 2009, Daimler AG signed a binding agreement to give up its remaining 19.9% stake in Chrysler LLC to Cerberus Capital Management and pay as much as $600 million into the automaker's pension fund.[37]
In December 2008, U.S. President George W. Bush agreed to a $4 billion bailout for Chrysler[6][7] followed by an additional $8.5 billion bailout extended by President Barack Obama early in his administration.[7] In total, the government granted a $12.5 billion dollar bailout for Chrysler using Troubled Asset Relief Program funds provided by Congress and Canadian government funds. Chrysler received loans for three months in order to come up with specific plans to restructure into viable companies. An additional $1.5 billion was loaned to Chrysler Financial, its credit affiliate.[8]
On June 10, 2009, Chrysler LLC emerged from a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization and substantially all of its operations were sold to a new company, Chrysler Group LLC, organized in alliance with the Italian automaker Fiat.[9][10] Initially holding a 20% interest in Chrysler Group, Fiat's stake was increased to 58.5% (fully diluted) following acquisition of the equity interests held by the U.S. Treasury (6% on June 3, 2011) and Canada (1.5% on July 21, 2011)[11][1
Yes, the divorce of Diamler and Chrysler was one that I, personally, celebrated!
My old 2004 S500 had "Daimler Chrysler" stamped on the driver's door, and it always kind of irked me.
FYI, Fiat's CEO is planning to use the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform for a Maserati luxury SUV.




As for the Maserati, it has zero in common with the ML/GL except previously mentioned chassis. Will have a Ferrari engine though.




Interesting on the forged vs cast discussion. The GL is much nicer than the Durango - no doubt. Can you cite some examples of forged parts on the Mercedes that are cast on the Durango. It would be nice to know in case I encounter the guy that says I should have purchased the Durango and saved the $30,000.
I know the MB wheels are cast but so are the Durango's.
I really like that the Durango TPMS displays the individual air pressure in the tires. My GL just gives me a warning if the pressure drops way down.




