Mercedes-Benz has refreshed its gargantuan range-topping GL SUV for the 2013 model year. Wearing more chrome, LED lights and now with the option of AMG styling, with flared wheel arches and 21-inch wheels, the GL's presence is enhanced as its environmental impact reduces.
Lighter by around 100kg and featuring stop-start technology as standard the new GL is up to 20% more economical in GL 350 BlueTec turbodiesel guise, the GL 500 BlueEfficiency petrol V8 seeing a 19% improvement. Combined economy for the GL 350 BlueTec is 38mpg, with CO2 rated between 192- and 209g/km.
In addition to its reduced environmental impact the GL is now more adept at avoiding an actual impact. Featuring a list of driver assistance systems as lengthy as the S-Class saloon - and more besides given its six off-road modes - the GL's safety arsenal includes Pre-Safe, Collision Prevention Assist, ESP, ASR, ABS, Active Bonnet, Attention Assist and Steer Control with Crosswind Assist. If that lot doesn't make you feel safe enough you can additionally add Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, Active Blind Spot monitoring and Distronic Plus.
Other equipment highlights include the option of all-round parking cameras and Active Parking Assist - which parks the GL for you. Given it can feel like captaining a supertanker that's an option worth ticking.
Prices and specifications have yet to be confirmed, but if the new GL sounds good to you then you'll have to be patient, as it's not due in Ireland until early 2013.
The new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class made its debut today (April 4) at the New York Auto Show.