Spyshots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL

The SUV segment continues to offer imposing vehicles for those who need them, automotive producers around the world battling to offer generously-sized beasts that come with a social status aura and aren’t usually afraid of playing off-road.

One of the important SUVs that is set to receive a new generation is the Mercedes-Benz GL. Considering that the vehicle’s makeover is still in the early development stages, the German automaker is trying to keep all the changes secret. Obviously, we’re not big fans of this kind of attitude, so we decided to load our media weapons with some spy shooter ammunition. The vehicle was hunted down and shot, with the result being the adjacent images.

The GL was attacked is Southern Germany, outside a development center where the prototype was returning to after a test drive. But let’s get to the details.

The next generation of the Mercedes-Benz GL is expected to be underpinned by a stretched platform of the ML’s future incarnation. This means that the engine line-up will also be similar to that of the next ML, some examples being the 3.0 liter and the 4.0 liter diesels, as well as the 5.5 liter gasoline. The units will use the company’s 7G-Tronic seven speed automatic gearbox.

Merc’s designers are working to offer a friendlier face to the vehicle. The front grille will be widened and the entire front of the vehicle will be more aerodynamic. The car will come with LED daytime running lights, while the rear taillights will be compact.

Various reports indicate that the new GL will hit the market in late 2012.

❐ Check out the Spyshots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL photo gallery