[TheStig]

Here are a few spy shots of the upcoming 2013 GL Class.

Source: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Spy Shots

Size does matter. Sometimes, anyway. It definitely matters when you need to haul around six of your favorite people, and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is one of the handful of ways to do it in luxury and style. That style is soon to get an update, as our spy photographers have snapped these images of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in testing, wearing the least camouflage to date as it enters the final phase of testing before sales begin next year.

The broadly-spaced two-bar grille and large Mercedes emblem stand out at the front end, as do the more angular headlights. A similar LED strip for foglights/daytime running lights appears to be in about the same place as the current GL, while the lower front bumper/skid plate appears to have slightly larger openings on the spied vehicle.

At the rear, the exhaust outlets are completely hidden, rather than inset in the lower portion of the bumper as in the current GL, but that may yet change for production--the hint of an outline can be seen beneath the camouflage in the spy photos. Like the headlights, the tail lights get a new shape, now extending across the rear lift gate, which is itself re-shaped, with a more prominent roof spoiler at the top.

Based on the same underpinnings and drivetrain as the ML-Class, the new GL-Class is still largely shrouded in mystery. Power can be expected to get the Mercedes MOVE family of new direct-injection V-6s and twin-turbo V-8s, but specific power figures and model names will have to wait for the official release.

Previous images showed the new GL testing alongside other AMG vehicles, though the heavy camo along the front and sides obscured the more cosmetic changes. Behind the screen overlaid on the nose, hints of a two- or three-bar grille were visible, a reduction in count from the current GL's number--or at least set at wider spacing.

[TheStig]

Spy pics of the upcoming GL 63 AMG.

Source: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG Spy Shots



Following the launch of the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV is a redesigned GL-Class due early next year, a high-performance AMG variant of which has been captured here in prototype form by one of our sleuth spy photographers.

First seen as a test-mule in the U.S., these latest prototypes show the nearly complete form of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG, this time captured near the Affalterbach tuner’s headquarters in Germany.

Other signs that this is a high-performance AMG model are the sporty wheels, quad exhaust tips, and uprated brake rotors.

Under the hood should sit AMG’s latest twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 engine. The V-8 engine produces more power and torque than AMG’s outgoing 6.2-liter naturally aspirated mill, with output peaking at 544 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque in some guises.

An available Performance Pack, however, will see output increase even further to 571 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque thanks to additional boost pressure from the turbos.

[Scorcher]

Merc GL63 AMG - Officially Unveiled!

Source

The root of the performance model comes from AMG's 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine that produces 557PS (410kW / 550hp) and 760Nm (560lb-ft) of torque. The power is passed to the wheels via the AMG Speedshift 7-Speed automatic transmission and the permanent all-wheel-drive system.

It allows the GL63 AMG to arrive at 100km/h (62mph) from standstill in 4.9 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).

[extreme_torque]

Pointless in my opinion. For the price of one, you can get a fast car which would handle far better and a decent SUV which works offroad.

[Sahil]

Let's give the devil it's due credit, Mercedes is really stepping up its game. The AMG body kit alone on this SUV is superb, the front and rear bumpers with the quad exhausts look ammmazing. Not to mention a sub 5 second performance timing to the ton for an SUV that large is incredible!!

[AVR]

I find the idea of ~ 5-second 0-60 times on such huge and bulky vehicles like the GL and G from AMG foolishly desirable. What's the point is one thought which is quickly overcome by thinking about its ability to do it

I seriously feel the AMGs cater to the schoolboy in us more than any other brand/tuner! Except Brabus which is just more wicked!

[S350L-E240]

Point or Pointless, I do not know but this is something that can perhaps make the horse's tail itself stand up in excitement, Drive it, and every point will only be under you or perhaps in the rear view mirror.

Seriously speaking Mercedes-Benz is getting stronger by the day and if one is in the market today for a High end Mercedes it's beyond word's the number of options one has, it's like the Giant has just opened it's eyes, it gets up in the next few days... S-Class!

Coming back to this car, look at that interior I see more leather than I can see the sheet metal, This and the G65 / 63 would be so confusing to buy or if money permits buy one each of all Mercedes.

Regards,

[VIPER_SRT]

For people like me with one daughter and another one on the way and frequent trips by parents and In-laws, I cant buy a sports car neither a sedan like M5. On the other hand, I'm not a Minivan guy and seriously I had nightmares of me driving a minivan earlier. If I could afford a GL AMG, I would; but most probably I'll settle with a GL 450 this year.

[TheStig]

O dearie me. And there goes my bragging rights with my GL500. Time to save up I guess

[VIPER_SRT]

Finally, Ordered 2013 GL450 with the dealer today. Delivery will be in 6-8 weeks. I didn't get a chance to test drive one since most of the GL's are spoken for or bought before they are delivered to dealers.

[TheStig]

Do post some pictures when delivered

[jkdas]

Originally Posted by AVR

I find the idea of ~ 5-second 0-60 times on such huge and bulky vehicles like the GL and G from AMG foolishly desirable. What's the point is one thought which is quickly overcome by thinking about its ability to do it

I seriously feel the AMGs cater to the schoolboy in us more than any other brand/tuner! Except Brabus which is just more wicked!

Comeon! Of the 1.13lac I did on my truck, 75% drive was solo. This is something people like me want Imagine kids in those fancy sedans and you with them in their rear view mirror.

Originally Posted by TheStig

O dearie me. And there goes my bragging rights with my GL500. Time to save up I guess

Time to dude! Get one.

Originally Posted by VIPER_SRT

Finally, Ordered 2013 GL450 with the dealer today. Delivery will be in 6-8 weeks. I didn't get a chance to test drive one since most of the GL's are spoken for or bought before they are delivered to dealers.

Congrats! Glad to see your dream come true! Do keep us posted.

[TheStig]

Originally Posted by jkdas

Comeon! Of the 1.13lac I did on my truck, 75% drive was solo. This is something people like me want Imagine kids in those fancy sedans and you with them in their rear view mirror.

Fancy sedans? Haha.. A friend was test driving my GL and we kept up with a speeding Carrera! The dude driving kept looking at his mirror :P

[AVR]

Originally Posted by jkdas

Comeon! Of the 1.13lac I did on my truck, 75% drive was solo. This is something people like me want Imagine kids in those fancy sedans and you with them in their rear view mirror.

Totally agree JKDas! I meant the same thing. It'd be seriously awesome! But frankly, the GL doesn't appeal much once you look at the G. Now that is quite a sight in any rear-view mirror! No doubt, they cater to different audiences.

[VIPER_SRT]

Originally Posted by jkdas

Congrats! Glad to see your dream come true! Do keep us posted.

Thanks jkdas, I'll post some pictures once I take the delivery. It should take 6 long weeks that too if I'm lucky.

Originally Posted by TheStig

Do post some pictures when delivered

Sure I'll!