Even more visually expressive and with an even more elegant and comfortable interior, Mercedes-Benz presents the new GL-Class “Grand Edition”. This distinctive, new special edition of the off-roader comes as standard with a level of spaciousness and comfort that is on a par with a luxury saloon. Features reserved exclusively for the “Grand Edition” designation include special light-alloy wheels with 275/50 R 20 tyres, high‑quality, two-tone leather seats in a new design, and wood trim in black ash. The special Grand Edition model also offers an array of high-quality additional equipment and is available with all the engines in the GL-Class line-up.
The exclusive front end of the “Grand Edition” is unmistakeable: dark-tinted headlamps, a radiator grille with black, high-gloss louvres and a redesigned front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lamps define the special model. Light-alloy wheels in himalayas grey metallic – with a high-sheen finish also available as an option – add further exclusivity. There are other visual highlights too, such as metallic paint finishes, heat-insulating and infrared-reflecting laminated glass all round, aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs, and separated exhaust tailpipe trim.
The interior of the GL-Class accommodates up to seven occupants in comfort with an exceptional level of spaciousness, creating the luxurious atmosphere you would expect from Mercedes-Benz – in this case comparable to the S-Class. For the “Grand Edition”, Mercedes-Benz has refined the interior further, especially through the use of stylish materials. Exclusive appointments include two-tone seats (black/porcelain or black/maroon) in leather (or in nappa leather as an option) with a special piping design and contrasting stitching.
Likewise only available on the “Grand Edition” are door centre panels, armrests and dashboard instrument panel with double-lapped felling, as well as trim and a wood/leather steering wheel in black ash.
Other high-quality appointments: comfort headrests for the driver and front passenger, ambient lighting, roof liner in black designo fabric, velour floor mats with contrasting stitching and “Grand Edition” lettering, “Grand Edition” badge on the centre console, sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs and door sill panels in stainless steel.
Powerful and economical engines
The “Grand Edition” models are equipped with PARKTRONIC and any one of the available engines. The V6 diesel engine in the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC utilises highly efficient SCR exhaust gas technology, outputs 155 kW (211 hp) and delivers its maximum torque of 540 Newton metres at 1600 rpm. On average this engine consumes 9.0 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. In the GL 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, the V6 engine outputs 195 kW (265 hp) and generates torque of 620 Newton metres. It consumes 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres.
Superior power delivery and maximum smoothness are the particular benefits of the two petrol V8 models. These models also comply with the EU5 emissions standard. The 5.5-litre V8 engine in the GL 500 outputs 285 kW (388 hp) and delivers 530 Newton metres of torque. At 6.5 seconds, its acceleration time from a standstill to 100 km/h is almost worthy of a sports car. On the GL 450, the V8 petrol engine has a displacement of 4.6 litres, outputs 250 kW (340 hp) and generates maximum torque of 460 Newton metres. It takes 7.2 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h.
Agile and safe both on-road and off-road
With innovative 4MATIC all-wheel drive, AIRMATIC air suspension as standard, the accurate Direct-Steer system and the Adaptive Damping System ADS, which also comes as standard, the commanding GL-Class offers impressive handling, guaranteeing excellent ride comfort coupled with outstanding active safety. While the GL cuts an imposing figure on the asphalt, it also has genuine off-road credentials. The modified AIRMATIC air suspension enables ground clearance of up to 307 millimetres. Thanks to its low-range ratio and limited-slip rear-axle and centre differentials, the standard Off-Road Pro technical package opens up considerably more possibilities on challenging terrain. Other electronic dynamic handling control systems such as Off-Road ABS, Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and Hill-Start Assist also make life easier for the GL-Class driver.
Prices of “Grand Edition” special models incl. 19% VAT:
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL SUV has been popping up in spy photos since July of last year and once again the disguised GL-Class was spotted. The latest and most revealing photos of the next-generation Mercedes GL-Class show the SUV winter testing in Sweden.
The front of the SUV is more easily seen than in the past allowing us to get a good look at the headlights and larger R-Class style grille. The rear is still heavily disguised leaving us with only guesses of what the back end will look like. As we previously mentioned, the next GL will be larger than the current model and will be offered with a wide range of petrol on turbo-diesel engines.
An AMG version is also planned that is expected to use the 537 bhp twin-turbo 5.5 litre V8. Additional engine options are likely to include a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 with 435 PS (320 kW / 429 HP) and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel with up to 258 PS (190 kW / 255 HP).
Special thanks to Andrus and Gmotors for the tip.
If you’ve been holding off purchasing the Mercedes ML63 AMG in hopes of a still nowhere to be seen GL63 AMG, new spy photos have emerged clearly showing a Mercedes GL-Class fitted with an AMG package. A revised front bumper, larger AMG wheels and a high performance AMG braking system are all present, along with what are undoubtedly modified sport exhaust and suspension setups. Of course, Mercedes-Benz has continually denied that a Mercedes GL63 AMG is in the works, and this very well may be simply a Mercedes GL with a sport package. But if you’re holding out for the small chance that a GL63 AMG is in the works, it’s at least a glimmer of hope. If it is a GL63 AMG, look for the new AMG twin-turbo V8 with an output of 536 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque to be under the hood.
We’ll keep you posted if we hear anything new regarding the 2012 Mercedes GL63 AMG. Until then, check out some more 2012 GL63 AMG pics in the gallery below, then head over to World Car Fans for the full article.
Amidst the sea of spy photos we brought you yesterday (see here, here and here), we almost forgot to bring you shots of the 2012 Mercedes GL-Class caught testing in its early stages of development. Heavy masking and false paneling disguise virtually all of the 2012 GL’s styling traits, but from a size standpoint, the new SUV appears to remain similar proportions to those of the current GL. Underneath, the 2012 GL will share most of its underpinnings with the new M-Class, while power will be supplied by Mercedes’ new range of direct injection V6 and turbocharged V8 engines.
We’ll continue to keep you posted as new details of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class emerge, but until then, check out the 2012 GL spy photo collection below, then head over to Car Advice for the full article.