The Mercedes-Benz GL Class crossover made its debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. Designed specifically for the American market, the full-size GL brought 7-passenger capacity to Mercedes’ crossover product line.

Since then, the GL has sold well enough to warrant a second generation, and the refreshed crossover will make its debut appearance at next month’s New York Auto Show.

Details are sparse, but Car and Driver says the new GL will use the same platform as the revised ML, and will soldier on offering three rows of seats. Expect to see more interior room, a touch more refinement and even slightly better fuel economy than the outgoing model.

If fuel economy is your primary concern, the GL will again offer up a diesel engine option, as the GL350 BlueTec accounted for nearly 40-percent of GL sales last year. The GL550 should be back, too, but it’s 5.5-liter V-8 will reportedly be replaced by a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8, good for over 400 horsepower.

A GL63 AMG version is also said to be in the works, which leaves only the fate of the mid-level GL450 up in the air, since Mercedes doesn't have a V-8 engine below its twin-turbo, 4.7-liter V-8.

Expect to see inventory hit Mercedes-Benz dealers later this year, at pricing comparable to the current models. We’ll bring you updated information and live photos of the GL as part of our complete 2012 New York Auto Show coverage.