Mercedes Benz finishing the touches on its 2010 GL facelift

Posted Sun Feb 22 2009 7:20 PM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class facelift spy shots
The updated GL-Class should make its world debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class was first introduced in 2006 and didn’t appear in most markets until a year after this, but despite its relatively young age engineers are already hard at work testing prototypes for an updated version of the SUV. Like the facelifted ML-Class introduced last year, the 2010 GL will only receive a few minor styling updates as revealed by these latest spy shots.

The test vehicle seen here is sporting a new set of headlights and new LED daytime running lights aligned in a strip on either side of the front bumper. The shots of the rear also reveal some camouflage material over a set of newly designed taillights, while the exhaust pipes also receive an update. You will also notice that the stainless-steel underbody guard has a new design.

Mercedes is unlikely to change the GL’s powertrain lineup as the car is still in its first generation. However, the older 320-series V6 petrol and diesel units should be replaced with the new 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY direct-injection petrol unit and 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY turbodiesel. The powertrain for the V8-powered GL500/550 will remain unchanged.

The interior should also receive a number of trim and specification updates but we’ll have to wait until the new SUV is released later in the year to get a detailed look. We do know that Mercedes will introduce its Elegance and Avantgarde line of trim for the big SUV, with subtle interior and exterior detailing separating the two.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes Benz GL-Class facelift spy shots

See Full Gallery

Reader Comments

  • Thu Sep 4 2008 1:47 PM

    94 taurus owner says

    SHOW US THE R-CLASS ALREADY!!!!!!!!1

  • Mon Sep 8 2008 3:36 AM

    NaBUru38 says

    Too yankee for my tastes. And West Europe's too.

  • Sun Dec 7 2008 11:07 AM

    rawa says

    god its ugly

  • Mon Feb 23 2009 7:20 AM

    HECTOR says

    There are two things wrong with the GL: It looks like it was designed in Korea and that awful throwback of putting the shifter in the steering column.

    I can't help with the first one, I'm not a designed but the solution to the super incredibly stupid idea of the second one is easy: put the shifter back on the transmission tunnel.

    While you're at it do that also for the S, M, CL, & new E class.

Leave a Comment

Login or register to leave comments.