Among its other introductions earlier today at the New York International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz showed a mildly facelifted 2010 GL-Class SUV. The major highlight for the luxury SUV is the addition of a new model, the GL350 Bluetec, which features a very modestly upgraded diesel engine.
A new look outside – redesigned bumpers, front grille, faux skid plates and LED tail lamps pair up with revised alloy wheels in 19 to 21 inch diameters, depending on trim and equipment levels.
The GL receives Mercedes’ PRE-SAFE system, which prepares the vehicle and occupants for an impending collision.
Inside, the GL gets a new instrument panel and steering wheel, as well as revised active head restraints for the front passenger and driver.
The GL350 Bluetec’s V6 diesel engine puts out 210 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque and is capable of 23 mpg on the highway. That’s just 2 lb-ft. of torque more than the outgoing model and the horsepower and highway mpg ratings are unchanged. Mercedes was mum about the nomenclature change – it appears to be the same powertrain as the outgoing model.
Mercedes says the facelifted GL will be on sale this summer in North America.
04/08, 3:47 PM
posted by:
shane train
I’m sure very few people even care about such a vehicle.
04/08, 4:06 PM
posted by:
Sauerkraut
Well i wouldn’t be to sure
04/08, 4:16 PM
posted by:
Borat
This thing is more popular in L.A. then in NYC. The torque on this diesel is immense: what do you have to do to a V8 from Ford to squeeze that much out? Supercharge/turbocharge it and get really pathetic mileage (not that it matter to people who are demographics for this)
04/08, 5:42 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Soccer moms do.
04/09, 9:33 AM
posted by:
gritsandeggs
What a homely, out-dated (already) beast. Not dependable and therefore overpriced. Low-slung seats reminiscent of an old Buick, not they typically tall & upright seats of a Benz.
04/10, 9:44 AM
posted by:
autohausal
Best, most comfortable SUV made. Period. Go drive one before you make the comment.
04/10, 5:30 PM
posted by:
BlazeAbraham09
Autohausal, this SUV is very luxurious. It easily tops the Escalade in my opinion. But it can’t stand toe-to-toe with the Landcruiser/LX570 when it comes to all-around greatness. As soon as the pavement ends…it’ll have a tough time keeping up with the Toyota-twins.
05/04, 10:17 PM
posted by:
Other Man
It’s actually got reasonable capability off road. Challenge the Range Rover or LX, of course not. But it’s also MUCH nicer to drive, and the 550 is significantly quicker AND more fuel efficient. It’s particularily more comfortable in the third row as well.
In my opinion, the GL is the best overall SUV money can buy. Wonder if they’re still going to do a Maybach version ……
05/13, 11:21 PM
posted by:
A4
As soon as the pavement ends, BlazeAbraham, all 4 buyers on the planet that even thought to go that far will be too tired to chase around yuppies in a toyota and they’ll go home and watch reruns of the west wing or some other show they think is intellectually stimulating (but probably isn’t).