carpersn

Taillights are designed to look more in line with the E-wagon. I like it. In fact, not much about it, except that mesh, that I don't like. No discounts for a while, they're gonna sell all they can pump out-no wonder they axed the R for the US. Interested to see pricing since interior looks much upgraded (although definitely designo in pics-don't like the quilted seats).

dbtk

Interesting. The rear window and taillight reminds me a little of the Lexus GX and the BMW X3, respectively.

jdmmbz

I wonder if the tailights will have the LED treatment like to new CL or SL lights. Anyone see the new GL tailamps at night?

USCGTO

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2...new-york-2012/

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.

Thirdrem

I sure would buy one if I had the money!

1st amg

Very nice, just not feeling the tail lights and rear....maybe better in person.

PGT

it will be overpriced, just like the current one. I'd love one....don't get me wrong.

Thirdrem

See, I don't at all believe that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are overpriced. I love them, they are my life. I know that most people think they are overpriced, but they are truly great vehicles. My life-goal is to own a Mercedes-Benz dealership here in Alaska. I also want to visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Germany, hence why I am learning German.

jdmmbz

A few more new pics

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2...auto-show.html

FastMoneyPlaya

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...

ddcha

I completely agree. I'm trying to convince my wife to trade our GL in for a Durango R/T. I can get a completely loaded 2012 Durango RT with a V8 Hemi, keyless ignition, touchscreen garmin nav, rear entertainment, heated front and rear seats, park assist, backup camera, you get the idea... for less than 40k. Too bad she hates the Durango's face. When she sat in it, she said she felt like she was in the GL...

IDriveAnM5

I like it, and if I had to pick a car from the Escalade / Escalade ESV (because I'm starting to need the space - family is growing) or the GL550, I'd take the GL550 (thankfully, money isn't really an issue for me in this choice). That's provided I can get the car seats for the kids in the right arrangement, and still have walking access from the second row to the third row for the wife. That'll take a trip to see it in person.

FYI, MB USA has posted additional information on their website as of today:
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/innova...ehicleclass-GL

Enjoy.

Thirdrem

You have to understand, though, that the Durango is a Dodge. The GL is a Mercedes-Benz. I would rather support Mercedes-Benz, the oldest car company to survive, then Dodge. Mercedes-Benz, the pioneer in the world of automotive safety. The first car with crumple zones, ABS, ESP, PreSafe, PostSafe, and much, much more, all those are designed by Mercedes-Benz. When you buy a Mercedes-Benz, you are paying for the wonderfully designed vehicle, and the symbol. That is something I would pay for!!

ddcha

So that's worth $30,000-40,000? Remember the Dodge is owned by MB and the Durango shares the platform with the GL. I know the fit and finish won't ever be the same.

FastMoneyPlaya

Mercedes doesn't own Chrysler:

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

Thirdrem

Okay, got'cha! I thought you were saying that the Durango was just as nice as the GL for way less. I was trying to figure out where you got that idea!

ddcha

Got me there. I thought Daimler still had a stake.

IDriveAnM5

Thanks to FastMoneyPlaya for the history lesson.

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.

BlownV8

The new Cherokee is on the ML platform so technically Maserati will be on a Benz platform.

Thirdrem

Yeah, well everyone uses stuff from the best. I knew that the Cherokee is on the ML platform, but not about the Maserati.

troymir350

Ok, this is a subject from a while ago but: the Jeep / ML platform was developed at the same time a long time ago when Germans and Americans were friendly after the takeover. They share platform geometry but most all components and technology are different. Example: jeep uses cast parts and MB uses forged parts. The vehicles were delayed a long time and the Jeep should have been released 2 years earlier but the engineers and mgrs in Detroit made choices that delayed in typical fashion. There are components sourced from the same suppliers but the Jeep is no Benz. And it is only to another degree when you speak of the GL and the Durango. The Dodge is not even in the same parking lot as the GL. Drive each and you'll feel it.

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

BlownV8

Put the GL's airbags on the Durango and I will bet it feels pretty darn close if not identical.

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.

jdmmbz

Beat if you compared a visit to MB dealer and Chrysler dealer your might consider a durango. Plus Chrysler has worse reliability than even MB. Don't start me on recalls.

Thirdrem

Hey, you make it sound as if Mercedes-Benz aren't reliable. I have several friends who drive Mercedes-Benz vehicles, they have never had any issues.

ddcha

I took wifey to a dodge dealership that had the R/T in stock today. She freaked out at how ugly she felt it was. I love its looks, performance, and price. And I take the garmin touchscreen over the stupid COMAND system anyday... oh well.