Are you kidding? If the X7 is done properly it will steal many GL sales. Right now, if one wants a european vehicle with a truly usable 3rd row, the GL is the only option. Many people buy the GL as there is no true euro alternative.

Most dealer employees don't have a clue about future models/updates because their job is to the vehicles that they currently have; the last thing they want you to do is wait for the next model.

 

My dealer has been spot on in the past and had no incentive to clue me in on this new information, in addition to the abundance of information on the web, I am expecting the refreshed GL in the dealership late summer.
Anyway, this thread is called 2016 GLS rumours for a reason

 

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...lass-spy-shots

The new GLC, which arrives as a 2016 model, will debut later this year. It will be joined by three other high-riding Mercedes vehicles: the new GLE Coupe, the GLE (M-Class facelift) and the GLS (GL-Class facelift).

 

Time will tell, no doubt. From my experience with BMW's over the years, while the X7 will certainly be a fine vehicle, I just don't see them being able to produce the ride that a GL owner has become accustomed to. When has a C-class been able to corner like a 3-series (not taking into account the new C450 AMG)? Or when has a 750 been able to ride like an S-class? I can see newcomers trying to decide between an X7 or GLS, but very few former GL owners making the switch. Even I hard a hard time trying to convince myself into an X5 from a ML.

 

Everyone has different tastes. I've personally never considered an ML, and never would. I vastly prefer and have on many occasions considered the X5 just by the way it looks (I currently drive a 5). So while you have a hard time convincing yourself into an X5 from an ML, others would have the same hard time going the other way.

My wife and I continue to drag our feet on switching to a GL (from an Odyssey) as our family vehicle. We will switch, but I've drug my feet because I'm not a big fan of the MB feel. I'm now waiting to see how this GLS issue pans out.

While I do really like the GL, because I like the BMW look and feel much more than the MB look and feel, I wouldn't think twice about getting an X7 over a GL, even without test driving the X7 first. Since the X7 doesn't exist yet, I'll get a GL on three year lease and then switch when the lease is up.

Everyone has a personal preference. Right now, the GL is the only game in town for the many people who need a full size and won't buy American (myself included). When more competition arrives, many people may decide to switch.

 

I was just at my dealership, and my inside man there said he had been visiting the factory in Alabama two weeks ago. According to him, the face-lifted ML will be out this summer/fall, and the face-lifted GL will be out next summer/fall.

That does sound plausible. Releasing the GLC, GLE Coupe, GLE (M-Class facelift) and the GLS (GL-Class facelift) all in one year sounds like too much. To me, it makes more sense to release just the GLC, GLE-C and the GLE this year, and take feedback from them into account for the future GLS, and a year later release the GLS.

Again, rumors....

 

You, my friend, have verbalized the exact point I was trying to make. People who enjoy the way a BMW drives may not be happy in a MB. And vice versa, existing GL owners who like the way a MB rides, may not like the feel of a BMW. With only 1 child, I don't need the space of a GL, hence my choice of the ML. However, to stick w/ the 6 cyl diesel, I have to move into a GL or switch brands. My wife didn't notice the extra weight nor length of the GL vs the ML so this is where we have set our sights. In no way was I putting down the X5 nor upcoming X7. I've driven several F15 X5's over the past few months. They're naturally sportier than a ML/GL but being a suv, of course you can't drive it like an F10 or F30. We've gotten used to the Mercedes type of comfortable ride and light "one finger" steering for a family vehicle. However, when it comes to an "enjoyable" drive, I have to sometimes beat my wife to the BMW (rwd & manual transmission) .

In the current marketplace today, the GL is the only German option w/ a decent 3rd row. So while some GL owners went this route due to a lack of other alternatives and may switch when more competition arrives, my original statement has more reference to those who are satisfied, enjoy, and are accustomed to the way a MB rides. These are the people who I don't see making the switch. I guess we'll see in the next few years.

I think Mercedes is playing it smart w/ the timing of the GLS. By waiting until early 2016, the time is there to iron out any bugs in the tech introduced in the S, C, and GLE vehicles. They will also have a fresh face to ward off competition from the Escalade. But this only being an update, they're able to save a full new vehicle to respond to whatever the new Q7 & X7 brings to the table.

 

Expected changes:

• Updated front end design with a more aggressive look, may be on similar lines of the GLE-Coupe
• Bolder twin-slat front grille
• Revised front and rear bumpers
• New curved headlamp design
• Revised bonnet design
• New alloy wheel design
• Redesigned tail lamps
• New exhaust tips
• New 8″ command system
• Minor tweaks to the dashboard design
• Revised interior upholstery

http://www.shifting-gears.com/2014/1...otted-testing/

 

The plot thickens....



Official Photos of redesigned GLE (M-Class)

 

I like it. They just need to change the mirrors to complete the updated look.

 

Still don't like the ipad look, but it will probably grow on me.

I didn't see any heads up display.

 

I really like that. I really hope the GLS goes into production this year.

 

Here is the GLE 63 variant, beautiful:

 

This image shows the GL (or GLS), second from last. Those lights and grill look updated.

 

Question is does this change happen for the 2016 model year or for 2017?

M

 

2016 Model for the GL

 

Does this mean orders can be placed later this summer? And, might we see the GLS at the New York Auto Show?

 

Doesn't MB new model year production always start in July?

Seeing as how April starts next week I would think dealer oder guides would be coming soon then.

 

I've read many articles that point to Frankfurt Auto Show in September for the official release of the 2016 GLS. I know some have suggested it will not be available until 2017 but most articles target 2016 so it should go into production late 2015 or early 2016. Expect the face to look nearly identical to the GLE shown above.

 

Joe you are suggesting what would essentially be a half year release?

A new model (say 2016 model year) would start arriving at dealers in 3rd quarter of the previous year (Aug/Sept of 2015). The production line switched over in June/July. If production started late 2015 and started arriving at dealers in 1Q16 it would a mid-cycle release.

My humble opinion is if Vance is going switch the line at a non-traditional time, it would have to be significant, not just a 7 seat version of the GLE.

 

I'm not suggesting anything Jim. I am only echoing what I've read.

 

I just noticed the wheelbase of the GLE increased by 7". I hope MB does the same with the GLS. The leg room for the second and third row occupants could be better.

 

Where do you see that?

 

I read it in this Motor Trend article: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ss_first_look/

 

Strange, I don't visually "see" it but don't know how MT would be wrong, either

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/.../photo_04.html

http://www.eurocarnews.com/13/0/0/64...ry-detail.html