Does anyone know if the 09 GL will receive the same interior updates as the face lifted 09 ML? ML is reported to be available in September.

 

rdk,

Where did you see any information about the "face lifted" 2009 ML??

 

Mercedes claims to be aiming for a 'more aggressive' look with the new M-Class, and these images show only minor alterations have been made to try and achieve it.

Most of the changes have been made at the front end, which sports a deeper bumper with more sculpted lines around the slightly larger, lightly revised grille.

Though they're disguised in these images, expect redesigned headlights to add to the new 'more aggressive' M-Class.

Changes to the rear are even less obvious, with mild alterations made to the bumper and LED lights added to the options list.

Interior changes will be more evident, with new seat design, leather dash and the latest Mercedes infotainment system seen in the recently revealed SL and SLK will also make an appearance.

However, the 3.0-litre V6 Blutec diesel engine that will form one of the most popular engines in the forthcoming M-Class range in the US, is unlikely to go on sale over here due to issues with making it conform to UK legislation.

Instead, the green option will arrive in the form of a hybrid model based on the ML450 concept seen at the Detroit motor show this year. The ML450 will utilise an electric motor teamed to a petrol V6, allowing pure electric power from low speeds.

The new M-CLass will to go on sale in September this year, with the hybrid ML450 likely to reach the UK in 2009.

 

Great info, RDK.
The GL likely won't be updated until 2010. Most manufacturers wait three years unitl they update or "facelift" a car.

 

 

I was able to catch a 2011 prototype model year of the GL driving around in Phoenix for the Super Bowl/FBR Open. As you can see, there've been some styling changes. I don't personally think I agree with all of them, though the increased cargo area and seating are fine. I just don't think MB is listening to it's base, as you can see from the pictures.

Comments?

STP
http://home.earthlink.net/~sgresser/...203081439a.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~sgresser/...0203081439.jpg

 

I agree the exterior would not be due for a face lift before at least 2010 but it seems they will need to update the interior and technology to match the 09 ML.

 

I really like the two tone paint scheme MB is planning for the 2011 GL!

 

Great shots STP!

I was at my dealer today and they had AMG 63's of each model in the showroom...very cool. Needless to say, no GL...

But they had an ML63 AMG - decked out at $85K. It was a pretty sharp truck - although not as cool as the $155K CL63... Back the to ML - one thing that I noticed right away was the vented A/C seats. This is something I really wanted and I think a lot of people on this forum did as well. Wonder if they will make their way into the GL line up?

 

They are already in the GL lineup--just not for USA models.

Only with leather.

 

I imagine you'll see them in MY'09.

 

Glad you liked the Weeniemobile! As for the vented multi-contour back massaging seats with full ADS-II integration (okay, that's a little overboard), I've often wondered what my GL would look like if I hit the powerball. I think you'd find a GL320 with multi-contour ventilated/heated seats, ORP, aftermarket backup camera, XM with full-time info, AM/FM with digital info and HD Radio, trailer hitch, third-row A/C with UV-tinted windows all 'round ... and maybe a gray market V8 diesel under the hood! Woo-hoo!

Anyway, yeah, it's always been a point of confusion for us GL owners not only why there's less and less available on the trucks (that's available on similar models like the ML) but how something built in the US cannot be bought in the US? Ahh, well.

STP

 

Maybe something like this? Diesel Truck Smokes a Mustang

 

Yeah, baby, yeah!

Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of buying the GL420 engine, but this would do. Maybe two of these, in tandem, 1400hp.

 

Try the 6.2 AMG engine. Be the first. Besides, it might fit with little or no use of a cutting torch. Then put a blower on it.

 

Or, as I saw on Monday's Top Gear, you can get the Brabus engine that they put in a SL and had 700+ hp.

 

Yeah, but Troll, Nish, those engines aren't diesel!

 

Nah we plan on putting Twin turbo's on our 63's thank you very much.

 

True and I guess no matter what you do to a gas engine, you can not make it belch black smoke like in that video.

 

For a second, I thought you were talking about an R 63. Hey stranger things have been known to happen.

How you doin', Fanatic? Good to see you around and where are the pics of that 550?