New Mercedes GL (2012/2013) arrives ahead of New York debut

New Mercedes GL (2012/2013)

The refreshed Mercedes GL – the big brother to the M Class – has arrived ahead of its debut at the New York Auto Show.

The new Mercedes GL wasn’t supposed to surface quite yet, but the Interwebs being what they are the first set of photos of the refreshed GL are already doing the rounds.

What we get is a much less stolid GL than the current model with a new nose and a look that says ‘M Class Big Brother’, which as the GL is based on an extended M Class platform should be no surprise.

There’s no disguising the fact that the GL is a chunk bigger than the ML when it comes to length, with a chunk of extra added from the M Class to make the GL a seven seater. But somehow that extra bulk is better disguised in this new GL. Perhaps the kink in the back window helps the visual line, and the bigger back lights make the tail seem less of a full stop.

Until we get official word from Mercedes on the new GL we’ll have to assume that the same diesel engine will be on offer – the 3.0 litre diesel in the 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY – and probably one or more of Mercedes’ newer V8 petrols.

We’ll update with full details as soon as Mercedes reveal the new GL officially.