The full specification and pricing for the new generation seven-seat Mercedes Benz GL-Class has been released ahead of its slated production date of January 2013, with two models announced – the GL 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport and, for the first time, the stunning GL 63 AMG.
The spacious GL 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport, is over 20mm longer and 10 mm taller that the previous model, with the boot capacity increased by 60 litres.
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have both improved for the new GL 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport, with a 15% increase in combined fuel efficiency to 35.3 mpg, and a 14% reduction in CO2 emissions to 209 g/km. The 2,987 cc vehicle generates 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque, and accelerates to 62 mph in rapid 7.9 seconds before topping out at 137 mph.
The GL 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport features significantly enhanced standard equipment over the previous generation vehicle, and now includes Intelligent Light System with bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights; AMG bodystyling; 21” AMG light-alloy wheels; privacy glass; an electric glass sunroof; AirMATIC air suspension; Parktronic with Active Park Assist; and COMAND Online with media interface and DAB digital radio tuner.
In addition, the new generation GL-Class has seven seats with an Easy-Entry System, with the third row electrically folding and rising, allowing for greater access. There are also two new metallic paint colours for the GL-Class: Cavansite Blue and Cinnabar Red.
New comfort and safety features include Crosswind Assist, which works with the ESP® sensor system to automatically intervene by braking to keep the car on course after a strong gust of crosswind. In addition, Collision Prevention Assist, which gives the driver a visual and acoustic warning if the set safety distance from the vehicle ahead or station obstacle narrows, is also available for the first time on the GL-Class.
Key optional equipment features include Parking Package with a 360° camera; panoramic sliding sunroof with interior sun blind; On- & Off-Road Package, which gives the driver a choice of six programmes to adapt the vehicle configuration to the current surface; designo Exclusive leather upholstery; and Driving Assistance Package that includes Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane-Keeping Assist and Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe®Brake.
The all-new Mercedes Banz GL 63 AMG, has a better specification than the GL 350 BlueTEC AMG Sport, with key exterior elements including flared wheel arches with 21” AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in Titanium Grey; AMG high-performance braking system; Active Curve System with AirMATIC, which compensates the roll angle of the vehicle body when driving round bends; and an AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes.
The rip-roaring 5,461 cc GL 63 AMG generates 557 hp, a huge 760 Nm of torque, 288 g/km of CO2 and combined fuel consumption of 23.0 mpg. The 0-62 mph sprint is covered in just 4.9 seconds and reaches a limited top speed of 155 mph.
Inside, the GL 63 AMG highlights include an AMG Performance steering wheel trimmed in nappa leather with perforated grip areas, a flattened bottom section and silver-coloured gear shift paddles; AMG sports seats with AMG-specific seat design upholstered in leather; front and second row heated seats; Memory Package and multi-contour front seats with massage function; and luxury automatic climate control.