Hi,

Just wanted to share some pics of the 2011 GL350 CDI we have in India. It costs a shocking 175,000 USD in India because of the import duties and taxes. The only two variants we have is the GL350 CDI and the GL500 (petrol).

The GL500 costs slightly more at 205,000 USD. And hence not very common .

Just a query ,

Can we retrofit a running board?. It is not available as an option in India. And also the COMMAND system satnav is only in GERMAN !!!!!!

 

You can purchase running boards on Ebay and install it yourself or in a shop. It takes about 2 hour to do. Easy job.

 

Nice GL. Interesting that they spell out the "CDI" on the rear and don't use "Bluetec" on the side flanks like in other markets.

 

Are you positive you can't change the COMAND language to English? On the US models you can change language to French, German, Spanish and Italian I believe.

 

@aggst1 - There is no option other German. Also if you notice in the pic, the rear entertainment screens are not like the 2011 GL available in other markets.

These look like aftermarket fitment. But works absolutely fine, so cant complain too much.

 

From the little I can see from the picture the rear screens look identical to my 2011 model GL450 here in the US. Too bad for the language function. Look at the bright side, you ll get to learn some German...:-)

 

That is because some countries' emission standards are not as strict thus no need to equip bluetec.

 

Looking at your picures I noticed that your car has 19" wheels. Does it mean no Run Flat tires ? Is there a spare tire in the trunk also ?

Thanks.

 

I would think since it is not a Bluetec there is no urea tank so therefore the space is used for the spare tire. That's definately a positive.

 

Very good looking GL, Congratulations and welcome to forum.

With Running boards GL looks great, and they are easy to add, can buy in ebay for $400-$500, but they are replicas, Running boards cannot be added if you have mudflaps, you need to remove them

Browse the forum, some people are looking to get rid of running boards and going to nerfbars side steps due to mud marks on thier cloths while getting out and some other issues.

 

@ksprasad- Thanks for the welcome and the tip.

@aeggroup - Yes, its 19" and comes with a spare tyre.

Our car didnt come with memory seats or auto glare-adjust rear view mirrors. Is it standard across all models in USA?.

The GL500 in India comes with 20" rims. Any idea when the new shape is launching ?. I am praying that it is in late 2013 or 2014.

 

[quote=Nash1980;5042059Any idea when the new shape is launching ?. I am praying that it is in late 2013 or 2014.[/quote]

I spoke to my dealer and he said it should be in their showroom at the end of this year ( about September). I think it will be later in Europe and India, so they may hear you praying

 

here are some spy pictures of 2013 GL.






Source : Motor Authority.

 

Thanks for the pics. It seems these are the only pics available and I suck at imagining how a car would look like from the spy shots